England South London
If you'd asked Septima Vector what she'd expected by becoming a regular faculty member of the prestigious school of magic that Hogwarts pried itself on being. Scouting new students was not the first thing she would say.
But that's what she was doing nonetheless. Normally Professor McGonagall was the one that went and did the job of introducing new students to the magical world. But it seems that this year is going to be a busy one, so when the Transfiguration's professor asked her for help in this matter, she said yes eagerly wanting to prove to herself and the faculty staff that she could undertake this sort of task
But if she was honest with herself she was doubting this task more and more the closer she got to her destination. She looked at the Hogwarts letter she was carrying once more. The letter was addressed to one Perseus Nyx. Who currently resided on the lowest floor of a local orphanage if the letter was to be believed
She wondered what, or rather who was expecting her ahead inside the orphanage. She was an experienced witch, maybe not the best academically but you didn't get to be the Arithmancy Professor at Hogwarts without good instincts.
And right now all her instincts told her to be wary and keep her guard up. She arrived at the entrance of the orphanage and looked down. She was glad she kept with muggle customs, this was a populated part of London and there was no way her faculty member would stay inauspicious with their style of clothing
She managed to grab a formal blue suit, an appropriate outfit for the task ahead. She rang the doorbell and waited a few moments to be attended. After a few minutes of waiting the door in front of her was opened and there an older woman with tired eyes was looking at her with irritation
"Yes? What do you want?" The clear matron of the place asked irritated and Septima tried hard not to take offense
"I'm here looking for one Perseus Nyx. It is to my understanding that he resides here, true?" She asked rhetorically making note of the physical language of the Matron
The Matron of the orphanage went from annoyed to burning rage and hatred in an instant and Septima had to try hard to hide her shock and confusion while keeping her attention on the Matron's words "That little freak? Why would anyone look for him?" She asked and Septima frowned at those words but decided not to inquire and just answered the question
"He has been accepted at the school I work on, and I'm here to discuss the next steps further," She said and the Matron snorted
"Well your school will regret that mark my words," The Matron said "I'll take you to the freak either way, maybe you'll take him out of my sight, permanently," She said as she led Septima inside through the halls of the orphanage
It was rather lonely she noted. A lot different from the endless sea of children that regularly filled the halls of Hogwarts. Still, she could hear the voices of children outside playing and wondered why the Matron wasn't taking her there.
Then after a while, they got to the bottom floor which only held one room. She was confused because she couldn't comprehend why anyone would put someone in what seemed to be the basement
The Matron banged on the door hard before opening the door abruptly "Freak, you have visitors," The matron said as Septima entered the room, although room wouldn't be the word she used to describe it
It was a storage unit, plain and simple. Even if had a bed and a drawer, broken and useless ones at that, words couldn't even begin to describe what a dump this "room" was
But she decided to stop her concern about the state of this room and focused her attention on the thirteen-year-old boy who was currently sitting on top of his bed looking at her in curiosity
She frowned noticing the rough set of clothes he was currently wearing, his dirty grey shirt which was covered by a dark hoodie opened in the middle with the zipper nowhere to be found. Dark grey jeans ripped on the knee and a pair of white sneakers filled with dust and dirt
"I'll leave you two alone," The Matron said and then glared at the kid "No funny business or demonic tricks, you hear me freak!" She said leaving the room and closing the door behind her
Septima still had her brow in a frown but now she was starting to figure out why the Matron treated the young kid this way her thoughts were interrupted by the child's voice
"I'm sorry if her attitude disrespected you ma'am, she can be a little... crude," The child said and Septima snorted as she leaned on the desk while looking up and down at the kid
He was a little bit skinny and scrawny but he didn't look unhealthy so that was a relief. He had pale white skin a sign that he didn't go outside much but the most prominent features were his silver white unruly short hair and his deep lilac-colored eyes that were holding a great quantity of magic energy back.
