4
Annabeth’s POV:
The wind tousled my hair, my curls tangling with each other as Blackjack flew through the afternoon sky. Percy had let me borrow Blackjack so I could get home quicker.
It had been about ten minutes since I left Percy and his parents’ apartment in New York, making my way to what was going to be a very cumbersome little family reunion.
I still didn’t know what I was going to say, returning home after being gone had always been awkward since I ran away from home when I was seven. I know my dad loves me, but I also know that he doesn’t know how to show his love to me. My dad and I were similar in that way. We’re both not the greatest at emotions.
If I was being honest, I’d say I felt a little bad for Helen, my step-mom. She knew my dad, Frederick, very well (at least I assume, since they’re married) and she knew that dad loved and cared for me, but it had to be awkward trying to be polite to her husband’s child -who ran away from home at seven because she didn’t feel loved.
Sometimes(like right now), I just wish all of my problems could fix themselves. Obviously that’s unrealistic, but why do my family and I exchange formal greetings whenever we see each other like we’re meeting some important business person instead of our family. Why do my brothers, Bobby and Mathew act like I don’t care about them because I’m always away when really, they’re just too young to understand that I leave them to go to war and protect them.
Tonight, I’ll make sure I play with them and that they know I left for a good cause.
Blackjack landed just a house or two away from dad’s house, startling me out of my thoughts. I hadn’t even noticed we were in California.
I slid off his back.
“Thanks, Blackjack.” I say, stroking his mane gratefully. “I’ll make sure to bring some donuts for you next time I visit camp.”
BlackJack whinnied happily. He bowed to me then took off to the sky.
I watched him until I couldn’t see him any longer, then started making my way to my dad’s home.
When I got there, I knocked on the door and waited.
“Annabeth! You’re home!” Fred said when he opened the door. He turned his head, “Helen, it’s Annabeth!”
Annabeth heard a faint “coming!”
Fred opened the door wider so that I could come in, then pulled me in for a hug. I tensed, but wrapped my arms around him, wishing this simple embrace could feel more natural.
Helen then came down the stairs with Bobby and Mathew with a smile on her face.
She gave me a quick hug before Bobby and Mathew tackled me with huge smiles on their faces.
“Annabeth! You’re back!” Bobby exclaimed.
I ruffled his hair, “Yeah, I am”
“Where’s Percy?” Mathew asked excitedly. “Did he come back with you? I don’t remember him the first time he came. He sounds cool!”
I laughed. “Yeah he is pretty cool. He’s back at home with his mom and step-dad right now though. I’ll get him to come back here with me the next time we’re at camp.”
“Yeah, what’s going on with you and Percy, Annie?” my dad asked, who had been watching the exchange with a sad sort-of fond smile on his face.
I blushed.
“We’re dating now.” I said with forced casualness. My heart skipped a beat when the words left my mouth. I was so happy to finally be able to say that.
Fred’s eyebrow’s rose.
“Dad-”
“I know Percy is a good person, but I’ve only had one encounter with him so far. I don’t know much about him. Is he good to you?”
I sighed. “Yes.”
“Grades?” He said, like he didn’t already know the answer.
“What do you think? He’s a dyslexic, ADHD, child of the big three demigod. And I don’t know about you but I think having the weight of the world on your shoulders is a pretty good excuse for failing a class or two .” I snapped, immediately regretting it.
“The weight of the world?” Bobby said incredulously. “That seems pretty heavy.”
I sigh before turning back to my dad.
“Sorry. He’s trying his best. He’s been through a lot, and I know it hurts him when someone brings up his intelligence. But he really is very smart, just not the best at school. Like most demigods..”
“We’re good for each other.” I said firmly, wanting to make sure Fred knew that, despite what he may think about their relationship.
Fred nodded, “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have said that. I know you both struggle with school.” he seemed genuine.
And…. cue the uncomfortable silence.
Helen -slightly tense- smiled at me. “Well, I was just about to start making dinner, Annabeth could you help me? You can put your things upstairs first, though.”
I nodded, before taking my bag upstairs to my room.
~*~
Ginny’s POV:
I entered the kitchen to the wonderful smell of breakfast, taking my usual spot. Mostly everyone was here besides Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Memories of the days they would sneak off to plot schemes and plans about who knows what, going who knows where to find the truth about some mystery or something, brought a small fond smile to my lips.
“-bringing you where again? The war ended only a few weeks ago!” Ron’s voice sounded.
“I don’t know, she mentioned quidditch.” Harry’s replied.
“Quidditch?! Harry, you know that’s dangerous! A Death Eater could easily hide among all those people!” Hermione sounded extremely concerned.
I tried to tamp down my giggles. So far, this whole morning was reminding me of my school days before the war.
“Ginny’s the one who planned it.” Harry said, putting his hands up as the trio walked through the door.
“So you’re putting the blame all on me?” I said, trying to look angry and intimidating.
Harry suddenly looked slightly panicked, then realized she was joking and rolled his eyes.
“So what if I am?” He said, taking a seat next to me.
I slapped him lightly.
Almost everyone was busy conversing with each other to notice the exchange happening. Except Hermione (of course), who nodded at me encouragingly.
“I changed my mind about quidditch after mum talked with dad, by the way.” I leaned in closer to Harry to whisper.
Harry raised his eyebrows.
“I’m not telling you, it’s a surprise. And I don’t think any runaway Death Eater will expect you there.”
He huffed but still smiled.
“Okay, well, if I’m putting my trust in you, you better make sure you don’t let me die.”
“Well you know that’s not going to happen. Not on my watch.”
“Good, I’d rather be with you than be dead.”
I smiled at him, then looked at his untouched food.
“Well I'll start now then. Eat your food.”
“Yes ma’am.” He said, taking a bite of his scrambled eggs.
I looked up and smiled at Hermione, already knowing she was subtly keeping watch.
She blushed at getting caught, but beamed at me.
So far, Harry was acting a lot more open and relaxed around me today, which made me immensely happy.
I thought we’d act more awkwardly around each other because of what happened last night in the kitchen, but was glad to see he was feeling better. He even looked like he got more sleep tonight, which was always a good sign.
I finished my breakfast, then went back to my room to plan our trip. I wanted everything to be perfect.
No wars.
No trauma.
And definitely no Voldemort’s.