Intertwined || Percabeth Hogwarts AU

Chapter 20

Annabeth slumped down to the ground, panting as sweat dripped down her face. Her hands were shaking from exertion. Percy watched her knees wobble when she tried to get back up but was unable to do so.

"Let's call it a day, Annabeth," Percy said. "We can try again later."

As much as the thought of hanging out with Percy again excited her, she was determined to get this stupid charm down.

"One more time," she panted out, causing Percy to sigh. He knew there was no convincing her otherwise.

Annabeth grabbed onto a nearby table and pulled herself up. She steadied herself before faltering. She needed a few more moments to regain her composure.

"Percy," she called. His eyes snapped up to meet hers. "Could you... would you mind conjuring your Patronus?"

He had a questioning look on his face but acquiesced. "Expecto Patronum!"

Percy's voice echoed through the empty room. A silver pegasus erupted from the end of his wand and galloped around the room, proudly flapping its mighty wings before fading into thin air. Annabeth watched, amazed at the majestic creature that radiated power and beauty. Percy turned back around and chuckled at the mesmerized look on her face.

"I call him Blackjack," he confessed, rubbing the back of his head.

"Who?"

"My Patronus."

The corners of Annabeth's lips twitched before she burst into full blown laughter. Of course, Percy of all people would name his Patronus. Percy, however, did not find this as funny, because he was standing there glaring at her.

"Sorry, sorry," she choked out, before falling into another fit of giggles.

"It's really not that funny," Percy muttered, twirling his wand.

"Okay, I'm good. I'm calm. Promise."

"Okay..." Percy said, glaring at her doubtfully, causing her to raise her hands in surrender. "You said your memory is for sure the only one that can work?"

She nodded once. "I'm sure."

"All right, then I want you to close your eyes and picture the memory."

She did as she was told and closed her eyes, reliving her memory.

It was of her and Percy. They were in the Gryffindor common room on a Saturday afternoon, putting off their homework until the last minute as usual. Percy made some stupid joke that she couldn't remember, but at the time both of them had burst into laughter. They rocked back and forth, nearly falling out of their chairs as tears blurred their vision. She heard the muffled voice of someone telling them to shut up or how a Slytherin shouldn't be here, though she couldn't care less. Percy was the only thing that mattered to her.

Although it was a regular occurrence, that particular instance called out to her. She couldn't explain why. She and Percy had been in that exact scenario countless times before. Perhaps it was the familiarity of it all that resonated with her. She wanted so desperately for things to return to how they were. It was her greatest desire.

"Is it clear?" He asked.

"Y-yes..." she said. A gentle smile crossed her features as she became increasingly submerged in the memory. Though, it felt more like a dream at this point.

Percy watched her with careful eyes. His gaze flickered down to her lips, noticing her smile, and he knew that it was going well. She'll get it this time, he thought, confidently.

"Does this memory make you feel happy? The happiest you've ever felt? The most hopeful?" He pressed.

Annabeth nodded vigorously making Percy smile slightly.

"Imagine that feeling, but it's amplified. Let it course through you," he urged. Percy was now standing right next to Annabeth, speaking in a low tone, not wanting to interrupt her train of thought. "Let your magic be fueled by that memory. Be its guide."

Annabeth, however, began to feel nervous with him so close to her. They hadn't been in such proximity with each other in what felt like forever. Her eyebrows furrowed in concentration as she tried to follow his directions.

"I'm trying, Percy..." she whispered.

"I know you are. You can do this," he told her softly, reassuringly. "This memory is the most important thing to you, right?"

"Yes," she said firmly.

"Then think about how nothing is more important than preserving that feeling, that memory," Percy was now holding onto her hand, providing support. Annabeth let out a silent gasp at the touch. "Make it permanent."

That did it. Percy knew he hit the right nerves saying that word. He felt her squeeze his hand before drawing a deep breath. It was as if Percy's presence, his support, just him in his entirety cleared up a block in Annabeth's mind.

"Expecto Patronum!"

At first, nothing happened but then a bright silver light exploded from the tip of her wand and took the shape of a corporeal barn owl. It spread its elegant wings and took flight around the room, exuding grace with each of its movements. Percy laughed a little when he heard Annabeth gasp in disbelief as she watched it fly around the room.

They watched as the bird flew in front of the window where the moonlight was pouring in. The owl seemed to glow even brighter before it started to lose its shape and faded from sight.

Percy kept staring at that spot when a sudden weight fell against him. Annabeth collapsed to the ground when the exertion finally got to her. Percy quickly dropped to the floor and gathered Annabeth in his arms, staring down at her with concern.

"I did it, Percy..." Annabeth whispered, staring up at him with half-lidded eyes and a smile on her face.

"You did it," he repeated, mirroring her smile.

"Th... thank you... " she managed to get out before darkness took over her vision.

She was grateful that the last thing she saw was Percy smiling at her. How long had it been since he'd looked at her like that?