"It's fine. There're a few people I know that have a similar attitude as her," She said her mind picturing a certain greasy man with a stick up his ass
"My condolences then," Percy said with a little cheek and she gave her an amused smirk "Well I'd invite you to make yourself comfortable, but alas I lack the furniture to do so, my apologies." He said as he pointed at the lack of chairs or couches in the room
"Don't worry, my visit doesn't require me to stay here for long, either of us for that matter," She said cryptically, Percy raised an eyebrow showing his curiosity at her but didn't say anything waiting for her to continue
"First of all, you are Perseus Nyx am I correct?" Septima asked and Percy nodded his head
"Just Percy, please. Perseus is what they call me when they want to punish me." He said. Septima nodded in understanding taking a mental note to inquire later what those punishments exactly were
"Well Percy, my name is Professor Septima Vector and I'm here on behalf of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," Septima said, and just as she expected Percy's eyes went from curiosity to confusion in an instant
"Witchcraft and Wizardry? Are you part of the Renaissance fair of something?" He asked in confusion tilting his head and Septima snorted
"No, I'm not. But sometimes it feels like that," She said and then walked forward before crouching to look him straight in the eye "Tell me if this sounds familiar. Things that cannot be explained normally, paranormal or unnatural things. They tend to happen around you very often, am I correct?" She asked and Percy frowned and looked at his hands thinking for a second
"They do, but that's just because I'm a freak, just like the matron says," He said and she frowned at his lack of self-respect. Most likely because of all these years of mistreatment, but if she was to help him she needed more information.
"Can you tell me what sort of things?" She asked and noticed his uncertainty and refusal to speak further "I promise you I won't think you're a freak," She reassured him. Percy took a deep breath in and looked at her eyes
"It started a few years back. I was being chased around by some of the older kids around the park area. And I wanted to be safe and secure, suddenly I found myself in here." Percy explains and Septima manages to hide her shock very quickly to prevent any discomfort on the child
"Accidental apparition, that's very impressive," She thought as she continued listening to the kid
"Also, there's a library here. It's not too big but there are some books the Matron doesn't let me read. And there was one book I wanted to read but I couldn't get it. Then later that night, it suddenly appeared on my bed." Percy said and Septima nodded in understanding. Her face had a calm expression and didn't betray any emotions.
But in her head thoughts were racing fast, she was trying to figure out how someone so young had such magical accidents so focused and with a clear purpose but her thoughts were interrupted when she saw the kid making one of the books float towards her
"And also this," He said as her eyes winded in shock and surprise while slowly putting her hands in front of her. "I saw this in one movie and when I found I could do it, I just kept doing it. Till it became second nature." He said dropping the book on her hands
She looked at the book shock still in her mind, and she was so lost in her thoughts that she almost didn't hear his next question
"Do you know why can I do this? Or what "this" is?" He asked and she looked up putting the book back on the bed
"Magic, wandless magic to be precise. Not something a kid could or should be able to do which is very impressive," She said and Percy raised an eyebrow at her showing his confusion still
"Magic? You're kidding right?" He asked with a slightly sarcastic tone in his voice. He didn't believe her, not really. Out-of-the-ordinary things happened all the time around him, but magic couldn't be real.
And as if she was reading his mind she answered him "Yes magic is very real Percy, here let me show you." She said as she took a wooden stick out and Percy looked at it in curiosity
She did some sort of movements and then pointed the front end of the stick to the book she set aside. Suddenly the book transformed into a small chair and she levitated to the ground. Percy jumped out of the bed in shock and stared at the chair in amazement
"How?" Percy asked amazement present in his voice as Septima looked at him in amusement.
"Magic, simple as that Percy," She said as he looked at her with bright amazement "I'm a witch that's why I'm able to do these things. And so will you in some near future." She said and Percy tilted his head
"I will?" He asked in excitement and she nodded her head while taking the letter addressed to him out
"You will, you're a wizard after all," She said and handed him the letter
He looked down at the letter curiosity filled his eyes as he slowly but surely started opening it.
