Waves of Magic and Memory

A Connection Beyond Memory

As the group prepared to go their separate ways, Percy spotted Ron sitting on a fallen stone, staring into the distance. Taking a deep breath, he walked over, unsure how the conversation would go.

"Hey," Percy said, his voice softer than usual.

Ron glanced up, his expression guarded but not hostile. "What do you want, Jackson?"

Percy shifted uncomfortably, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I just wanted to say... I'm sorry for earlier. I shouldn't have lost my temper like that. I know you're looking out for Hermione. I get it."

Ron raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. "Do you? Because it didn't seem like it when you were acting like we'd toss her to the wolves."

Percy sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know how it looked, but that's not what I meant. I'm just—worried about her. I don't want anything else to happen to her."

Ron's gaze softened slightly, though his voice remained firm. "You think I don't worry? She's been my best friend for years. I've seen her fight battles she shouldn't have had to fight, take risks no one else would, and still come out stronger. But the wizarding world—it's her home, even if she doesn't remember it now."

Percy frowned, crossing his arms. "Maybe, but that doesn't mean she's safe there. I'm not just going to let her go without a fight."

Ron's gaze hardened briefly before he let out a slow breath. "Look, I get why you're protective. I really do. But Hermione isn't just some demigod you found on the beach. She's been fighting battles long before you ever met her. She's tougher than she looks."

Percy hesitated for a beat, then asked the question that had been quietly eating at him.
"So... you and Hermione—were you ... together?"

Ron blinked, then let out a short laugh. "Me and Hermione? That was a long time ago, mate. Yeah, she was my first crush. How could she not be? She's brilliant, brave, and bossy enough to keep me in line. 

Percy smiled faintly, but Ron's tone shifted, a little sadder now.

"But it didn't take long to realize it wasn't going to happen. Her heart was never mine."

He looked down for a second, then back up at Percy with a steady gaze.
"I'm not the one you should be concerned about."

Percy frowned slightly. "Then who?"

Percy tilted his head, curious. "Then who?"

Ron gave him a knowing look. "Harry."

"Harry?" Percy repeated, eyebrows raised.

Ron nodded, his voice lowering. "Yeah. They were never official, but everyone could see it. It was like a public secret. They loved each other, but Harry never admitted it—not to anyone except me. He thought keeping quiet would protect her. If they knew how much she meant to him... well, she was already targeted for being his best friend and a Muggle-born. Imagine what would've happened if she'd been his girlfriend."

Percy's jaw tightened, the weight of Ron's words sinking in. "She would've been the first to die..... but they still hurt her" he said quietly.

Ron's gaze darkened. "Yeah. She was tortured, Jackson. For being Harry's best friend. For being who she was. He blamed himself for all of it.  Then, after the war, she lost her memory because of all the dark magic and tortures she endured, and he had to send her away to heal, even though it broke him"

Percy looked down, conflicted. "So, if she remembers... what happens then?"

Ron shrugged. "That's up to her. Look, Harry still loves her—I'd bet my wand on it—but Hermione's not some prize to be won. If you care about her, you'll give her space to figure things out. And if you screw this up, you'll have me and Harry to deal with."

Percy frowned, his brows knitting together. "And does this harry have green eyes, black hair, and wear glasses?"

Ron's smirk faltered, replaced by a look of confusion. "Yeah... why?"

Percy hesitated, his expression clouding with something that looked a lot like defeat. "She's dreamt about him," he said quietly.

Ron froze, his expression shifting from smug to stunned. "She... she dreamt about him? Even after losing her memory?"

Percy sighed, running a hand through his hair and looking almost defeated. "Yeah," he admitted quietly. "She mentioned him a couple of times. It's always the same—she doesn't know who he is, but she says he feels... important."

Ron blinked, then broke into a grin. "Well, that's Harry for you. Important to everyone." He leaned closer, clearly enjoying Percy's discomfort. "You're in trouble, Jackson."

Percy scowled, muttering under his breath, "Yeah, thanks for the vote of confidence, Weasley."

Ron opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a voice cut through the room.

"What's this? The two of you having a heartfelt bonding moment? Should I be worried?"

Percy and Ron turned to see Hermione standing in the doorway with Annabeth beside her, both women looking equally curious. Hermione raised an eyebrow, her hands on her hips, while Annabeth crossed her arms, clearly surprised.

Ron flushed slightly, stepping back and crossing his arms defensively. "As if. I was just explaining a few things to your new friend  here."

Percy smirked. "More like trying to convince me of something I already know."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, glancing between them. "Wow. You two can talking without arguing. Shocking. Next, you'll be sharing friendship bracelets."

Ron sputtered. "Oi, don't push it, Hermione."

Percy chuckled. "She's got a point, Weasley. We're practically besties now."

Annabeth shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "This is what you two do when we're not around? I'm impressed. Truly."

Hermione grinned. "I think we should leave them alone more often. Maybe they'll write a book on teamwork."

Ron groaned, glaring at her. "Very funny, Hermione."

Just then, Luna approached, holding up two small vials of Polyjuice Potion with a serene smile. "Ready to go?" she asked, her voice light and calm. "The potion is all set."

The group began gathering their things, and Nico stepped forward, his expression unusually serious. "Hermione," he said, his voice quieter than usual, "just... be careful. I mean it."

Hermione tilted her head at him, puzzled by his intensity. "I will, Nico," she promised, though his concern felt a little excessive.

"And you too, Annabeth," Nico added, his gaze flicking to her. "Come back safe. Both of you."

Annabeth gave him a small smile. "Don't worry, we've got this."

Percy stepped closer to Hermione and Annabeth, his tone more commanding than usual. "Don't forget to send an Iris message as soon as you can, okay? I want updates."

"We will," Hermione assured him.

Luna handed them a small vial each, her usual dreamy tone replaced with uncharacteristic seriousness. "Here's the Polyjuice Potion. Remember, it only lasts an hour, so we need to hurry."

Hermione and Annabeth nodded, uncorking the vials and grimacing as they downed the foul liquid. Their appearances shifted rapidly, morphing into two nondescript witches who would blend into the crowd.

Luna then held up a worn shoe—the Portkey. "Just a reminder," she said, her voice lilting. "Portkeys can be a little... rough. Hold on tight, and try not to throw up when you land."

"Comforting," Annabeth muttered, grabbing the Portkey along with Hermione.

"See you soon," Percy said, his voice softer, his gaze lingering on Annabeth and Hermione.

And with that, the Portkey activated, whisking the two women away in a blur of color and wind.