Harry Potter and the Norse Gods

{4} Birthdays and Reunions

NICO'S POV

"Remind me again why we're the ones going back?" I grumbled.

"Technically, you're the only one going back, Will's never been before," Percy pointed out.

We were currently making our way to the Big House where Will and Annabeth were waiting for us with Chiron. I had a bag slung over my shoulder that contained essentially the same things it did last year.

"That didn't answer the question," I said.

"Luck of the draw," Percy dismissed, "Hey, we're here."

We were, but I rolled my eyes anyway. There was a reason I was going, one that they weren't telling me. I had a feeling it was related to Annabeth's cousin and his inherent death-ness, which, despite my parentage, I still didn't really understand. Dead people were dead, they couldn't pass as living in any way, shape, or form. At least, they shouldn't.

"What took you so long?" Annabeth asked Percy once we had ascended the front steps.

"Nico threw a tantrum," he replied.

"No, I didn't!" I protested.

"He did," Percy mouthed.

I rolled my eyes and made my way over to stand next to Will instead of engaging him.

"You'll be shadow-travelling directly to the Burrow," Chiron cut in, "Percy and Annabeth will have someone apparate them back after the party. Remember, you two, you're there to catch up with Annabeth's cousin. You've all been working far too hard on figuring out Voldemort's ally, so this will be a good chance to relax. So, in summary: no working."

"What if it comes up in conversation?" Annabeth asked.

"I find that highly unlikely," Chiron replied, "Now, you're going to be late."

I ensured my bag was steady on my shoulder and took Will's hand, ignoring the butterflies that exploded in my stomach at the contact. I took Percy's hand rather reluctantly, and Annabeth completed the circle.

I closed my eyes and concentrated, picturing the Burrow - clear in my mind despite the fact I had only been there once - and felt us dissolve into blackness. I managed not to panic in the brief moment before we were on solid ground again.

Unfortunately, the ground we were standing on wasn't so solid.

"Why are we ankle-deep in water?" Annabeth asked, looking distastefully down at the murky substance covering her shoes.

"The wards must have thrown me off," I muttered.

"I can see the house," Percy piped up, peering over the tall reeds, "So we're not too far off."

"Come on," Will added, "I think I can see the road."

We spent the next minute wading through swamp water, spurred on by Percy's promise to dry our shoes and clothes out when we reached dry land.

Thankfully, when we did reach it, it was only a short walk to the house. I could already see a small crowd of people gathered in the yard.

"Can you remind me who everyone is again?" Will asked once Percy finished extracting the water from our clothing and we set off down the road.

Annabeth seemed to perk up at that.

"The boy with black hair and a scar on his forehead is Harry Potter. He's Voldemort's greatest enemy, despite only being a teenager, and is prophesied to be the only one able to defeat him. Some wizards call him 'the boy who lived' because Voldemort failed to kill him as a baby, despite killing his parents. He lives with his aunt, uncle, and cousin for most of the year," she recited.