"Dear Mr. Nyx, we're pleased to inform you that you've been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," Percy read out loud and then looked at the professor in curiosity
"So it's real, you weren't joking," Percy said taking a seat back on the bed his mind racing finally able to find an explanation for the things that happened all around him
"Yes, I wasn't joking," She said giving Percy a moment to gather himself
"This explains so much," Percy said to himself as he rubbed his face getting rid of the tiredness he had experienced but then he blinked remembering something else entirely "Does this mean that those dreams are also because of Magic?" Percy asked and the Professor raised an eyebrow in confusion
"Dreams?" Professor Vector asked and Percy nodded "Can you describe these dreams to me?" She asked and Percy hummed trying to remember
"Well, they come and go. But there are two usual ones. The first one, I see myself standing in the middle of a big medieval-style town. And every single building is glowing in a bright white color. And ahead of me is this bright tall castle that keeps calling me, to get closer and get in. Behind that castle, a gigantic white oak stands there as its leaves fall all around me, and then I wake up." He explained and Septima frowned in deep thought
"Well, I'm sorry but I don't have dreams like that." She said and Percy became downcast at that revelation but she didn't let that sentiment stick "But maybe you're a bit of a seer or have seer blood in you," She said and Percy tilted his head
"What's a seer?" He asked in curiosity and Septima hummed
"Well, it is complicated to explain. But in a sense, seers can see visions of the future or visages of certain things. But is not my forte, I'm sorry." She said and Percy shook his head
"Don't worry, maybe now that I know what it's called, I can search for it later." He said and she gave him a small reassuring smile
"That's the spirit." She said and then looked at him again "And the second dream?" She asked and Percy looked down
"I dream of a woman. A woman older than me with the same white hair and colored eyes as me. She's carrying me in her arms and singing a lullaby to me. The lullaby never ends it keeps repeating itself. And at the end, she says," Percy said taking a moment to center himself "She says that everything will be fine and that she loves me. And the dream ends." He explained and Septima sighed and put a hand on his shoulder
"That one I do know what it means," She said and Percy looked up instantly at the chance of an explanation "The Matron hasn't told you who your parents were?" She asked Percy shook his head and she bit down the groan of annoyance that threatened to leave her throat
"Well, I don't know who your father is. I think he was on the light side of the war but I don't know," She said and Percy frowned in confusion
"The war?" He asked in confusion and Septima sighed once more
"Right, you don't know. I'll explain that later." Septima said and Percy nodded in understanding "But your mother. Oh, that one I knew quite well." She said as she took a seat on the chair she made
"It was my last year at Hogwarts, and I was made Head girl. Me and my partner, the Head Boy. We've always had problems with one set of group first-year students. My partner always had to keep an eye out for a group of pranksters called the Marauders. They broke havoc every chance they could." She said and Percy snorted in amusement
"They sound like fun." He said chuckling and the professor snorted
"They were. They could drive any authoritative figure insane, my partner included." She said in amusement "But while my partner handled them. I had the job to stop two bright witches, who were very competitive, from killing each other." She said and Percy tilted his head in curiosity
"One of these witches was your mother, Emilia Nicole Nyx. A bright young Ravenclaw witch who always finished top 3 in tests and exams according to the rest of the staff. She had a drive and intelligence behind her and the only one who could match it was Lily Potter Nee Evans the other witch I had to watch out for. They hated each other at first but then became very good friends according to Professor McGonagall." She explained and Percy looked down in deep thought
"So, my mom's name was Emilia?" He asked in curiosity and she nodded
"Yes, the young Heir of the Most Noble and Ancient House Nyx. A pureblood witch at that." She said and noticed the whole confusion on Percy's face and she sighed in irritation "Right, I suppose I should explain what all of that meant." She said but before she went on with the explanation she moved her wand and looked at it in deep focus
"But that will have to wait. Our time is short and we should get moving to buy your school supplies." She said standing up but before they could leave Percy asked her one more thing
"Wait," He said as Septima looked back at him "My mother. What happened to her? Is she alive?" He asked curiosity and despair filling his voice as the professor looked down at him in sympathy
"I'm sorry that I have to tell you this," She said and Percy's eyes winded "She died twelve years ago, one of the many victims that fell thanks to the Death Eaters." She said as she walked to the door leaving a frozen Percy behind her
"Come on, I can explain more on the way," She said and Percy too eager to get some answers quickly fixed his clothes and ran behind the professor
Sometime later Leaky Cauldron
Professor Vector and Percy had arrived at the bar leading to Diagon Alley. Percy was waiting next to the Professor who was touching several bricks in a rhythmic pattern
