It was near the end of the week when Will caught Percy in the Entrance Hall. "Hey," Will said, "did you happen to write home? I forgot all about it because I've been so busy and I thought you might like to tell Mum and Dad yourself."

Percy agreed and wrote a letter that evening.

Dear Mum and Dad,

Things are going really well here, but it's the first week, so nothing is really happening. Will says he's really busy because all his professors are concerned for their Owls next year. I think he'll do fine.

Charlie has a new shadow that likes to talk about Quidditch all the time. The Gryffindor captain thinks the kid will make the team next year, but it's pointless for him to worry about it this year.

I was Sorted into Ravenclaw—

Andromeda set down the letter, her eyes bright with emotion. "I'm so proud of him," she whispered. Arthur smiled and picked up the parchment, continuing to read.

—and I like it. It's quiet, and peaceful, and we have our own library. The others in my dormitory are respectful and Will's friend has been helpful.

Classes are very easy so far, so thank you, Mum, for what you taught us at home. I can't imagine coming here and knowing nothing. I haven't had any difficulties yet, but Will says that will come.

I'll keep you updated on what's happening here.

Your son,

Percy Weasley

Andromeda dabbed her eyes with her sleeve as Arthur hugged her into his side. "He'll be fine," Arthur told her softly.

"I'm so proud of him," she sniffed again. "It's never been easy for him to be different, but he's done something that has made him happy, and—" she had to dab at her eyes again "he'll have his own reputation now, and he's been wanting that—I'm so proud of him."

"Then write and tell him," Arthur told her. "For his eyes only. I'm sure he'd be shy about that."

Andromeda pulled away from her husband and went to find some parchment.

"Ravenclaw?!" Silas said, gaping at his mother. "Really?"

"Don't be so surprised," his twin told him. "Percy's smart: we all know that—even Will says so."

"What did you think he'd get?" Tommy frowned.

Silas shrugged. "Slytherin, maybe," he answered.

Regis disagreed. "He said ages ago that if we were Hufflepuffs, he'd be a Slytherin. He didn't want Slytherin any more than he wanted Gryffindor. I was pretty sure he'd be a Ravenclaw." And he grinned in satisfaction.

"But he tried to say that telling us we'd be in Slytherin wasn't any insult," Sirius said. "If he loves it so much, why didn't he go there?"

"Dora said it wasn't an insult, and I agreed," Regis corrected, no longer paying attention to his food. "If you haven't noticed, Silas, Percy likes peace and quiet. There's not much of that here, and not in Gryffindor or Slytherin. I don't want to be a Gryffindor either."

"You don't mean that," Silas told his twin.

"Yes, I do!" Regis insisted. "Why do you have to be such an arse about it?"

Silas frowned at his twin. "You're the one being the arse."

Elsie giggled. "Regis is the arse! Regis is the—"

"Shut up!" Regis said to his little sister, his hair tingeing red.

"Boys," their mother said sternly, "do not teach your sister words like that. Silas, respect your brother's desires."

"But he's wrong!" Silas protested.

"Was I wrong?" Andromeda asked him, looking him directly in the eyes. "Is Dora wrong? You would do well to remember that your own mother was not a Gryffindor, and never wanted to be."

Silas did not like what she was saying, but recognised her tone and didn't challenge her. As the kids finished breakfast, she asked Regis to stay, and he seemed grateful, but a little nervous.

After everyone else had gone upstairs to play, Andromeda turned to her second youngest son and said quietly, "I don't think he's going to accept your opinion, Regis."

"I know," the nine-year-old sighed. "I think I just need to keep quiet like Percy did. It'll be easier."

Andromeda nodded. "Know what you want, and when it comes time, you'll be able to make a statement."

"He just keeps trying to control me," Regis burst out angrily. "I'm not him—I'm me! I don't want to do everything he does!"

"I've noticed," Andromeda said gently. "I'm trying to work with him, but I want you to know that I'm watching what's going on."

"Thanks," the boy sighed. "I'm happy for Percy. I didn't like him before, but he's okay."

"It takes a lot of courage to stand up for yourself," Andromeda told Regis, "but I know you have it in you."

Regis smiled slightly. "Thanks, Mum," he said again, and she merely smiled and tucked his hair behind his ear.

