Percy Will Still Be Percy

  After the rather dramatic introduction Percy had received upon being recognized by one of the Three, everyone returned to Cabin 11; though they kept staring at him, watching his every move as if he might suddenly sprout gills.

  It made him completely uncomfortable. So he pulled the blanket over his head, waiting for them to fall asleep so they would stop looking at him like he was some rare creature on display.

  Harry, still beside him, did not say much. His silent presence seemed to be the best thing he could offer at that moment.

  Later that night, Percy was not very sleepy. The mix of emotions inside him would not let him close his eyes without his thoughts drifting elsewhere.

  He pushed the blanket down slightly and noticed the others were already asleep. Fortunately for him; he would not have endured them still staring at him even at that hour.

  The lights were off, and only the moonlight filtered through the window, bathing the cabin in a silver glow. Percy let out a quiet sigh.

  "Harry, are you awake?" he murmured softly.

  "What is it?" Harry replied instantly, lying in his sleeping bag right next to him.

  "I'm confused. I thought I would feel different once I knew who my father was. I came here to find him, but…"

  He paused.

  "But now that I know… nothing changed. It feels less like he accepted me and more like he had no choice." His voice sounded more bitter than he intended.

  Harry, who had his eyes closed, opened them slightly and turned toward his brother.

  "What is actually worrying you?" he asked.

  "I don't know," Percy admitted, shaking his head as he stared at the ceiling.

  Harry let out a faint sigh.

  "Percy, you are still Percy," he said calmly.

  Percy turned to look at him.

  Harry barely smiled.

  "You are just Percy… with more water now. Although I am not sure that is a good thing, considering you already flooded everything before."

  "I am going to push you into the river."

  Harry looked at him with complete seriousness.

  "That would be abuse of power, sir."

  "I'm not your sir."

  Harry watched him for a few seconds, amused. Then he tilted his head slightly.

  "Hail, Perseus Jackson. Do you prefer Lord of the Ocean, or should we stick with Perseus?"

  Percy closed his eyes for a moment and pulled the blanket back over his head so he would not have to keep listening to him.

  "I hate you," he muttered.

  "Perseus Jackson," Harry repeated in a solemn tone.

  Percy let out a sigh and peeked out from under the blanket.

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  "What?"

  Harry looked at him with complete seriousness.

  "Order me to do something."

  He had that expression he only used when he was enjoying himself far too much.

  Percy blinked.

  "What?"

  Harry did not change his expression.

  "I want to see if I feel the need to obey."

  Percy stared at him, annoyed.

  "Go away," he said, trying to kick him by sticking his foot out from under the blanket.

  But Harry rolled quickly, avoiding the hit before it even reached him. Then he looked at Percy as if he had just confirmed a theory.

  Harry nodded gravely.

  "Interesting."

  "Harry. Seriously," Percy said, now genuinely irritated.

  Harry studied him for a moment and saw the real discomfort in his face. So he shook his head and settled back into his sleeping bag.

  Then he spoke again, his tone softer.

  "All right… although I admit, that was an impressive presentation."

  Percy rubbed his face tiredly.

  "Is it this annoying when I joke about being the older brother?" he asked, looking at Harry, who had clearly found something to get revenge with.

  "Yes," Harry replied simply, a small smile on his lips.

  "Then I apologize… but only a little," Percy answered, still serious.

  "You worry more than you probably need to. But I'm still here for you. We are brothers. Do not forget that," Harry said with a faint smile.

  Percy realized then that all his brother’s nonsense had only been a way to calm him down. Very much their family’s style.

  He looked at him for a moment, calmer now, a slight smile on his face.

  "So… do you think if I asked them to kneel again, they would?" he said, amused.

  "Do not let it go to your head," Harry replied, rolling his eyes.

  The next morning, Chiron came specifically to fetch Percy and take him to Cabin 3, separating him from the others.

  Percy pulled a face as if he had just been diagnosed with something contagious and was being placed in quarantine while he listened to Chiron’s explanations.

  He barely paid attention before saying, with complete seriousness,

  "Harry is coming with me."

  Chiron paused for a moment and looked in Harry’s direction.

  Harry glanced at his brother and almost opened his mouth to say something. But when he saw Percy’s stubborn expression; the one he knew far too well, the one that meant he would not take no for an answer; he remembered that back at Hogwarts, when Percy had refused the points, he had not hesitated to stand beside him.

  "Well… the cabins…" Chiron began, but Percy cut him off before he could continue.

  "If Harry is not with me, then I will just stay in Cabin 11. It's supposed to accept all visitors and anyone without a cabin, right? So if Cabin 3 doesn't accept Harry, then I don't accept Cabin 3. It is that simple. Besides, I am starting to like the dark corner I got over there," he said calmly.

  Chiron could not help letting out a soft laugh at Percy’s words. Then he spoke again, just as calmly.

  "I was about to say that each cabin has a head. And technically, you are now the head of Cabin 3. So you may invite whomever you wish inside. It is not common for guests to stay overnight, but exceptions can be made when it comes to family. We cannot separate two brothers without reason. And Poseidon will certainly not object to your brother remaining by your side."

  Percy let out a breath, and a small smile appeared on his face as he looked at Harry.

  They gathered their things; which were not many, since most of their belongings were safely stored inside their enchanted bags, partly out of caution, considering the Hermes kids tended to have rather curious fingers.

  "After you finish settling in, come see me at the Big House. You as well, Harry; Dionysus asked for you," Chiron told them, leaving them standing in front of Cabin 3.

  Harry and Percy stepped inside.

  The door closed behind them with a hollower sound than Percy had expected.

  They looked around for a moment.

  It was quieter than Cabin 11; almost unnaturally so.

  Yet somehow… more comfortable.

  It was not very different from what they had imagined. Inside, it resembled Cabin 11, except the beds were not crowded together; there were only five or six. In one corner sat a few objects that looked as though they had been taken straight from a fishing boat; neatly folded nets, an old harpoon resting against the wall, a slightly worn marine compass. And perhaps a few too many things that referenced the sea; large shells on a shelf, a decorative trident, and a massive nautical map covering nearly an entire wall, routes traced in dark blue ink.

  The room carried a faint salty scent, as if ocean air had become trapped inside.

  "So… home sweet home?" Percy said, glancing around. He was not entirely sure how he felt about it. But at least Harry was there.

  "Come on. Let us see what Chiron wants," Harry replied calmly, since there was not much they actually needed to leave behind.

  When they stepped outside the cabin, Annabeth was nearby.

  As if she had been waiting.

  She was staring directly at Percy.

  Her expression was difficult to read; conflicted. Then something shifted in her face. Something more fragile. As if something she had been holding onto for a long time was slipping through her fingers.

  Before either of them could say a word, she turned and walked away.

  The silence she left behind felt heavier than any bow from the day before.

  And far harder to ignore.