"So, an evil wizard started a war to kill all non-magical people." Percy started saying trying to get a recap of everything he had learned
"Muggles and muggle-born people yes," She clarified and Percy crossed his arms
"And people followed him, what did you call them, blood purists?" He asked and Septima gave him a nod "And you call them the dark side. While a light side gather itself to fight back, did I get that right?" He asked as Septima looked down at him
"More or less," Septima said and Percy crossed his arms and frowned in deep thought
"That doesn't make sense," Percy said and Septima stopped what he was doing and looked at Percy in curiosity
"Oh, how so?" She inquired trying to see what kind of thoughts the young boy had in his head
"Well, it sounds too fictional to me. Light side vs Dark side and all of that," He said and then looked up at the professor "The world isn't one-dimensional like that. Good people can make bad decisions and bad people sometimes can do good and redeem themselves. It's a grey moral world, where you can fall on either side very easily." Percy explained and Septima smiled at him, proud at those words
"That's a very impressive view of things. A very wise one if I say so myself." Septima said and Percy blushed in embarrassment at the praise she gave him "May I ask where these views came from?" She asked and Percy looked at her his blush calming down
"My books." He said and continued explaining when he noticed she didn't understand him fully "The most compelling characters are the ones who are flawed but still rise to the occasion. Grey characters who choose to do good." He said and Septima smiled at him and put a hand on his shoulder
"That's very wise of you. But listen to me closely Percy," she said crouching to his eye level "This wizarding world. Especially in Hogwarts. They still believe in this one-dimensional view. It may be hard for your views to exist so be careful okay?" She explained and Percy gave her a sharp nod
"I understand. I'll be careful." He said and she smiled and nodded as she continued opening the doorway into the alley
Percy had a lot on his mind but those thoughts were interrupted when the brick wall opened up. His bright lilac eyes grew big in amazement as his vision was hit with all the different bright colors surrounding the alley
It was an outlet for different magic shops. Filled with a sea of different people. And for someone who has spent most of his life locked in a basement room, this was a fully new experience
"Come on," Septima said leading Percy forward and bringing him back to the real world "We need to go to Gringotts and visit your family's vault." She said as she led him towards the end of the alley
Midway through their journey, as Percy looked around in wonder and amazement, he felt someone or something bumping into him, and that made him turn around
"I'm sorry, I wasn't looking forward." Percy heard a soft and weak voice say and he saw a small skinny boy with green emerald eyes hiding behind a pair of glasses and a lightning bolt scar that was hidden behind messy black hair staring at him in worry and embarrassment
"It's okay. I wasn't looking forward either." Percy said noticing a book on the ground and figuring it was part of the ones he was carrying in his cart "Here, I think this is yours." Percy said crouching down and handing the book to the boy in front of him
"Thank you, this is very incredible isn't it?" He asked rhetorically and Percy snorted and nodded feeling the same way "I'm Harry, by the way, nice to meet you," The boy said putting a hand forward
"Percy, pleasure," He said shaking his hand, and then he heard Septima clearing his throat "Um, I have to go. I hope to see Harry," He said, and as the other boy nodded
"Me too, see you later Percy," Harry said as they both walked away in opposite directions. And even if they both shared the same sentiment to meet up later. Circumstances would prevent that for both parties. But when they did meet in the future, it set a change that the wizard world wasn't prepared for.
Gringotts
Percy had gotten separated from Septima once they got to a clerk goblin. The goblins have been waiting a very long time for the Heir of the Nyx Family and need to resolve some things with Percy alone.
So the little kid was waiting in the office of Ragnar, the goblin in charge of his family's vaults, for the goblin to come here.
He was looking around in curiosity. He looked at the trophies and hunting memoirs of the goblin and the only thing that came to mind was that this wasn't a bank office but more like a hunter's lair.
But his musing was interrupted once he saw the small older goblin entering the room "Greetings Heir Nyx, sorry for keeping you waiting there were a lot of documents I needed to get," He said as Percy noticed the goblin carrying a bunch of documents and on top of it he also had a bowl and a dagger there
"It's okay I didn't wait long," Percy said as the goblin took a seat in front of him behind his desk "I was looking at your trophies in the meantime. You are a warrior sir?" He asked in curiosity and the goblin looked up confused as if perhaps this was the first time a wizard asked him that question
"I am. Is there a problem with that?" Ragnar asked and Percy shook his head no
"No, not at all. It seems fitting." Percy said as the goblin tilted his head in curiosity "You share the name with the Nordic Apocalyptic legend. When I heard the name Ragnar, this is what I picture." Percy said and he could almost see the beginning of a smile on the goblin's face before he turned serious once more.
