Intertwined || Percabeth Hogwarts AU

Chapter 23

Annabeth nervously stood in a clearing out in the forest where they had their last picnic with Grover and Juniper. Those moments seemed like they were so long ago when in reality it hadn't even been two years. There was a beautiful view of the lake from here; she could almost see their past selves laughing and splashing each other in the middle of the water.

The sound of leaves rustling alerted her of another's presence. She took a deep breath before turning around and facing them.

"I got your letter," Percy said softly, holding up the offending piece of parchment.

She nodded but stayed silent, trying to find the words. She had this whole situation planned out and rehearsed, going as far as writing a script of possible things Percy could say, but all of that seemed to have vacated her mind entirely.

Percy raised an eyebrow. "Uh, you okay?"

"Yes! I mean, yes, I'm fine—I'm just—okay, look," she took another deep breath and hoped she'd be able to properly speak now. "I called you here because I wanted us to talk..."

Percy rubbed the corners of his mouth, thinking. "Okay, let's talk."

Annabeth puffed out a disbelieving breath. "Okay," she breathed. "Um—how have you been?"

"Annabeth, come on, let's just get to it."

"Thank you," she laughed a little, shaking her head. "I had this whole spiel I wanted to get out but—fuck—I just—just listen, okay?"

Percy stayed silent but nodded, remaining patient with her. He took a seat at the foot of a tree, leaning back against it, and motioned for her to do the same. So she did.

"Percy, I am so sorry for what I said to you last year. I know that words can't really make any of that better but I just need to say it," she paused for a moment. "Percy, you're my best friend. You mean more to me than anything—I never thought I'd say that about a person, but it's true. At night, I can still see your pained expression—it literally eats me alive, and sometimes I can't stop crying because I broke your trust and faith in me.

"I'll regret that forever. You're the kindest person I've ever met and I destroyed everything!" Her eyes began to water but she brushed at them furiously with the heels of her hands and pressed on. "Earlier that day I got this letter—and my mother was yelling at me and she said something completely inane—and I was so angry at her that I was struggling think properly... it doesn't matter. What matters is—what matters is that I'm—"

Her words were lost upon her when she felt herself being tugged into a warm, comforting embrace. She went stiff as the subtle smell of salt and old spice overwhelmed her senses. She felt her strong arms encircle her waist, pulling her body close.

"Percy? I don't—"

"Shhh," he murmured, bringing a hand up and brushing it through her curls. "You've said enough."

His words made her slump against him, placing her chin on his shoulder and absorbing his warmth. She was sure her tears were staining his shirt, but right now she just wanted to enjoy this moment. There might not be a chance it would ever happen again. Percy's hand running through her hair felt like magic. But the feeling was gone far too quickly; she felt him bring his hands to her shoulders and pull back.

She stared at him, unsure of what he would say. His eyes were always far too expressive but right now she couldn't decipher in the emotions swirling in them.

"You know... I was really mad about the whole 'mudblood' comment for a long time, but then I got to thinking. Just because my parents aren't magical, that doesn't mean I'm automatically scum or whatever—"

"You're not! Far from it!" Annabeth pressed vehemently.

Percy smiled a little, giving a short laugh, before becoming serious once more. "I think what hurt me the most was that I felt like I lost you—physically, emotionally, whatever," he said, softly. "You were this amazing person and it was like you were losing yourself—and becoming more like Drew or Octavian—and I just couldn't stand that."

Annabeth's lips trembled, her heart aching. "I'm so, so sorry, Percy. You could never lose me..."

She let out a choked gasp when she felt herself being pulled into another tight hug.

"Stop apologizing already, I forgive you."

His words felt surreal. She had been living these last few months with a hollowness in her heart, never expecting it to be filled. But now she felt light. She felt like the proverbial rain cloud over her had dissipated. She felt whole.

Percy's expression then turned solemn. "And I'm sorry too. Especially about the duel. I had no right to hurt you like that."

An entirely new wave of sadness and guilt took over her. She clutched him tighter and her tears started anew.

"I deserved it—"

"No you didn't," he pressed. "I got carried away and hurt you, and I'm so, so sorry. And it'll never happen again."

"It's all right," she said with a choked laugh. "It only took a few minutes for Madam Hestia to heal me anyway."

"Still. I never should have done that or acted how I did."

"You know, even after what I said or how closed off you became, you still helped me and took care of me—when I didn't deserve any of it," she said. Sniffling, she continued, "When we were friends it was always you that helped me while I never did anything for you."

Percy hugged her tighter, his eyes twinging with harbored emotion. "You did more for me than you could ever know. All those laughs over the years—they were all thanks to you. I don't make friends that easily but when that blonde little girl came running up to me in second year... you don't know how happy that made me. It was like my whole life changed from that moment on."

Annabeth gained a small smile on her lips as she recalled the memory. Her younger self was rather abrasive but she was grateful to her for practically forcing Percy to become friends with her. It was the best decision she had ever made. She buried her face further into Percy's neck, her tears soaking his neck and bits of his hair. They held each other in silence. Annabeth sighed when Percy's hand went into her hair, softly brushing through her messy curls.

"So... friends again?" She asked meekly.