"Do you need a haircut?" she asked.

"No," he said nervously. "I like it a little longer."

"All right," she replied. "Just keep it somewhat tidy, okay?"

He grinned and nodded, then asked, "May I go now?"

"Yes," she answered, and he hurried to join the others.

"What did Mum want?" Silas asked his twin.

"Oh, she asked if I needed a haircut," Regis chuckled, and blew a piece of hair out of his eyes. "I told her no. I'd just grow it back anyway."

Silas accepted this, and Regis did not mention the talk he'd had with his mother.

"Hey, Percy!"

The first year Weasley looked up at the sound of his oldest brother's voice. "What?" he asked Will. "I'm studying: we have a test in Transfiguration tomorrow."

Will shrugged. "You'll do better than I would even if you didn't study," he said, sitting down at the Ravenclaw table. "Look: they've just announced a Hogsmeade weekend this weekend, so Charlie and Dora and I won't be around."

"Fine," Percy answered, still going over his notes.

"He doesn't need you to help him study, Weasley," Richard Grey smirked at Will from down the table.

"Yeah, piss off, Weasley," came a female voice, and they looked up to see Dora standing there grinning.

Will just laughed at both of them. "I was just telling him we wouldn't be around this weekend. I assume you're going to Hogsmeade too?"

"Sure, but not with you," Dora smirked.

"Well, I surely didn't expect you to hang out with us, Nymphadora," Will retorted.

"Very good," Dora answered. "By the way, Will, did you write Mum this week?"

"No," Will sighed. "I forgot."

"I'll do it," Percy volunteered. "Anything you want to tell her?"

"No, just the usual," Will answered. "You know, Dora misbehaving—"

"Hey!" protested Dora. "It was Charlie, I swear! Besides, Percy, don't do Will's chores."

Will opened his mouth to answer, but Percy was already saying, "I was going to write home anyway. You go have fun."

"Thanks," Will grinned.

"Don't let him tell you what to do," Dora said to Percy. "That's my place."

"I'll hex you both," Percy answered. "Go away: I'm studying."

His older two siblings both laughed at this, but soon walked away, and he continued looking at his notes.

Dear Mum and Dad,

I don't know when Will last wrote. I'm probably going to take over writing most of the time now since they're doing other things.

Charlie's doing good at Quidditch so far this year, and Dora made the Slytherin team, but as a reserve. I think they're being stupid, but what do I know about Quidditch? Most Slytherins are more proud than smart.

Anyway, I just did a Transfiguration test and got the best grade in the year, so I'm happy about that.

Will's doing really good: I think he'll be a prefect next year. Everyone seems to like him—well, almost everyone. I don't understand the strong house rivalry sometimes. It doesn't mean anything

Also, I don't think anyone's mentioned this yet, but our cousin Edward is a Gryffindor the year between me and Charlie. I saw him in the Great Hall the other day, but I keep forgetting to mention it to Will and Charlie.

Anyway, I'll be home for Christmas: I don't know about the others, though.

Sincerely,

Your son,

Percy

Andromeda smiled at Percy's letter, happy to hear from him and glad to know he'd be writing them more. Percy was probably the most honest of all her sons.

"They're not letting Dora play?" Regis was concerned. "Do they even know how good she is?"

"Sure they do, if she made the team," Silas scoffed.

"Percy's right," Regis said firmly. "They're being stupid."

"At least she doesn't have to play against Charlie," said seven-year-old Tommy.

"Who's Edward?" Elsie asked curiously.

"He's your Uncle Cole's oldest son," Andromeda told her daughter.

"The weird one?" Elsie frowned, making her brothers laugh.

"No," Andromeda sighed, "Cole is your father's younger brother."

"How come we never see them anymore?" Silas frowned.

"Because your other uncle is not a good influence, and because we're always busy," Andromeda answered.

Silas rolled his eyes. "He only did that one time, Mum," he said.

She frowned, knowing exactly what he was referring to. "But how many more times will he do it?" she replied. "And why would I expose my children to that?"

"What did he do?" Elsie frowned, trying to remember.

"Never you mind," her mother answered firmly, and Silas laughed, receiving a sharp look.