"Well thank you for your words, young wizard. But let's get to business." Ragnar said as he fixed the documents below him "I'll be honest, this type of procedure is not regularly done here on Gringotts unless it is asked for." Ragnar said as Percy tilted his head in curiosity
"But the Nyx family has always been good and fair to use and your mother pays contingencies in advance if certain requirements were met," Ragnar said and Percy frowned in deep curiosity
"What kind of requirements?" Percy asked and Ragnar looked him in the eye
"Well, there was a bunch of clauses set. But the main one was to be if you entered the wizard world without knowing anything about your family. Or if no one was there to explain it to you." Ragnar said "Which seems to be the case," He noted as Percy blushed a little in embarrassment. He didn't like being out of depth here
"I can see that not knowing bothers you but the explaining will come from someone else later on. That's the way it was agreed on," He explained and Percy sighed but nodded nonetheless "I can tell you this though. Your family's house is different from a lot of the other houses. In a completely different manner so make sure to keep an open mind." The goblin explained
"That's cryptic but I guess I can understand," Percy said and the goblin nodded while pushing the bowl forward
"Now, there's one more thing I require of you before we go to your family vault." Ragnar said as Percy took the bowl and dagger in confusion "Some of the houses we guard for one reason or another can suddenly find themselves on the brink of extinction. So to prevent that we place several runes that search potential heirs for heirless houses that activate once a potential heir enters Gringotts," Ragnar explained and Percy looked up following the tread of what the goblin was explaining
"So, I activated some of these runes? I'm a potential heir of some houses?" Percy asked and the goblin nodded his head "Which ones?" He asked in curiosity and the goblin sighed
"I could tell you but," Ragnar said as the kid looked at him confused "This is your first experience with the wizard world, am I correct?" He asked as Percy nodded his head
"Correct," He said as the goblin leaned back on his seat
"So if I could give you some advice. This whole new experience in itself can be very overwhelming," Ragnar said and Percy couldn't find anything wrong with that statement. He'd been only in this world for over an hour and already had been bombarded with a lot, and I mean, a lot of information.
"And this topic. The potential Heir business that is. It's something people get prepared all their childhood for this." Ragnar said as Percy raised an eyebrow in curiosity "So to not overwhelm you, I'll keep this information hidden till it is required. Fair?" He asked and Percy sighed
"If you believe that's wise then I'll follow your advice," Percy said and then grabbed the bowl and dagger under the proud stare of the goblin. As Ragnar felt satisfied that the young wizard had followed his advice "So what do I do with this?" Percy asked
"Cut the palm of your hand and let a few drops of blood on the bowl and I'll take it away for further examination," Ragnar said as Percy nodded and put the bowl in front of him
He took a breath in and drew a cut on his left palm. Then he tightened his palm in a fist and let a few drops of blood fall into the bowl till the goblin stopped him
"That's enough," Ragnar said as Percy put the bowl back on top of the desk. Then the goblin, while taking the bowl into his hands, moved his wand around as a bandage wrapped around his hand putting pressure on his cut
"Well done," Ragnar said as he touched the bowl with the tip of his wand and made it disappear. Probably to be further tests Percy thought. "Okay then, let's keep moving along. Here take this." The goblin said giving Percy a small purple box
"What is it?" Percy asked opening the box
Inside he found a silver shiny ring with a small emblem right in the middle of it. This emblem was a black Raven standing on top of a wooden bow with a ruby-red eye shining bright. Below the emblem, a legend was written here in the old Latin language which read "Noctu supervivimus," Witch meant "In the night we survive," In English. And this ring was attached to a silver chain making it a necklace.
He took it out and rubbed his thumb along the emblem and he was so wrapped up in looking at the ring that he almost missed the explanation given by Ragnar "This is the Nyx family's ring. A sign that shows who the Lord of House Nyx is. And it's yours now," Ragnar said as Percy looked up with wide eyes
"It's mine now?" Percy asked shock filling his voice as the goblin hummed and tilted his head
"Well it is but you're not the lord. You're still the heir of your family's house and will become lord when you are recognized as an adult in the eyes of magic." Ragnar said cryptically and Percy took a mental note of that choice of words
"But it is yours nonetheless. And you'll need it for what's next." Ragnar said standing from his seat and walking towards the door of the office "Come on young wizard. We have places to visit." The goblin said as Percy blinked his confusion away and moved out of his chair putting the necklace around his neck in the process.
Ragnar had led the young heir down the vaults, the Nyx family's vault specifically. Right now Percy was on the ground on his knees trying to bite his vomit down. He could hear the amused chuckles that Ragnar was letting out.
