Beyond the Storm: A Percabeth Collection

Demigods and Wizards

Percy Jackson had faced plenty of weird situations as a demigod, but walking into a castle full of teenagers waving wands around might just take the cake.

Hogwarts was nothing like Camp Half-Blood. The walls hummed with magic, portraits whispered and moved, and everything smelled faintly of old parchment and something burning in the distance. Percy wasn't sure how they'd ended up here—well, he knew, technically. Annabeth had been invited to attend a special conference for "magical thinkers" after the wizarding world somehow found out about the Athena Cabin's architectural feats. Percy had tagged along because, well, he wasn't going to let her wander into a magical castle alone.

Now, he stood awkwardly in a hallway, feeling distinctly out of place in his jeans and orange camp T-shirt.

"This is incredible," Annabeth said beside him, her gray eyes sparkling as she turned in a slow circle to take in the stone walls, floating candles, and moving staircases. "Can you believe this? Actual enchanted architecture. The staircases move, Percy. They move."

"They also look like a good way to break your neck," Percy muttered, eyeing the nearest one as it shifted mid-flight.

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "This place is brilliant. It's like magic and logic had a baby and built a school."

"Great," Percy said. "Meanwhile, I'm trying to figure out if this place has a bathroom."

Before Annabeth could respond, a voice called out, "Oi! You must be the Americans!"

Percy turned to see three students approaching. The tallest had flaming red hair and a grin that was all mischief, while the girl beside him had bushy brown hair and an air of authority Percy immediately recognized from Annabeth. The third boy had messy black hair and glasses, with a faint scar on his forehead shaped like a lightning bolt.

"You must be Harry Potter," Annabeth said, stepping forward. "And Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, right?"

"Right in one," Ron said, his grin widening. "And you're the demigods. Blimey, I thought you'd have armor or something."

"Not today," Percy said, giving him a lopsided smile. "It's more of a casual visit."

Harry chuckled. "Welcome to Hogwarts. Dumbledore told us you'd be stopping by. He thought we might show you around."

"Perfect," Annabeth said, her excitement barely contained. "I have about a million questions already."

"Figured you might," Hermione said with a knowing smile. "Come on, we'll start with the Great Hall."

As they walked, Hermione launched into an enthusiastic explanation of the castle's history, while Annabeth peppered her with questions about spellwork, magical construction, and the ethics of house-elf labor. Percy tuned most of it out, focusing instead on the surroundings—and the fact that Hogwarts felt a little too alive.

The walls seemed to breathe. Candles floated lazily above their heads. Suits of armor turned their heads to watch them pass, and Percy swore he saw a shadow dart across the hallway that didn't belong to anyone.

"So," Harry said, falling into step beside Percy. "What's it like, being a demigod?"

Percy shrugged. "What's it like being a wizard?"

Harry laughed. "Fair point. But seriously, is it true you can control water?"

"Yeah," Percy said. "You should see me at the beach."

"Does it ever feel... overwhelming?" Harry asked, his tone more serious now.

Percy glanced at him, catching the weight in his expression. "All the time," he admitted. "But you figure out how to deal with it. I guess it's the same for you, huh? All that Chosen One stuff?"