"Do you think they'll all come home for Christmas?" Regis asked.

"I don't know," Andromeda answered. "We'll see."

"What?" Nymphadora was glaring at her twin in outrage. "You invited him to our home?"

"I thought he could come stay with us for a few days," Will shrugged. "Mum didn't say no."

"I'm staying here then," Dora snapped. "Ronan is too—I might as well."

"Suit yourself," Charlie told her. "Richard's not a bad kid, you know."

Dora stormed away without replying, and Will was left to tell Percy that Dora would be staying at Hogwarts.

Richard was excited to be going home with his friend for the holidays, but was concerned when he heard Will's sister was staying at school. "It's because of me, isn't it?" he said.

Percy slapped down the book he'd been reading and said, "Don't be ridiculous. She's been looking for an excuse to stay at school with Ronan and I'm surprised she hasn't done this before now. You can't blame yourself for what others do." He turned back to his book and started taking notes.

"What are you doing, Percy; we're on break," Charlie groaned.

Percy looked up and raised an eyebrow. "Yet five minutes ago you were passionately discussing Quidditch," he said coolly.

Richard looked at his fellow Ravenclaw. "He's probably studying ahead to stay top of his class. Leave him alone."

"You're top of the class?" Will said to Percy. "You and Charlie, never telling us your accomplishments."

"Yes," Percy answered finally. "It's not a big deal."

"We always knew you were the smart one," Will grinned at his second brother.

"He's very intelligent, even among Ravenclaws," Richard agreed. "It's too stressful for me to attempt holding the top spot."

"Is it really that hard?" Charlie laughed. "You've just got to be better at Transfig than Will—" he laughed harder when Will threw a chocolate frog at him.

"Will's top of Gryffindor for our year," Richard shrugged. "I think I'm fifth in our year, last I checked."

"I am?" Will said in surprise. "Wow. It helps to have smart friends."

Charlie rolled his eyes. "I can't stand you smart kids."

Will laughed, but Percy looked up and said, "You're not badly ranked for Gryffindor, Charlie. I think you're sixth or something."

"Sixth for Gryffindors in his year?" Richard frowned.

"Don't say it," Charlie rolled his eyes again. "I'd rather be playing Quidditch than trying to map a ward I can do without reasoning it all out. I don't need good grades to know how to do magic."

"They're not bad grades," Percy pointed out. "Besides, Dora's about the same in Slytherin. Ronan is actually top of Slytherin."

"I never would have known he's that intelligent," Charlie mused. "He's got 'dumbass' written all over him."

Will burst out laughing, and both Ravenclaws grinned too. "Were his parents smart?" Richard asked.

"No," Charlie scoffed. "They're in Azkaban."

"Mum says they're both smart, but that Bella's too impulsive for her own good," Will answered. "I've heard he takes after his father."

"Good thing," Charlie smirked. "He might get Dora put away for life."

"Ha," Percy said, but gave no explanation of his thoughts.

"By the way," Will said after a moment, "don't say 'Mudblood' in front of Dad and don't swear in front of Mum."

Percy gave both his older brothers a disapproving look. "You'll be fine if you're generally polite," Percy said. "Besides, you're a guest, so you're safe. Mum's the best host."

Will and Charlie nodded fervently. "I can't wait for the Christmas cookies," Charlie said. "Too bad Dora's missing out, but that's her choice."

"Mum will probably send a treat to her anyway," Percy said, finally setting his textbook and parchment aside. "And for Ronan, too."

"Mum's too nice," Charlie huffed.

"You'll think that until someone gets disowned and she still sends them a Christmas package," Will said.

"Does your family disown?" Richard asked curiously. "I've never heard of that happening to a Weasley."

"Not recently, if ever," Percy said. "Because Uncle Billius is a sure candidate. A family embarrassment if we ever had one."

Will started laughing, and Percy said, "It's not funny."

"What happened?" Richard asked, and Will and Charlie began to tell the story.

"Hi, Dad!" Will called, almost falling out of the train car in his haste to get down the steps. "Come on, you two!" He jumped down and heard Richard say, "That's why he's only top of Gryffindor."

"Shut up, Grey," he called, hearing his three companions laughing.