"Come on young lording," Ragnar said as Percy managed to stand up and follow the goblin forward
Percy shook his head getting rid of his dizziness and then started looking around. The road ahead was very simple. It was a cave that kept going word with several waterfalls sounds behind Percy rang out. Then ahead of them was a shining white light that kept growing the more the approach further
"This is as far as I go. Good luck young lord." Ragnar said as Percy looked down at the goblin in confusion "And don't forget to use your family's ring," Ragnar said adding to his confusion
But decided not to investigate further and just kept walking forward towards the shining light. Then after a while, he reached the end of the track and faced an arc of white mist
He touched the mist and felt a barrier preventing him from crossing forward. Then he remembered the words of the goblin and moved his ring forward as the mist started dissipating and letting him go through
And it was as if he was teleported to a different place altogether. The walls were painted in a bright white color. Six lilac-colored banners were hanging around the walls, two on the left wall, two on the right wall, and two in the wall ahead of him.
The banners also had a silver emblem at the end of the banners. And all around the walls were filled with endless bookshelves of books of all kinds. On the floor around him, he could find several treasure chests with gems and magic items.
But all the treasure was set in a way that left a hallway for Percy to walk forward and he did as he saw a portrait ahead hanging in front of a white oak hand drawing on the wall.
Then his ears started picking a pair of voices ahead and he lifted his head to try and hear better "Wake up darling. It seems we have a visitor." A soft female voice with a strong British accent hit his ears as he almost reached the end of the hallway
"I'm awake dear no need to push me," Percy heard a male voice say as he reached the end of the hallway and stood in front of the portrait. He looked around trying to find where the voices came from
"Up here lad," He heard the male voice coming from the portrait. Percy looked up in confusion and found that the people in the portrait were looking down at him
On the right of the portrait stood a man with white silver short hair. The same color as Percy's one. He had a small beard on his face and he had a pair of glasses covering his eyes. He wore a blue formal coat that reached his ankles and also this coat had golden buttons in the middle. Below the coat, he had a white formal shirt and a pair of light brown pants wrapped behind a pair of black boots. The outfit screamed royalty and excellence.
Then at the left of the portrait stood a beautiful woman with tan skin and pointy ears. Percy figured that she was an elf as she had the same features as all those fantasy books he read. She also wore a formal ballroom-style blue dress with several silver jewelry around her fingers and neck.
But the thing he noticed was that both shared one distinct feature with Percy. Both have the same lilac-colored eyes as him.
Percy was staring at the portrait in confusion and with big wide eyes especially since the couple were standing in front of the window and Percy could catch glances of the same white oak that plagued his dreams very often.
"Is he in shock or something?" The man asked his partner as the woman sighed and swatted his arm
"Give him a second darling. This is clearly his first time seeing a magical portrait," The woman said glaring at the man before looking at the kid with kind eyes "Am I right dear?" She asked as Percy kept looking at them without words
Then he gulped his shock down and cleared his throat before talking "Yeah this is my first time um… hi? Are you trapped in that painting or something?" Percy asked in curiosity making the man snort a little
"Not quite lad. This is a custom amongst magical people." The man explained as the child listened closely to him "Before they die they commission a painting of themselves and after they die. All their knowledge and sentiments wake up in the painting. You could say that they put a bit of their souls on the painting." The man explained and Percy's eyes winded in wonder at the explanation of new magic
"That's so cool." He said and the woman chuckled lightly at him
"Leaving this aside. Dear, can you tell us your name? We have an idea of who you are but we need to be sure," The woman said as Percy moved his eyes to look at her
"Oh right, my name is Perseus Nyx, a pleasure to meet you." He said nodding his head at both since he could not shake their hands
Then he got a bit confused when both adults looked at him with slight pity in their eyes "So, Emilia's worries proved true in the end." The man said sounding defeated as Percy looked at them in confusion
"Emilia? What does this have to do with my mother?" Percy asked in confusion as the woman looked down at him
"Your mother came to visit us twelve, thirteen years ago give or take," The woman said as the kid looked at her "She had concerns that something may happened to her and you. So we came up with a plan in case she wasn't here for you." The woman explained and Percy looked at them confusion present in his eyes
"Who are you people?" He asked trying to find some kind of answer as the man cleared his throat
"My name is Percival de Rolo the III," The man introduced himself and then looked at the woman next to him
"And I'm Vex'ahlia. And we're the founders of the house Nyx. You're ancestors." She said as Percy sucked a gasp of breath. Never in his wildest dreams would he imagine meeting his ancestors but his shock was broken very quickly as Percival continued talking
"And we have a lot to discuss lad, and not a lot of time," Percival said seriously as the young kid gulped once more before narrowing his eyes and turning seriously
Sometime later
Not a lot of time. That's what Percival had said and that was a bit of an understatement. He couldn't spend all day stuck in the vault speaking with his ancestors. Not when Professor Vector was waiting for him outside.
