Percy's POV

A couple of weeks had passed since the whole, 'Snape said we're better than the whole eighth-year' incident. And honestly, that didn't make us too popular with the general population. And by 'general population', I mean Slytherins and Harry and Ron. Although, everyone else thought we were really cool for being the only Gryffindors Sev liked. He really is biased. 

Also, Nico says that we're presenting our 'Who's our Greek Parent' projects today. I love how he didn't tell us when it was due and out of nowhere, went, "Hi. Did you have a good day today? Oh yeah, and you're presenting our projects today." 

He clapped his hands together. "Who wants to go first?" Annabeth and Hermione's hands shot into the air. Surprise, surprise, the Athena kids would like to go first. 

Nico pointed at my Wise Girl and said, "'Kay. You may go first." Although, I could've sworn he addressed her as Mrs. Jackson under his breath. I shot him a glare and he grinned innocently at me. Annabeth pulled out a history book picture of Athena that did not match her at all and started her presentation. 

"My Greek parent would be Athena. She is the goddess of wisdom, crafts, and battle strategy. My strategy has been tested many times at camp for games like Capture the Flag and the Battle of the Labyrinth." 

I shouted, "She always wins. It's not fair." 

Nico rubbed his arm, "It's true. Now be quiet, Perseus, and let Ms. Chase finish her presentation." 

Annabeth nodded formally at Nico. "Also, I have a somewhat natural talent for weaving, much like Athena did. I once made a ladder out of toy swords and scarves. Also, despite having dyslexia, I had the top grades in sophomore year." 

You have to remember that Annabeth didn't go to junior year because of my going missing. It was a wonder she even made it to sophomore year because she usually stayed at camp year round. 

"For these reasons, I think that Athena would be my godly parent." The class clapped, not because it was an exciting and awesome presentation, but because that's what kids do. They pretend to listen and clap when they think it's over.

Hermione's hand shot up into the air again and waved around frantically. 

Nico waved her off, "No, Ms. Granger. You may not go next. I think we all know who you chose and would not like to hear another Athena presentation." 

Our class was right next to the owl posts and, as we heard them squawking frantically, Nico hastily added, "Not that she isn't an amazing goddess." 

They quieted down. I'm willing to bet that if I had said it, they would've full on attacked the room until I was covered in bird poop. 

I groaned, "How about we skip all of the presentations because this is kind of boring." 

Nico frowned at me, "You're going next, Percy. Get on with it." 

I planted my hands on the table, "Alright, alright, Death Breath. Stop rushing me. I chose Poseidon, the god of the Seas, because of my connection to horses. I have always loved horses and since Poseidon created horses, I think he would've been a great godly parent. Also, I love the sea, one of the spheres of power that he rules over. I share physical traits such as black hair and sea green eyes that also relate to Poseidon. Am I done now, Neeks? Am I done now or do I have to get Skittles in here to convince you that I'm allowed to be done?" 

Nico gulped, putting his hands up. "Fine. Who's next?" 

I literally zoned out for the rest of the period. I twirled Riptide around in my fingers and occasionally dropping it on the floor just to give me a reason to get out my seat. It was all I could do to not let my hair light on fire like Leo's. That boy's got issues. I mean, so do I, but I don't want to add spontaneously lighting hair on fire to the list. I really should've brought my portable blue cookies to class today. I never though learning about the gods could be this boring. Then again, it was the mortal version of the gods and not the actual gods. I wanted to be able to rant about how terrible Hera was, and how unfair Athena was, and how epic Poseidon was, but nooo. We had to stay within the mortal versions of the gods and talk about how they would be if they were somehow real as if they weren't already real. 

Breathe, Percy. Or your hair will not get out of this mess unscathed.

However, when Harry Potter gets up out of his seat for his presentation, I can't help but feel curious. Who would Potter choose? 

"Zeus." 

At first I thought it was the voice in my head, but now I realize that Potter had started. 

"He's the king of the gods. The master of the skies," Harry continued, "His master bolt is his prime weapon. I think I'd be his son because of my lightning scar, representing him, and my ability in the skies on a broom." That was actually a decent speech, until he added, "Also, he'd saved his brethren from his evil father, Kronos, and I saved all of you guys in the Wizarding War last year." 

The class groaned and clapped. Harry sat down beaming, completely oblivious to the groaning kids all around him. 

Nico grimaced, "What a, uh, speech, Harry. Dismissed."

 I walked out of class, my eyes drooping. Annabeth nudged me, "Lighten up. We got out of there without any scratches or bruises."

I smiled, "Yeah. I wonder how our Nico could make such a boring teacher." 

She shrugged, "However he did it, the kids are bored out of their minds." 

I tapped my chin as a memory started tugging at the back of my brain. "Hey, Annie?" 