"Welcome," Arthur smiled at his sons, then turned to the brown-haired boy. "You must be Richard."

"I am," the boy answered after being confused for a moment, not having heard his first name in a while. He decided not to correct Mr Weasley into calling him "the Grey Mudblood."

"Well, I'm Arthur Weasley," said Mr Weasley. "Are you ready, boys? Your mother is waiting." He held out his hands to his sons and their friend.

"Oh...apparition?" Richard asked.

"Yeah," Will said, taking his father's hand and reaching for his friend. "Come on, it'll be quick."

Richard took his friend's hand and Arthur disapparated. "Oh," the boy said, rubbing his face when they appeared. "That'll take some getting used to."

"We have apparition lessons in sixth year," Will shrugged. "Two years."

"You're an old man, Will," Charlie said sadly.

"When you get to be my age," Will answered, "you'll still be—"

"—young and learning," Richard interrupted, unsure what Will was going to say.

Will grinned. "You're too kind."

"Will!" Elsie tumbled out of the house and hurled herself at her oldest brother.

"Well hello, Elsie," he laughed, hugging her patiently. The other twins and Tommy show up right then and there was a lot of noise until Mr Weasley ordered everyone inside.

Andromeda smiled at her sons, then at the brown-haired boy. "You're Will's friend?"

"I'm...Richard," the boy said, grinning awkwardly and making Will, Charlie, and Percy laugh.

"Are you sure about that?" Silas asked him.

"I don't usually go by my first name," the boy shrugged. "I haven't heard it in a while."

"How did you meet Will?" Regis asked him. "Class?"

"Nah, I met him when we went to cross the lake," Richard answered. "We talked a little before the sorting, but I wasn't sure what was going to happen because I was sorted to Ravenclaw and I knew he had other plans."

"You could have been a Gryffindor with Will," Silas told him. "The Hat will do whatever you tell it."

"I'm a Mudblood: how am I supposed to know that?" Richard scoffed. "Besides, I'm glad I'm not a—what?" He realised everyone was gaping at him, and even Will and Charlie were wincing.

"We don't use that word in this house," said Mr Weasley kindly, though Andromeda was slightly amused and shot her two oldest sons a knowing look.

Will sighed. "He's known as 'the Grey Mudblood,'" he mouthed the word and his father did not look happy, though his mother raised an eyebrow at this.

"And how did that come to be?" Andromeda asked.

"Some idiot called me that," Richard grinned, "so I took his power away. It's my title now: my surname is Grey. It's not an insult unless you're insulted by it, you know. But the professors don't understand that."

"He got detention for calling himself...that," Will laughed. "McGonagall was horrified, but it was really funny."

Charlie and Percy grinned, both having heard Richard introduce himself several times. "I always say, 'I'm the Grey Mudblood, only slightly filthy,'" Richard shrugged. "Can hardly remember my first name now."

"I don't think that's a habit my children should have," Arthur gave Will, Charlie, and Percy a look.

"I didn't start it," Will and Charlie said together.

"It was that chipmunk kid," Richard added.

"Who?" Andromeda frowned, and her sons started laughing.

"I call Alvin Nott 'the chipmunk kid,'" Richard admitted. "Simply because there's a cartoon called the Chipmunks, and their names are Alvin, Theodore, and Simon."

"Alvin's brother is actually named Theodore," Charlie grinned. "He's Tommy's age."

"Anyway, he didn't like the fact that I was breathing, so he gave me a nickname," Richard smiled contentedly. "And I kept it. Sorry, Mrs Weasley, you must think I'm a terrible influence on your sons."

"Not at all," Charlie teased. "We don't need help."

"Speak for yourself," Percy said to Charlie.

Andromeda simply smiled at Richard. "I remember being at Hogwarts," she said. "Just remember that your friends are supposed to build you up, whether that be you to my sons, or my sons to you. Come eat, boys."

Richard and Will exchanged looks, then went to the table quickly, Charlie and Percy right behind them.

"So, Percy," Arthur began, "tell us how Ravenclaw has been so far."

"Terrible," Percy said. "Never going back."

"What?" Richard said before seeing Will's and Charlie's expressions and realising that Percy was joking. "Merlin, don't scare me like that."