So they caught up briefly with Percy's life and made a plan to meet up later. But for now, Vex and Percival told him to focus on his business and Diagon Alley.
So following Professor Vector's advice to get the tedious things out of the bat first. So, after buying all the books he needed and cauldron materials for potions class. Which still had his mind blown. He was currently inside Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions shop being measured for his school uniform and several formal robe outfits to wear for other occasions
He was standing at the podium as one of the store's clerks started taking his measurements with a magic tape. It was in the middle of the process when a sweet scent of vanilla invaded his nose
He looked to the right where the scent came from and there he saw a view that he would later describe as a view that made him question what true beauty was.
There a girl his age was steeping on a podium herself. She had long smooth blond hair that reached her upper back. She had white almost pale smooth skin and she was dressed in what could be described as a prideful lady's outfit
But the thing that took Percy's breath away were her icy blue eyes which seemed to have such a spark and interest for everything around them. But alas his daydreaming was interrupted when she narrowed her eyes at him
He turned his head around with a slight blush on his face trying hard to avoid her stare. Time passed as both kids got measured for their robes till both clerks that were attending them left to get each respective robes
"Do I have something on my face or my hair?" Percy heard the girl asking him so he turned around confusion in his eyes
"Um, what?" Percy asked confused
"Do I have something on me? Or why do you keep staring at me?" The girl asked with narrowed eyes as Percy raised his hands in a peaceful manner
"Oh, I'm sorry if I offended you," Percy said as he stepped off the podium "It's just that this is the first time that I have seen such beauty and it caught me by surprise," Percy said as the girl stepped down the podium
"Do you think being chivalrous would work?" The girl asked with a raised eyebrow and a sarcastic tone in her voice "It's a very interesting strategy," The girl said and Percy tilted his head
"It is not a strategy my lady. It is the truth, at least in my eyes." Percy said and noticed a small red color adorning the cheeks of the girl
Then he saw the girl putting her hand in front of her "Daphne Greengrass, Heiress to the Most Ancient and Most Noble House Greengrass." She said cordially introducing herself
And thanks to the pureblood crash course that Vex and Percival had given to him. He knew how to respond to her. "Perseus Nyx, Heir to the Most Ancient and Noble house Nyx. It is my pleasure to meet you, my lady." He said grabbing her hand and then giving a light kiss on her knuckles
"Huh? Seems like you do have manners. Color me impressed," She said with mirth in her voice as Percy let go of her hand
"I'm glad I'm able to do so, my lady," Percy said with a small smirk on his face "So, are you a first-year also?" He asked furthering the conversation forward and trying to learn more about the girl in front of him at the same time
"That it's correct." Daphne said looking up at him "I have to admit that I find myself excited." She said as Percy tilted his head
"How so?" He asked in curiosity and she hummed
"Well, my father has always been very vocal about his years at Hogwarts. The best years of his life he says. So I can't help but feel excited. You know?" She said and Percy nodded in understanding
"I get how you feel," Percy said as he looked outside the window "There's a whole world to be discovered. Excitement is the perfect word to describe it," He said looking back at the girl
Daphne gave him a small smile showing him that she agreed and liked his words. She was about to continue talking but then a deep male voice interrupted both
"Wise words young man," Percy turned to his right where the voice came from, and saw an older man with the same blond hair as Daphne but he had a short crew cut style of hair. He also had a dark green formal wear outfit that screamed money. Percy didn't have to think twice to realize that this was Daphne's father, although the following confirmation from her did help.
