Chapter 4: Wishes and A New World

Percy sat back on the couch, staring at the stack of books that had all been devoured in the span of what felt like days. His mind was racing, piecing together all that he had just learned, all the new things he had discovered.

The Harry Potter universe wasn't just another world; it was filled with magic, danger, and a whole lot of potential for someone like him to make a real difference. He felt the weight of his choices hanging in the air, but he was sure of one thing. This wasn't just about surviving—it was about something more.

John's voice broke through his thoughts. "Well? You've read it all, Percy. Got your head wrapped around this world yet?"

Percy let out a slow breath, his fingers lightly tracing the covers of the books he'd just finished. It was hard to put into words, but he knew exactly what he wanted now.

"Okay, John," Percy began, his tone steady. "I want three things." He raised one finger, glancing at John, "First, I want magic. But not just any magic. I want to be able to manipulate water, like I did in my old world. It's always been my thing, and I'm not giving that up. But I also want a wider range—like, water magic on a whole other level, not just controlling it, but using it for healing, defense, and maybe even creating it from nothing."

John raised an eyebrow, but nodded. "Good choice. That's something I can work with."

"Second," Percy continued, holding up a second finger. "I want to be able to sense danger. I want that battle instinct, that sixth sense I had back in my world, to stay sharp. So even if I don't know exactly how to fight, I'll know when and where to move."

John's lips curled up in a smirk. "So, you want to be a little bit of a tactical genius, huh? Alright, I see where you're going with this."

"Exactly." Percy nodded. "And third… I want to have the highest possible talent in magic. I want to be able to protect what I hold dear, and it's clear that i'll need the strength and talent to back it up."

John's voice was calm, almost approving. "I see you've thought this through. Protecting your loved ones—very noble. All right, Percy. Your wishes are granted."

As the words left John's mouth, Percy felt a rush of power surge through him. His body hummed with energy, and he could almost feel the water around him, like an extension of himself. The world seemed to settle around him, and he couldn't help but grin.

"Thanks, John," Percy said, shaking off the shock. "I'm ready. Let's go."

John snapped his fingers and Percy saw the world around him swirling before fade to black.

A few seconds later, Percy was upside down in a damp, dark cave. Suddenly, he felt the 'cave' start to push him down (or up in his case) and after a few pushes, Percy saw light at the end of his cave and reached it. And just like that, he was born. 

Percy was greeted with the sterile lights of a hospital, before his weak, infant body passed out. When Percy came to, he was in a box outside an orphanage. The door opened, and a motherly woman came out. Looking down, she saw Percy, who could do nothing but babble, crying in a box on the doorstep.

Sighing in pity, the woman (who Percy assumed was the matron) picked him up in his box and brought him in, swaddling Percy to ensure that he did not catch a cold from the heavy rain outside.

She was about to put him in a cot when she noticed his sea-green eyes staring at her, almost as if there was more behind those eyes than the need to eat, drink and sleep.

She rubbed his cheek lovingly, like a mother taking care of her child and said, "You're more than you seem, aren't you child?" before putting Percy in his cot.

Slowly, Percy drifted off to sleep, sinking into dreams of his previous life, and how it would have turned out. He dreamt of being normal again, of Sally Jackson holding him in her arms and lulling him to sleep with a gentle lullaby.