"What's it like?" Regis asked Percy. "Really."

"It's quiet," Percy answered. "And we have our own library, so it's great."

"In case of a late night study attack," Richard grinned. "Too bad we don't have our own kitchen, too."

"You should have been a Hufflepuff," Will shrugged, and Charlie laughed.

"I don't think Hufflepuff would even be close to my alternate house," Richard said thoughtfully.

"Definitely more of a Slytherin," Charlie told the older boy.

"You think?" Richard asked, looking pleased. "I've heard it's difficult for a Mud—for someone like me to be a Slytherin."

"There was one of them in my year at school," Andromeda said, and her sons looked at her in surprise. "The Sorting Hat probably keeps most of them out of Slytherin for their own safety. It's not easy to be in a house that generally doesn't like your people."

"Did you talk to him, Mum?" Will asked curiously.

"Yes, but he's not the same one," Andromeda answered, adding to Richard, "My father sent me away for speaking to a—to another of them."

"Oh, I know," Richard answered, then blushed furiously. "Sorry."

Andromeda raised an eyebrow at this and continued, "I only cautioned the boy in my year about the way of things. I approached him because he was the only Slytherin in my year that I'd never seen or heard of before."

Charlie raised an eyebrow. "Bellatrix didn't outright murder him?"

"She was more careful about evidence back then," Richard joked, but was surprised he only received grins.

"She didn't ever know," Andromeda smirked. "He was very good at hiding his Muggle heritage, and he was a decent duelist. No one picked on him because no one wanted to answer to his wand, and the ones that could, didn't have to."

Richard nodded thoughtfully. "Slytherin is interesting," he said. "How quiet is the Common Room?"

"In my day?" Andromeda frowned. "Usually quiet, but there were times of reckoning, or of quarrels being settled. In house, Slytherins are usually quiet and mind their own business."

"Of course," Will smirked. "What are they going to do? Brag to each other? They already know what's what by the time they get to Hogwarts—if they're worth their magic."

"No need to brawl in the common room like a bunch of Gryffindors," Percy said scornfully.

"You boys aren't participating in fights, are you?" their father asked chidingly.

"No," said Will.

"No one is going to talk shit about Dora to me," Charlie said hotly. "I will put you down like a dog."

"Is that what that was about?" Will said in surprise. "I would have helped—why didn't you just hex him?"

Charlie scowled. "Waste magic on him? No."

"It's generally better to walk away," Arthur began, but Charlie interrupted.

"I know, but it wasn't like that. He needed to be told off, but he wasn't listening," Charlie answered. "We've had no problems with other Gryffindors since."

"A Ravenclaw would never be so crude," Richard said haughtily to Charlie, though with a grin on his face.

"We don't have the time to stay up all night and talk it out," Will told his friend. "We prefer to settle things fast."

"That's why Gryffindors are called barbarians," Richard replied, setting down his fork and taking a drink.

"Barbarians?" Silas scoffed. "Who calls them that, the Slytherins?"

"Every other house, including Hufflepuff," Percy spoke up. "Gryffindors aren't known for being gentle creatures."

"Why would we want to be?" Charlie frowned. "People can say what they want: I don't care."

"Yeah," Silas agreed.

"I assume you're intent on Gryffindor?" Richard asked him. "When do you start Hogwarts?"

"Year after next," Silas answered. "And Regis too." Regis gave their guest a look, and Richard knew better than to ask Regis about his house preference.

Andromeda got to her feet and brought over dessert, which cut off conversation until Will and Charlie were upstairs in their room, showing Richard where he would sleep.

"You're an idiot," Charlie told Richard, and he rolled his eyes.

"Hey, it's not my fault some wizards are triggered by things that are not their problem," Richard pointed out, then looked around the room. "Nice," he said about Charlie's Quidditch posters.

"It's probably not as clean as your room, but hey, what do you expect out of barbarians," Will grinned.

Richard laughed and sat down on the third bed. "How many rooms does your house have?"

"Mum and Dad's, ours, Percy's, the other twins', Dora's, and Elsie's," Will counted out. "Tommy sleeps in the attic: we were all moved around just before I went to school."

