Chapter 7: Mastering Magic and A New Journey

The days following Percy's acceptance into Hogwarts were some of the most exciting of his life. With McGonagall's guidance, he had acquired his wand—a sleek, 12-inch wand made of deep blue-black ebony, with a core of kelpie hair. The moment it touched his palm, he felt the thrumming of magic deep within him, as though the wand had been waiting for him all along.

He had also obtained his books, robes, and a small collection of magical supplies, including a cauldron and a few potion ingredients. But above all, he had been drawn to magic itself—the feeling of raw energy pulsing through his veins, responding to his will.

Unlike most first-years who had to wait for Hogwarts to teach them magic, Percy had no such patience. Every night, he sat cross-legged in his small room at the orphanage, wand in hand, testing simple spells he had read in The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1).

"Lumos."

A faint glow sparked at the tip of his wand before flickering out. He frowned, adjusting his grip. His instincts from sword-fighting told him that magic, like combat, required precision and control. He focused again.

"Lumos."

This time, a steady white light illuminated the room. A grin spread across his face.

He experimented further—testing "Alohomora" on an old locked chest (which promptly flung open with a satisfying click), attempting "Wingardium Leviosa" on an old book (which wobbled in the air before smacking him in the face), and even trying to use "Aguamenti" to summon water.

This last spell was particularly fascinating to him. His past as the Son of Poseidon had given him an unparalleled connection to water, and though he no longer had his divine powers, he found that with his wand, water still answered him—though in a much more controlled way. He could conjure a small stream from thin air, shape it, even freeze it for brief moments before it collapsed back into droplets.

"Not bad," he muttered, pleased. "At least I won't be thirsty at Hogwarts."

Before he knew it, September 1st had arrived. The orphanage's matron, Ms. Hartford, had been kind enough to arrange transportation for him to King's Cross Station. He stood in front of Platform 9 and 10, his trunk beside him, feeling slightly foolish.

"Alright, kid, remember what McGonagall said," he murmured to himself, looking at the solid brick barrier. He was supposed to run at it? What if he just broke his nose?

Before he could psych himself out, he heard a cheerful voice nearby.

"—packed with Muggle clothes, of course, but I'm sure we'll find room for your robes, Ron."

Percy turned to see a woman with flaming red hair surrounded by a group of children, the youngest of whom looked about his age. A lanky redheaded boy was staring at the barrier with apprehension.

"Excuse me," Percy said, stepping closer. "Did you just say you're going through that wall?"

The woman turned to him with a warm smile. "Oh! You must be a first-year, dear. Yes, this is how you get to the Hogwarts Express. Would you like to go with Ron here?"

Ron made a face. "Mum—"

"Too late!" Percy grinned. "C'mon, let's go before I lose my nerve."

Together, they took a few steps back and ran at the barrier. Percy braced himself for impact, but instead of crashing, he felt a strange pulling sensation before suddenly emerging onto a busy, bustling platform filled with students and a massive red steam engine—The Hogwarts Express.

"Whoa," Percy breathed.

The station was alive with movement—students chatting excitedly, parents giving last-minute instructions, and owls hooting from their cages. Percy took in the sight with awe. This was it. The real beginning of his new life.

He turned to Ron, who looked relieved to have made it through. "Thanks for the help. I'm Percy, by the way. Percy Jackson."

"Ron Weasley," the redhead introduced himself.

The two boys boarded the train together, dragging their trunks behind them. They found an empty compartment and collapsed into the seats.

"So," Ron asked, glancing at Percy's trunk. "Are you Muggle-born?"

Percy thought for a second before answering. "Not exactly. I was raised in a Muggle orphanage, but I only recently found out about magic." It wasn't technically a lie.

Before Ron could ask more, the door to their compartment slid open. A boy with messy black hair and round glasses peered in hesitantly.

"Uh, everywhere else is full. Can I sit here?"

"Sure," Percy said.

Ron's eyes widened as he stared at the boy. "Wait a minute… You're Harry Potter!"

Harry blinked. "Uh… yeah?"

Percy frowned. He had read about Harry Potter in The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts—a boy who had survived the Killing Curse and vanquished Voldemort as a baby. It was strange, seeing a supposed legend in person.

The conversation quickly turned lively. Percy and Ron filled Harry in on wizarding things, while Percy interjected with observations of his own. It turned out Ron had five older brothers, all of whom had been to Hogwarts before, and he wasn't too thrilled about living in their shadows. Harry, on the other hand, was discovering everything about the wizarding world for the first time, just like Percy.

