The presence of his older brother made Percy feel slightly more assured. Not so confident that he felt like their mission would be a breeze, but less like they were walking to their graves in the forest. As the eldest, Bill had always been the strong one, the leader, the brother Percy wanted to be. As a twiggy kid who was an easy target for the twins and their teasing, Bill was always the first brother Percy would go running to for help.
Percy was no longer a little defenseless welp, but he stayed by Bill's side as they made their way across the Grounds. Fear carried his legs forward. Fear that they would be too late.
When they reached the edge of the Forbidden Forest, Percy motioned for the others to halt and wait as he cast a tracking spell. It was fortunate Percy thought of grabbing one of Oliver's hairs before he had stormed off to find him. It made the spell stronger.
"This way," Percy told them, following the tug of his wand.