She glared at me, her hand where the hilt of her dagger should've been. I put my hands up, "Alright, alright, not gonna happen again. So, I feel like there's something noneducational we should be doing right now." 

Annabeth raised her eyebrow, "You want to try out for Quidditch? In the sky?" 

I nodded happily, "Why not? I mean, I'll have to get up there eventually. Besides, it'd be a great way to bond." 

Annabeth scratched her head, speaking in Greek, "Bond? I don't think it's possible for us to get any closer, Percy. I mean, besides racing across the country together, and racing across the country for each other, and, oh, I don't know, going through Tartarus with each other?" 

I nodded again, "Come on, Wise Girl. There aren't as many ways to train around here. We need to keep up our reflexes. What better way to do that than with a ball on brooms with our feet not touching the ground?" 

She sighed, "Fine. But I don't have a broom." 

I raised both eyebrows, "Really?" I pointed behind her.

An owl was zooming in with a large package that read in Greek, "Hermes Express." She whistled appreciatively, "Well, now I have a broom. Let's go then, Seaweed Brain." 

Off to see how much Harry actually hates my guts.

Harry's POV

I looked around at the assembled kids. This time, all of them were from our house, which was a relief. I was half expecting another, 'You're from Hufflepuff and you're from Ravenclaw. So no, you cannot play on the Gryffindor house team' incident. I already had a good portion of my team ready. Ginny would be a Chaser and Ron would be the keeper. They've both improved a lot over the summer. 

I hope Annabeth would be trying out. I think she'd make a good player and an even better girlfriend. Teams get close, so I hope she'll start to like me as a friend, and then more than a friend. But when she walked in with Jackson, I had to stop myself from shoving my face in my hands.

Let me tell you a little something about Jackson. I don't like him. Not one little bit. I refuse to believe this is his first year as a wizard. I refuse to believe that he dueled Dumbledore and won without Dumbledore going easy on him. But I have to admit he would be a great player on the team. His reflexes were incredible. When Hermione mentioned that he could take my spot on the team, it scared me. Let's hope that he can't fly, and everything will be perfect.

"Okay," I announced, "Separate into what you're trying out for. Beaters over here, Chasers over there, Keepers over there, and people who want to challenge me for seeker over there." 

Instantly, there was motion. When the groups were made, Annabeth and Percy were standing awkwardly in the middle. 

Annabeth tilted her head, "We'll just try out for everything." 

I nodded. I couldn't say no to her, and if I said yes to her, then I was forced to say yes to Jackson. I called, "Chasers! Show me what you've got." 

The Chasers mounted their brooms and took to the sky. It took Annabeth and Percy a while, but they got the hang of it. I held up the quaffle. 

"Ginny, Percy, and Annabeth on one team. Kyle, Maria and Holly on the other. Get this into the hoop. There will be no keepers or bludgers. Go." 

I tossed the ball into the air, and it was immediately in the possession of Percy. As Kyle zoomed up to try to steal the ball, he tossed it to Annabeth, who scored. I felt my mouth fall open. I quickly shook the feeling off. It was just one shot. The other team can still be good.

But they didn't score a single point. Every time one of the opposing team tried to score, Percy or Annabeth flew in front of the hoop to catch it at the last second. They worked together perfectly. It was like Ginny was just back up. She made one point against Percy and Annabeth's dozens. Whatever those two get the spot for, I just have to make sure they're a team. An unstoppable team. 

Ron walked over to me. "Blimey, mate," he said in wonder, "Percy and Annabeth are great. Do you see the way they play?" 

I looked back up. Ginny threw the ball to Percy. Holly shot up and tipped the Quaffle, making it fall short. Instead of descending, Percy grabbed his broom with one hand and grabbed the Quaffle with the other. He was hanging for dear life and still managed to chuck it to Annabeth, who's shot zipped right past Holly into the goal. It was amazing. 

I clapped my hands, "Beaters next. David, Kenneth, on Ginny's team. Percy, Annabeth, on Holly's team. William and Marcus, fill in on Ginny's team for chasers." I watched as Percy and Annabeth flew down to grab a bat and grinned at each other. Then I let the bludgers loose.

They shot like a bullet at Maria, but neither of them made it to their target. Percy and Annabeth hit them hard toward the other team. I was almost afraid the force of the bludgers they hit would knock the other players out of the sky, but David and Kenneth were great beaters. Only one Bludger hit its target the whole game, and William had left the Quidditch field with a sickening bruise. 

At this point, I had no idea where to put Percy and Annabeth. But the other two beaters were still great. I might put them with Ginny on the Chasers. The beaters are covered. 

I yelled, "Keepers!" Ron flew up in front of a hoop and Annabeth took the other. "Percy, on Ginny's team." He nodded. "Go!" I shouted. 

