Intertwined || Percabeth Hogwarts AU

Chapter 62

"Dad," Percy called, almost hesitantly. "You're here."

Poseidon had filled out better, closer to how he looked in the photo album, his hair was still long but now tamed, his beard was trimmed neatly albeit with a few more touches of gray, and his skin had gone back to a bronze tan. He'd gotten rid of his grubby prison rags and now sported a Hawaiian shirt and shorts. Percy idly thanked the gods he hadn't inherited his fashion sense from his dad.

The one thing that hadn't changed though was the beaming smile on his face.

"Hey, son." Poseidon wrapped his arms around Percy, sweeping him up in a tight hug that his son returned with equal strength. "What the hell have they been feeding you?"

"Huh?"

"You should've seen yourself on that field. Merlin's beard, boy, you're a natural!"

Percy ducked his head and rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. "Thanks, dad. And thanks for the broom too. She works like a charm."

"I saw," he said cheerfully. "You were really milking that thing. And hey, that platinum haired kid had it coming. When he bumped you, I was about to get on a broom myself."

"That would've been something. Zeus would probably have a heart attack."

"Zeus?" Poseidon scoffed incredulously, chuckling. "That idiot will stay sitting on his arse if he knows what's good for him. I'm telling you, son, he's like the biggest git ever."

Percy burst out laughing. "Oh, yeah?"

"Hell yeah. Me and that old fool go way back. I reckon he's still pissy at me for the thousand Galleons I won from him."

"Oh, you've got to tell me about that!"

Percy and Poseidon walked along the grounds, a little ways away from where the students were heading back to the castle, talking and conversing in a way that was long overdue.

"How did you get into the castle, by the way?" Percy asked.

Poseidon grinned knowingly. "Can't reveal all my secrets just yet."

Of course, Percy thought with a smile, rolling his eyes. There was a certain, unparalleled warmth that Percy felt whenever he spoke with his father. This was completely different from their terse conversation in Azkaban. More casual, more open. Unfortunately, it didn't stay that way the entire time. As they talked, Percy couldn't help but think about his mother. Had his father gone back home before coming here? He'd asked as much and was surprised when Poseidon shook his head, his smile waning.

"Trust me, Percy, I'd like nothing more." He looked away, clenching a fist so hard his knuckles turned white. "But I want you to be there. I want our family to be whole when all of us reunite."

Percy scoffed and spread his hands. "If that's all, then I'll go back with you."

Poseidon shook his head. "Your mother will kill me if I make you miss school," he chuckled a little. "Besides, I can't go home right away. There's... there's something I have to do. I should be done by the time your winter holiday rolls around."

A flood of anger washed through Percy's entire being. His shoulders shook and he grit his teeth, his eyes shut tight.

"Percy..."