Impossible to Return

It Could End Here

The forecast for the week was rainy days and chilly nights, which not only kept all of Hogwarts' students inside, but greatly annoyed the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw Quidditch teams. Neither of them were looking forward to playing for a chance at the Quidditch cup in the foul weather.

But even so, that wasn't even the worst thing pressing on Ravenclaw's mind. One of their best players, Troy Stein, had just been pulled out of Hogwarts. If they didn't find a replacement, and find one fast, Ravenclaw would be disqualified. While the captain scrambled anxiously to get a new Beater, all of Ravenclaw was biting their nails anxiously. Well, that is, everyone but Annabeth Chase.

Without a care in the world, Annabeth was walking down the corridors of Hogwarts, hand in hand with her boyfriend, Percy Jackson. They were rambling on and on to each other, about what they had done since splitting up, then about anything and nothing.

Annabeth liked it. She hadn't felt this happy in a long time. Laughing and smiling with someone you love really brightens your day.

"So," Percy said after they had finished laughing at a story he had told, "Aaron Jones is really dating Nyx Rameriz?"

Annabeth nodded, swinging their interlocked fingers back and forth. "She told me herself."

"I never would've guessed. I don't think I've ever seen them together."

"Aaron's been busy with Quidditch. But yet, somehow he always makes time to talk about her during practice," Annabeth said, a hint of laughter in her voice. "It's actually pretty amusing."

Percy smirked. "I would do that too. So, you're playing in the game this Saturday?"

"Well duh." Annabeth rolled her eyes. "I'm the Keeper. They need me. You'll cheer for me, right?"

Percy let out a long and dramatic sigh. "Well, I don't know. My house or you... it's tough."

She raised her eyebrows. "You better cheer for me Seaweed Brain, or you might just find yourself single again."

"Okay, okay, but I'll wear both team's colours."

"Deal."

Annabeth extended her hand and Percy shook it in an official-like manner. Then he grinned. "Gryffindor's so going to crush you."

Annabeth gasped. "Perseus Jackson! I'll get you for that!"

"You have to catch me first," Percy taunted, before running down the corridor.

Annabeth chased him up three flights of stairs, around a statue of a troll, past the Marauders—who yelled for Percy to run faster—and to the tower where the Ravenclaw common room was. Percy finally stopped for breath, and Annabeth met him there. She grabbed his arm for revenge—probably to judo-flip him—but she was to tired to go through with whatever plan she had. The two of them collapsed on a bench and leaned against each other, breathing deeply.

"That—was—exhausting," Annabeth said, pushing her hair away from her face.

"Yeah." Percy exhaled. "I didn't realize I was so out of shape. I better get to training again. Practice my cardio."

Annabeth's eyes widened and she sat upright. "Quidditch practice! What time is it?"

Percy pulled down his sleeve to check his watch. "Quarter to two. When—hey!" Percy stood up, watching as Annabeth hurried to answer Ravenclaw's riddling doorknob. "Where are you going?"

"Stay there! I'll be right back!" The door swung open and Annabeth raced in, leaving Percy alone in the corridor.

Percy was only waiting for a few minutes, however, when Annabeth came back with a bag slung over one shoulder and her broomstick in hand. She smiled, in a much more calmer state than she was a few minutes previous.

"You good?" he asked.

She nodded. "Yeah. Just panicked for a second. My Quidditch practice starts soon, but I think I can make it on time."

Percy slid his hand into hers. "I'll walk you there."

Usually the journey from the Ravenclaw tower to the Quidditch pitch felt like eternity, but with Percy by her side, the time flew away like a leaf in the breeze. All too soon they were out the front doors and into the drizzling rain.

Annabeth scowled. "I hate it when it rains during practice."

"It's not that bad," Percy commented, his eyes taking in the cloudy sky.

"Easy for you to say," Annabeth grumbled, pulling up the hood of her sweater. "You can't get wet."

Percy—who was notably one-hundred percent dry—grinned. "What, can't take a little rain?"

Annabeth swatted his shoulder, as droplets of rain ran down her face. Her hair was damp by the time they reached the Quidditch pitch. Percy's hand in Annabeth's changed from dry and warm to cold in an instant, and Annabeth knew Percy had willed himself to be wet upon seeing other students.

Already on the pitch and changed was Jason Grace, Ryder Hart and their captain, Aaron Jones. Annabeth went to go to the change room, but Percy didn't let go of her hand and pulled her back to him.

"See you later," he said with a lopsided grin. Annabeth moved his damp hair from his face and he pulled her close to him for a brief kiss. It was too brief for Annabeth, but Percy stepped away and waved goodbye, so she had no choice to do the same.