I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.

The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 9 – Unexpected Aid

Harry looked up at the hulking boy, trying very hard not to shiver or shudder. He had forgotten his textbook for Charms and he could not share with Ron because he had forgotten his as well. Hermione was trying to teach him a lesson in preparation and diligence so he could not share with her either, so he had gone back to his dormitory to get it.

On his way back to Charms a large boy had blocked Harry's path. Harry had seen him before in the tower so he knew they were both in Gryffindor but he had never spoken to him. If anything, he tried to avoid the large boy. Every time their eyes met the older boy had given the younger boy dirty looks.

"You think you're so special, don't you Potter?" The boy spoke scathingly, his voice was rough like gravel falling on stone.

Far from it, Harry thought to himself. "Not really," he said aloud.

The older boy was surprised for a moment before the frown reappeared. "Could have fooled me. Strutting around the tower, hiding behind the girls."

Harry's face reddened. "I don't strut and I don't hide behind anyone. I don't even know you, why're you being so mean?"

"Because you stole my spot on the team. You only got it because you're the Boy-Who-Lived."

Harry shook his head though he felt a tiny kernel of doubt deep in his chest. "That's not why. Professor McGonagall said I could be a good player and Wood agrees. So does the team."

"I don't think so and everyone else in the tower thinks so too. You're going to lose us every game."

"Good thing you aren't Captain then," Harry snapped. "Or anyone else. If Wood thinks I am good then I rather trust him."

The older student growled and took a step forward. He loomed over Harry and shook a clenched fist. "You better be careful Potter or else-"

"Or else what, Langley?"

Harry and Langley jumped. Neither had heard Percy approach. The red-headed boy's eyes flicked between the two. "Go ahead Langley, finish the sentence."

"This doesn't concern you, Weasley," Langley said, plainly irritated.

"You are both in the halls when you should be in class and I am a Prefect. It certainly does concern me. Not to mention I heard you say something that I find concerning."

"I didn't say anything yet."

"Ah so you were about to? Then please continue so I can decide if I should be concerned or not."

"We're just talking. Is that against school rules now?" Langley's tone dripped with sarcasm.

Percy looked down at Harry. The boy looked very uncomfortable yet oddly defiant. He trembled slightly but stood his ground.

"Obviously not but it seems Harry does not wish to be 'just talking' with you. In any case, this conversation can wait until later and while you're both in the tower. What is against the rules is keeping students from class and you are doing that. Don't make me take points from you."

"You wouldn't dare," Langley snarled.

Percy looked wholly unimpressed by the larger boy's bluster. "Are you trying to intimidate me?"

Langley laughed coldly. "Oooh. Look at you with a backbone now. Ever since you got that shiny gold Prefect badge you think you're untouchable, can't be intimidated? Isn't that rich? A Weasley with a bit of gold?"

Percy's ear turned bright red but his face became colder than Langley's laugh. "No. I am not intimidated for two reasons. One, I grew up with Fred and George and your worst could never approach their laziest attempts. Second, I'd never be afraid of someone who has to take remedial course work in everything. Anything you attempt to do to me is bound to fail without someone helping you."

Harry watched with utter amazement and barely concealed glee.

Langley sputtered. "I don't need a wand to deal with you!"

Percy smiled like a hunter who successfully trapped their prey. "10 points from Gryffindor for threatening a Prefect as well as an implied threat on a fellow House member. And I will be telling Professor McGonagall about this and I imagine she just might increase the punishment. If I were you I'd leave before it gets much worse."

The older student glared at Percy and turned around stomping away and muttering under his breath.

Percy looked down at Harry and back at the fleeing Langley. Something flared in his chest and he spoke without thinking. "Not everyone thinks Harry is going to lose us every game. Unlike some people, Harry has yet to crash into the ground."

Langley ran away.

Harry laughed so hard his sides ached.

Percy looked faintly pleased and embarrassed at the same time. "Please don't do what I just did Harry, it's unbecoming."

"I thought it was brilliant," Harry said with shining eyes.

Percy flushed. "Well, thank you. I have no idea why I said that. I must have been inspired by Fred and George at the moment, don't tell them that. I typically do not approve of their behavior at all."

"Your secret is safe with me."