The ball was in play immediately. Percy threw the ball time after time at Annabeth, but despite the incredible speed of the throws or the accuracy, nothing got past Annabeth. I watched the play. Percy feinted a throw to Marcus on the far right, but reversed the motion and threw it to Ginny, who tried to score on the left hoop. With Annabeth all the way across the field, it seemed as though it really would make it in. But she managed a spinning dive off of her broom to smack the ball away. They players on the ground screamed. Somehow, though, the broom moved down and Annabeth grabbed a hold of it. 

Percy was grinning ear to ear. He high-fived Annabeth and zoomed away. Again, it was crazy how they could be on any position on the team. But I would still let Ron be the Keeper. He might not have crazy saves, but he was good enough. Besides, if I put Percy and Annabeth as Chasers, he wouldn't even have to do anything. There was only one position left to play. 

Seekers.

I wasn't as confident about keeping my spot on the team anymore. Either one of them would be sure to take it from me. Not only were their reflexes lightning quick - No, quicker than lightning, but their brooms were better than mine. I made a mental note to ask them where they got their brooms from after this was all over. I looked at Percy and Annabeth, the only two who wanted to challenge me for Seeker. 

"The first one to capture this Snitch will face me." I released it, counting to five before shouting, "GO!" They zoomed in the air, spiraling around each other in the direction of the left hoop. They shot in unison to the ground, their arms outstretched. But Percy had a longer reach. He grabbed the Snitch and held it in the air triumphantly, smirking at Annabeth. She shoved him playfully and laughed. 

I grunted, "Alright, Jackson. It's just you and me." 

I released the Snitch, careful to keep my eyes on it. I shot into the air, and Percy followed me. I looked around, but could not spot the tiny golden ball anywhere. Percy pulled up next to me and motioned with his eyes. I squinted, seeing the Snitch near the stands. We raced towards the Snitch, and it was obvious that his was faster. He pulled ahead of me quickly, his arm outstretched. 

I groaned. I just lost my spot on the team. There's no way I can catch up or not play him as a Seeker after this. He turned back and winked at me before spiraling toward the ground, his hand smacking the Snitch toward me. I caught it and was dumbfounded. 

Did he- Did that- Did Jackson just let me win? I looked down seeing Percy celebrating with Annabeth, Hermione, and Ginny. 

I landed next to them and offered him my hand, "Good game, Percy." 

His eyes widened, "Did you just call me Percy? What happened to Jackson and Pretty Boy and Death Eater and Rotten Piece of American Scum?" 

I shrugged, "You aren't so bad." 

He laughed, shaking my hand. "It's about time you came around. I thought it would take you all year to vent." 

I glared at him, "I still dislike you. A lot. But you aren't as bad." 

As I walked away, I heard him turn to the girls and say, "Better than nothing, right?"

I walked to the middle of the Quidditch Field and shouted, "Positions will be up in the Gryffindor Common Room tonight. All of you did great." 

Ron strolled over to me. "Where are you playing Percy and Annabeth, mate? They could go anywhere." 

I fingered my chin, "I've already decided to play them as Chasers. That's where we're weakest this year. So you're the Keeper, Ginny and the Americans are Chasers, I'm the Seeker, and I think I'll put David and Kenneth as Beaters." 

Ron nodded, "Yeah. They hit the Bludgers smacked by Percy and Annabeth. It's a wonder they even kept a hold of their bats." 

I looked over the list, feeling a little guilty that Percy wasn't Seeker. I pushed the feeling away. He'd be much better as a Chaser. He worked with Annabeth perfectly. Almost too perfectly. I mean, they're best friends. Even Ron and I don't work together like that. And I see them arguing so much in classes that it's a miracle they even stayed friends. 

They could've been through a lot together, sure, but it seems like they need to trust each other to survive or something. They don't have to look before tossing the Quaffle because they know the other one would be there. It's like they have their own unspoken strategy beforehand. I'll look into it. I didn't hate Jackson as much, sure, but he's still in the way of me and Annabeth living happily ever after. 

Annabeth would fall for me someday.

Percy's POV

For a sport that's in the air, Quidditch is not that bad. Especially when I fly with Annabeth. I think planes are actually scarier than brooms. I don't know, maybe that's just crazy talk. 

On the way off the field, Annabeth nudged me, "Why did you let Harry win?" 

I scratched the back of my head, "Whaaat?" I said awkwardly, "What gave you that idea?" 

She rolled her eyes, "Just answer my question, Seaweed Brain." 

I groaned, "Why do you always have to be so determined? What if I don't want to answer the question?" 

Annabeth shrugged, "Then no kisses for a month." 