"Percy used to be with us, but Mum insisted that he have his own room," Charlie said. "I think he and Dora need more space than the rest of us."

"And Regis," Will added. "I'm worried about him."

"Me too!" Charlie said. "And so is Dora. Silas won't listen to his own twin: Regis changed a lot when Mum cursed them when they were teasing Percy about his glasses. He's better now...different."

Will went to the door and opened it. "You don't have to eavesdrop, Perce."

"I wasn't," Percy huffed. "I just got here and was about to knock. Tommy and Silas won't leave me alone. I think the next one of us to stay at Hogwarts will be me."

"Why? Don't let them in your room," Charlie answered.

"I forgot that they're not as respectful as my housemates," Percy sighed. "I didn't ward the room or lock the door, and they didn't knock."

"Kick them out," Charlie shrugged. "Want me to?"

"No," Percy said quickly. "I just told them I was going to the bathroom."

"You left them with your things?" Will raised an eyebrow.

"It's all warded," Percy answered, looking unhappy. "Someone stayed in my room, and there are stupid posters and pictures up now."

"Take them down," Will encouraged. "It's your room."

"I can't with them in there," Percy said in frustration.

"Mum knows better—she would not let them put those up," Will said. "They can't complain."

"I'll do it tonight," sighed the younger brother.

"I'll go send them on their way," Will said, moving toward the door.

"No, I don't want to—"

"Don't let them in here," Will answered, giving Charlie and Richard a sharp look. "I'll be back."

Percy looked worried as Will hurried off and Charlie said, "It'll be fine, Percy. Will's good with annoying kids." Percy wanted to say something else, but held back because Richard was there.

Will was back soon enough and said, "They're not in your room anymore, so it's safe. I locked it to you."

"Fine, thanks," Percy sighed, truly grateful, but still worried.

"Tough being an actual Ravenclaw in a family of mostly Gryffindors?" Richard sympathised.

Percy nodded, taking Will's offered Arithmancy book from him. "Mum says I'm more like her, but she was a Slytherin, so I don't understand what she means by that."

"She likes peace and quiet too," Charlie said. "When I was younger, she'd put Dora and me to sleep if we made too much of a fuss for her. I think Silas and Tommy annoy her too—she's just better at hiding it now."

"Mum likes to be in control of everything too, but I think with eight kids, she's realised that's not realistic," Will shrugged. "Something's always happening."

"I'm not having eight kids," Percy said firmly. "I don't see how that's beneficial to anyone."

"Me either," Charlie agreed, less fervently.

Will simply nodded. "I don't know how Mum and Dad manage the chaos."

Percy went to the corner and sat down with Will's Arithmancy text, barely hearing the rest of the conversation before bedtime. He said his goodnights, went to his room and began to tear all the ugly posters off his wall and put them in a neat pile. He set them on fire and watched with interest as they shriveled up and began to disappear.

Someone knocked on the door and he scowled at the door before hearing his mother's voice. "Percy, are you okay?"

He quickly put out the flames and vanished the rest of the mess before opening the door. "I'm fine, Mum," he yawned, pretending to be sleepy.

"Several of us could smell smoke," she said. "Did something happen?"

"I burned some evidence," Percy told her, and she almost laughed. "Someone put posters on my wall."

"Ah," said his mother. "Regis was using your room as a hideout while you were gone. I let him into the ward. I'm sorry that he put those up."

"Oh." Percy frowned. "It's okay if he wants to be in here...but the posters are gone now."

"All right," she answered. "May I clean the air in your room? Smoke isn't good for you."

He allowed her to do so, and then she tucked him back into bed. "I'm really proud of you," she smiled at him. "My Ravenclaw son."

"I'm top of my class so far," he smiled eagerly. "But it's too soon to know if I'll be best in the year yet."

"Percy, that's really good!" his mother said, and he could have sworn there were tears in her eyes.

"Only Will and Charlie know, because Richard told them," Percy told her, a warm, comfortable feeling spreading through him as she touched his hand.

"May I tell your father?" she asked him, and he nodded, squeezing her hand in return. "I love you," she said, kissing his forehead. "I'm so proud of you. Good night."

"Good night," he murmured, and when she left, he was the happiest he'd been in a long time.