Intertwined || Percabeth Hogwarts AU

Chapter 25

"My father..." Percy breathed, wide eyed and in disbelief.

He read the letter once more to make sure he wasn't reading something wrong. After all this time, news of his father pops up? It didn't make any sense. And what was with that cryptic line at the end? He looked at the second letter warily, afraid of its contents. He knew next to nothing about the man and had given up trying to learn more ages ago, assuming he was dead. His mother never talked about him no matter how much he pried.

Percy's name was written on the envelope in a beautiful cursive scrawl. He ran his thumb lightly over the ink, trying to muster the courage to open it.

"Hey, do you want me to leave? The first letter did say to read it when you're alone," Annabeth said.

Percy shook his head, looking at her with glassy eyes. "Please stay. I want you here."

Annabeth smiled softly and squeezed his shoulder. She sat beside him and patiently waited for Percy to be ready. She couldn't imagine what he was going through. From what she knew, Percy's father had never been in the picture. It was always just him and Sally. She recalled a time when Percy wrote to her about how he had gotten angry with his mother because of his father. A feeling of anger bubbled inside her at the man for making Percy so distraught.

The sound of parchment crinkling alerted her of Percy opening the letter. And together they read it.

Dearest Perseus,

Let me begin by telling you that I am so sorry for not being there for you. That will forever be my greatest regret. I put you and your mother through so much pain and it haunts me daily. Sally is a queen among women and I'm sure you have her best traits.

The greatest moment in my life was holding you for the first time when you were born. As I sit writing this letter, you're in your mother's arms laughing at the faces she's making at you. You are truly the most adorable child.

Do you know why we named you Perseus? It was your mother's idea actually. Perseus was one of the few Greek heroes who had a happy ending and died a peaceful death. I was all for it. Did your mother tell you my name is Poseidon? Yes, I know what you're thinking. Sweet Merlin, I hated my name for so long. But both of us having Greek names made it a lot better.

I'm sure you're curious as to where I've been for the entirety of your life. Or perhaps not. I wouldn't blame you if you hated me.

Well, to answer that, I will be in Azkaban due to some unforeseen circumstances. I'm afraid I can't disclose too much information in regards to this but know that it was for the best. For you and for Sally.

When you come of age, you will inherit my properties and gain access to my vaults at Gringotts, should you want them of course. If not, it will be donated to charities when I die. The decision rests solely upon you.

Although I do not deserve the honour, I would like to tell you some things a father should tell his child—

Eat lots and grow strong, make sure you bathe every day and stay warm, make friends that you can trust, study well when you go to Hogwarts, be careful with money—saving is important. I don't have to worry about girls with you. With Sally as your role model, any girl would be lucky to be with you. Remember what I said about trust.

I'm sure you'll face a lot of hardships in life, but I know you have the strength in you to persevere and overcome all of your obstacles. Be true to yourself and have the confidence to make your dreams come true. I know you'll become a great wizard someday and I hope that I will live long enough to see to that.

I am the proudest and luckiest father to have a child like you. I love you, son. Even if you hate me, I will always love you.

Dad

Percy took a staggering breath as he read the letter over and over again. Tears flooded his vision and rolled down his cheeks like an unending stream. His father was alive and he loved him. And he didn't want to leave. His words reverberated around Percy's mind as he committed them to memory.

In awe, Percy let out a disbelieving laugh as shock and disbelief lined his face. He slumped backward and slid down against a tree. A strange feeling blossomed in his chest. He wondered if it was hope? Relief? Clarity? Maybe a mixture of all three?

He gingerly held the parchment up and cast a few preservation spells and protection charms on it. This was the last memento of his father. He would keep it safe no matter what.

Annabeth exhaled deeply, bewildered. If Percy's father was in Azkaban, that meant he was a wizard too. So all this time... she thought, shaking her head. Her eyes snapped to her best friend who was now pacing back and forth mumbling to himself.

"But mum always said he was gone... She never said the word, 'dead,' which means she knew... Is he a criminal? I mean, he has to be if he's in Azkaban... Mum would never be with someone like that... Maybe he's not a criminal? But then why—"

"Percy!" Annabeth's shout interrupted his thoughts and he looked at her with wide eyes. "I've been calling your name forever."

"My dad is alive..." he muttered in disbelief, before adorning a wild but excited expression. "I have a dad, Annabeth!"

Annabeth threw her arms around his shoulders and pulled him into a tight embrace, trying to calm him down. She could feel his erratic heartbeat against her chest and she was sure he could feel hers, causing her to blush furiously at the intimacy of it all.