I stiffened. "Fine! Jeez, Wise Girl. I felt like taking his spot would be kind of wrong. I mean, Ginny says we'd be great in any of the positions, and if I could be like, a Chaser, or something, why force Harry to make me be a Seeker? Plus, he'd hate me. More than he already does." 

Annabeth nodded, "We've still got to keep our cover. I mean, we're just normal best friends here. No death-defying quests to bond us. I mean, you know how we are on quests. Know each other's strategies like they're your own and fight together without letting up. A draw every time. We can't be like one machine here. I bet one of the trio is already plotting to figure out all of our secrets." 

I slung my arms around her shoulders, "Please. Being too perfect is the Persassy way." 

She shoved me away, "You're such a Seaweed Brain." I grinned, "Why thank you, Owl Face." 

Did we have a class we should be going to?

Time Skip to the Gryffindor Common Room after Dinner.

I was about to run up the stairs to the dorms when Ginny pulled me over to the wall. "You and Annabeth are Chasers! Isn't that great?"

I shrugged, "Sure. What're you?" 

She rolled her eyes, "Chaser. Ron's the Keeper." 

I nodded, "So do we get to skip class to practice?" She shook her head. 

I groaned, "Why not? I mean, I worked my butt off to get on to the team and I don't get to skip class? What's up with that?" 

Ginny laughed, walking with me to where Annabeth and Hermione were sitting. 

Hermione grinned, "Congrats, Percy. Maybe you can get Harry to stop hating you now." 

I smiled, "Yeah, that would be a plus. How did I do in tryouts?" Ginny's eyes lit up like Annabeth's did when she was about to start lecturing me on architecture. 

"Uh oh," I whispered, "It's Quidditch lecture time."

The words fell out of Ginny's mouth like she'd been keeping it holed up inside of her for too long and it needed to explode. 

"You guys were amazing!" she gushed, "Jumped off of brooms, made every shot! How do you guys hit the Bludgers so hard? I winced in sympathy when William got hit. We're gonna win the Cup this year. There's no way any one of the house teams can compete with you guys. I don't even need to play! You guys dominate!" 

Somehow, she had said that all in one breath, like when Hermione asks us questions. She was left panting, but grinning. 

Annabeth patted her on the back, "Breathe. We weren't that awesome." 

Hermione scoffed, "I don't even play Quidditch and I know that's not true. Modesty kills, Annabeth." 

I stood up, "I'm gonna go up to the dorms. Gotta get a headstart before the boys come up and tell me how awesome I was, as well." 

They laughed. "Goodnight, Percy," Hermione and Ginny chorused. 

I was itching to kiss Annabeth goodnight, but restrained myself. I think that, eventually, I might tell Hermione and Ginny. They were trustworthy and didn't hate me. That's a great combo. 

"Don't get kidnapped," Annabeth said in Greek. 

I rolled my eyes, "I get a goodnight from them and a 'Don't get kidnapped' from you? Whatever." 

She laughed. I marched up the stairs and changed into my pajamas before leaping into bed. 

Time skip to the middle of the night. 

*Crunch*

My eyes shot open, met by the moonlit darkness of the room. Someone was awake, or someone was trespassing. I prayed to the gods that it was just someone awake, but they would never be so nice. I needed to warn someone. I needed to warn Harry. If they took me, he'd be in danger. Because he killed my grandpa, making me necessary in the first place. There was no way to wake him without alerting whoever was in here.

*Crunch*

They were getting closer. They seriously need to work on their stealth, maybe take a ninja seminar and leave me alone. The figure stepped into the light, the moon reflecting off of his face. Oh, it was just Harry. I slowly let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I watched as Harry took off his glasses and went right back on sleeping. I closed my eyes. Maybe I was just worrying for nothing.

*Slap*

I felt a hand cover my mouth. I had a wand pointed to the back of my head, and a voice in my ear whispering, "Don't move, don't make a sound, Jackson. Then I won't go over to the Chosen One's bed and murder him." 

I nodded. Harry struggled awake again. He must've heard the slap, making me relieved. He would know, then he would tell Dumbledore. He rubbed his eyes, staring straight at me but not taking any notice of the fact that I was being kidnapped right in front of him. He shoved his glasses onto his face and gasped, pointing.

I wanted to facepalm myself right there. He really needed his glasses to see the next bed over? The kidnapper released me and latched onto Harry instead. Harry dropped his wand with the force of the grip, gasping out. 

"Silencio," the kidnapper hissed. 

There was really only one thing to do. I leaped off of my bed at the kidnapper, only to hear the crack of Apparition as I landed, my hands on his neck. I didn't know where I was going. I didn't know what they'd do to me. I didn't know how long I'd be gone.

All I knew was that Annabeth would kill me when I got back.