Percy grinned, making his normally serious face more youthful for a moment. "Excellent. Just as well there were no other Prefects about. I'd hate to lose points for being rude to my own House members."

"Can you really lose points for that?"

"Potentially. A Prefect should hold themself to a higher standard of behavior. Speaking of," he looked a little guilty, "let's get you to class shall we? Can't have you missing too much."

"I can go myself," Harry said.

"I should escort you in case you are accosted again. I am going that way anyways, Charms yes?"

"How'd you know?" Harry's eyes were wide. "Do you have to memorize the schedules for all the Gryffindors?"

Percy chuckled. "No, thankfully. I memorized Ron's. To ensure he goes to class and the like."

"Should I keep that a secret too?"

"No feel free to mention it. Ron can be a bit contrary. If he knew I memorized his schedule to keep him on task he may stay on task to spite my efforts."

Harry snickered. "That's pretty funny."

Percy rolled his eyes. "Childish really. However, if it results in what I intended then it was worth it."

The pair walked down the corridor.

"Do all of your brothers do that?" Harry asked.

"Pretty much. It's how we show…affection I suppose. By spiting one another." He blinked. "That's a rather terrible thing once said out loud."

"Are all brothers like that?"

Percy shrugged. "Not every family is the same so I can't say for sure." He winced, looking down at the boy. From what he learned from Ron; Harry did not have what anyone would call a normal family. Fortunately it seemed Harry had not taken offense. "We certainly don't treat Ginny like that."

"She's your little sister? Ron mentioned her."

"Yes. Before you say we treat her differently because she's a girl rest assured she stands up for herself very well. We've all learned one way or another not to underestimate her." The older boy coughed a little, deciding it was time to change subjects. "How are you finding Hogwarts?"

"I love it here. Magic is so cool!"

Percy smiled. Having grown up in a magical family he did sometimes take magic for granted. It had been a major facet of his life growing up and it eventually became a constant, something that was always there. It was hard to think of life without magic. It was nice to be reminded of that when talking with Muggle-borns or those that grew up without magic. "I agree, and Hogwarts is one of the most magically rich places you can hope to visit. Have you been well otherwise?"

"What do you mean?"

"Sleeping well. Having enough to eat. People treating you…cordially overall despite a few unpleasant people here and there."

Harry nodded. "Oh yes. My bed is nice. Food is really good. I can eat as much as I want, which is nice. Most people are okay but Ron and the Quidditch team and Hermione have been wonderful. It's nice having friends."

He looked up, eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Did Ron ask you to ask me?"

Percy hesitated. For the briefest moment he thought about lying and saying that Ron did ask him to check on Harry. However, ever since the incident at dinner and the way Oliver seemed to take an interest in Harry, Percy had been observing the boy. The way Harry acted, some of the things he said ("eat as much as I want to which is nice"), were starting to draw Percy's attention.

The Weasleys were one of the poorer families in the Wizarding World. They never lacked for food however. Nor did they lack for family warmth. Another thing that Percy realized he took for granted. Now that he had been seeing the signs, he was able to draw a few conclusions when it came to Harry.

He was starting to not like them.

"Ron did not," Percy said. "As Prefect it is my duty to make sure the students are doing well. As Gryffindor Prefect it is my duty to ensure the members of my House are doing well."

"That makes sense. Why don't the other Prefects do that?"

Percy snorted. "I may take my duties…a bit more seriously than the others."

"That's very kind of you."

Percy almost stumbled. No one had ever accused him of being kind before. Strict, yes. A stickler for rules, which was technically like strict, as well. A pompous busy body, he can thank his own family for that one, was painfully accurate. No one had ever thought well of him for doing what he did. Not until now.

"Thank you, Harry. I appreciate you saying so."

They finally arrived at Professor Flitwick's classroom. Before Harry entered Percy cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Also, you are my little brother's friend so I will admit I do want to make sure you are well as much as I can."

Harry smiled. "You're a good big brother. Thank you, Percy." He hesitated and his smile turned impish. "Don't worry, I won't tell Ron or Fred or George."

Percy smiled. "I am grateful to hear it. Off you go Harry."

The Prefect waited for the door to close before he turned and walked away. As he walked he resolved to continue in doing his duty to the best of his ability, especially when it concerned a boy that looked like he could use the help.