As they talked, the compartment door slid open once again.

A bushy-haired girl with bright brown eyes looked at them critically. "Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville lost one."

"Nope, sorry," Percy replied.

She squinted at them, eyeing Ron's wand. "Oh! You're practicing spells already? Let's see then."

Ron groaned but held up his wand. "Alright… Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid, fat rat yellow."

Nothing happened.

Percy snorted. "I'm no expert, but I don't think that's how magic works."

The girl huffed. "Well, of course not. That's not even a proper spell. I have learned a few though. Oculus Reparo!"

She pointed her wand at Harry's broken glasses, and they instantly mended.

"Whoa," Percy muttered.

"I'm Hermione Granger, by the way," she said, folding her arms proudly.

"Percy Jackson."

"Ron Weasley."

"Harry Potter."

Her eyes widened slightly. "You're Harry Potter? The Harry Potter?"

"Uh… yeah?"

Percy chuckled as Ron groaned. "This is going to happen a lot, isn't it?"

Hermione gave a small nod before leaving to continue her search.

As the train rumbled toward Hogwarts, Percy leaned back, a grin forming on his face.

A new world, new friends, and endless possibilities.

This was going to be one heck of an adventure.

The train ride continued, filled with chatter and laughter as Percy, Harry, and Ron bonded over their shared excitement—and, in Ron's case, anxiety—about Hogwarts. Percy had never had friends like this before. There was something about sitting in a moving train, sharing sweets and stories, that made him feel like he belonged.

At some point, a plump witch pushing a trolley stopped by their compartment.

"Anything off the trolley, dears?"

Harry, whose pockets were now lined with gold after his visit to Gringotts, enthusiastically bought a little of everything. Percy and Ron happily helped him devour a pile of Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, and Pumpkin Pasties.

Percy unwrapped a Chocolate Frog and glanced at the card inside.

"Albus Dumbledore," he read. The image of an old man with twinkling blue eyes and a long silver beard blinked up at him before vanishing. Percy frowned. "They can move?"

Ron snorted. "Of course they can. Wizarding pictures don't just sit there like Muggle ones."

"I think I'll never get used to this world," Percy muttered, stuffing the card into his pocket.

Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were deep in conversation about wizard chess, which sounded much more intense than regular chess. Percy, having never been much for strategy games, listened with mild amusement.

Eventually, as the sky darkened outside the window, the train slowed, and a voice echoed through the train:

"We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes. Please leave your luggage on the train; it will be taken to the school separately."

The excitement in the air was almost tangible. Percy, Harry, and Ron quickly changed into their Hogwarts robes, Percy fumbling slightly as he adjusted his.

The train finally screeched to a halt, and the students spilled out onto a moonlit platform. A towering figure with a wild beard stood at the edge, holding a lantern.

"Firs'-years! This way! Firs'-years over here!"

Percy recognized him immediately—Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts.

"Come on," Harry whispered, nudging Percy and Ron forward.

They followed the crowd of first-years as Hagrid led them down a steep, narrow path. A cold breeze from the nearby lake sent a shiver down Percy's spine, but the moment he looked up, he forgot all about the chill.

Hogwarts.

The castle stood on a cliff, its turrets and towers gleaming under the starlit sky. Warm lights glowed from the tall windows, casting golden reflections on the dark lake. It was breathtaking.

"Whoa," Percy murmured.

"Yeah," Harry agreed in awe.

Hagrid grinned at their expressions. "Yeh'll get used ter it."

They approached a set of boats waiting at the shore.

"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called.

Percy, Harry, and Ron climbed into one, and at the last second, Neville Longbottom clambered in, still looking around nervously. As soon as they were settled, the boats began gliding forward, cutting through the water smoothly with no oars in sight.

Percy trailed his fingers in the cool water, feeling a familiar pull—like the lake itself was welcoming him. He closed his eyes briefly, letting the sensation settle before pulling his hand back.

As they neared the castle, the boats drifted under a curtain of ivy and into a hidden underground dock.

"Everyone out!" Hagrid called.

They stepped onto the stone landing, excitement buzzing in the air. Ahead of them, a grand set of oak doors loomed tall and imposing.

Percy took a deep breath.

This was it. The beginning of his Hogwarts journey.