Intertwined || Percabeth Hogwarts AU

Chapter 19

The class had been practicing their Patronuses for the better part of a month. Harry looked around, swelling with pride for his students seeing how far they had come. He was reminded of his fifth year in the D.A. when he became an impromptu teacher for his fellow classmates. All of that seemed like it happened a lifetime ago.

He smiled as he watched most of the students shoot small wisps of silver vapor out of the end of their wands. Some students had gotten it within a few days and took immense joy watching their silver animals soar around the room.

When class was over and everyone else had vacated the room, Annabeth stayed behind. She was frustrated. Nearly everyone had managed to produce a Patronus already, whether it be corporeal or not, but she was in the minority who still weren't able to produce more than a single puff of silver.

It aggravated her tremendously. Professor Potter had told her that she might have a problem with the memory she chose. But he was wrong. Her memory was undoubtedly the strongest, happiest one she had. Nothing else in her life could compare. Shaking her head, she stayed and practiced for a few more moments but to no avail.

She sighed, feeling defeated, and packed up her books, shoving them aggressively into her bag. As she moved to exit the room, a familiar figure came barging in. Annabeth stood frozen and swallowed, realizing that it was Percy. They were at an awkward standstill staring at each other.

Percy cleared his throat and picked up a piece of parchment which he came back for. For a moment, he stood at that spot, contemplating something, before turning to leave. Out of the corner of his eye, he could tell that Annabeth was watching his movements carefully. They hadn't been alone in a room together since their last fight in the library.

Percy sighed, knowing he might regret this. "You're still struggling with your Patronus?"

His voice shot through her like lightning. Annabeth's head snapped up and she stared dumbly at him, unable to fully comprehend that he was talking to her.

"Yeah..." she answered hesitantly. It pained her to think about how mere conversation felt foreign to them now. "I can't seem to produce one. I've tried everything in the books and I know my memory is the right one..."

Percy watched her and fought the upturn of his lips as she went through the familiar frustrated gestures she'd do when struggling with something. He became lost in thought as he listened to her talk. He began to think of the memory he used for his own Patronus.

Annabeth's eyes, her smile, the golden glow of her hair, the trickle of her laughter; it all flashed through his mind. They were sitting together in the Gryffindor common room talking about who knows what, but they were happy. They were snorting with laughter, no doubt bothering the nearby students. It wasn't a particularly strong memory, but it felt powerful to him.

Annabeth was his first real friend and connection to the wizarding world, and he would always cherish that. As much as he told himself that it's irrational to hold onto these thoughts, the memory was too deeply rooted.

The repeated call of his name brought him back to reality. "Huh?"

"I was asking if you would mind telling me about your memory?"

Percy's mouth became dry and he remained silent for a few seconds. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out.

"It's all right, Seaweed Brain. You don't have to tell me," she laughed it off nonchalantly, but then a hand flew up to cover her mouth. Her eyes were wide as she stared at him, realizing what she called him.

Percy swallowed and felt like he should say something. But what came out of his mouth surprised even him.

"Do you want to practice conjuring your Patronus for a little while? We still have some time before dinner..." he trailed off, unsure.

He saw her mouth fall open slightly and was prepared to backtrack his statement, but she spoke before him. "I'd like that. Please."

Percy nodded curtly, folding the parchment he came back for and sliding it into his pocket. He pulled out his wand and scratched his head with it thoughtfully. Unbeknownst to him, Annabeth was watching his motions with a veiled smile. Percy was certainly different from before, but some things never changed.

"Well, I like to start by..."