"Father," Daphne said cordially and the man looked down at her and let out a defeated sigh
"There you go again with the formality. Where did the days when you called me daddy go?" Daphne's father said tiredly as his daughter's cheek gained a red color a clear sign she got a bit embarrassed by his words "Such a shame. What would I give to hear you ask me to give you a piggyback ride once more," The old man said as Percy saw Daphne turning red in embarrassment and fight back the chuckle that grew in his throat
"Father we're not alone!" Daphne said embarrassed as the older man looked at Percy
"So it seems." Daphne's father said as he put a hand forward "Greetings lad, I'm Cyrus Greengrass, Lord of House Greengrass." Cyrus said as Percy took his hand and shook it
"I'm Perseus Nyx, Heir of House Nyx. A pleasure to meet you, my lord." Percy said shaking the hand of the older man's hand
"Nyx huh? It's been a while since I heard that name." Cyrus said letting go of the kid's hand "You should visit us at Greengrass Manor sometime. My wife and your mother were close friends, she would love to meet you sometime." Cyrus said as Percy looked up at him in confusion
"She was?" He asked as the man nodded his head "Then it'll be my pleasure. The more I can find about her the better." Percy said and the man gave him a smile
"Good," Cyrus said simply and then turned towards Daphne "I'm sorry to cut this short but we still have other shops to visit, come along sweet daughter of mine," Cyrus said as Daphne groaned and then looked at Percy once again
"Goodbye Perseus, it was a pleasure," Daphne said and Percy looked at her and gave her a small smile.
"The pleasure was mine, my lady. I'll look forward to the day we meet again," He said smiling and with a small tilting of his head
Daphne gave him a small smile with some redness on her cheeks. She was led away by her father who was looking at her amused "Quite a charmer isn't he?" Cyrus whispered to her daughter amused and she gave him a small icy glare
"Father, please stop." She said tired and gave Percy a final glance before both left the store
Percy watched them leave with a small on his face. So far he had met two people close to his age and he felt thrilled. After all those years alone in the orphanage, this was becoming a very nice improvement and he couldn't wait to enter Hogwarts and meet more potential friends.
Alas, not every dream could be granted that easily. And this particular dream would be one that wouldn't come until a long time ahead.
Ollivander's
Percy was finishing his shopping trip and according to Professor Vector, the only thing he had left to buy was his wand. And following her advice he went to Ollivander's
He found it weird that there was only one place that traded such an important item but he decided to ignore it and went with it.
He was at the front of the store looking around at all the shelves of wands. He was alone in the store wondering where the store clerk was.
"Ah, young Nyx. Welcome, welcome. I've been waiting to meet you for a long time." Percy heard the voice of an elderly man speaking behind him
Percy turned around and found a man in maybe his nineties. He looked around trying to find where he came from but when he didn't find an answer he just approached
"Hello. I came here for a wand." Percy said walking forward and going on tippy toes as the counter was too high for him.
"As do all," Ollivander said as he walked around the counter so that Percy could get a better view "First put your dominant hand forward. I need to measure it for your wand length." Ollivander said as he moved a magical tape around and started taking his measures
"So do you only send wands?" Percy asked in curiosity trying to make conversation
"It is my major source of income with a complementary set of wand polishes and a kit to maintain it in pristine conditions alongside the wand in question. But I also sell wand holsters if you decide to buy one." Ollivander said as he finished taking his measurements
"Okay then let's begin," Ollivander said as Percy heard the elder man mumbling to himself "Okay let's try this one. Oak wood, nine inches in length. With a core extracted from a siren just like your mother's. A wand made for refined and finesse purposes." He said handing Percy a white colored wand
He grabbed it but when he did the feeling he was expecting to happen didn't. In fact, he felt nothing when he grabbed the wand. But he saw that the older man was nodding his head. Urging him to try it.
He moved the wand around and then one of the boxes on the shelves came flying straight at them at incredible speeds but both managed to dodge down and avoid the projectile
"No, no. That won't do." Ollivander said taking the wand away and then looking around for another one "Here try this one." Ollivander said handing him a light brown wand "a piece of yew wood. Ten inches in length with a viper's core on it. A perfect wand for wizards who seek power and knowledge," Ollivander said
Percy held it in his right hand for a second but he lost it very quickly as he looked up to see Ollivander shaking his head
"No, not that one either," Ollivander said scratching his beard and humming to himself. After a few moments of deep thinking, he glanced once more at Percy before walking to the back of the shop "Give me a second," Ollivander said entering the back area of the shop
Percy crossed his arms uncomfortably and started looking around trying to get all the details of the shop to pass the time
He got almost all the details when the clerk of the shop came back with a dark silver box in his hands "Let's try this one," Ollivander said as Percy approached the counter. He saw the older man open the box and saw a beautiful silver-colored wand with incredibly detailed lines from the wood's nature. "This is a wand that I've been holding for the past twelve years since the end of the war. I made it out of a maple tree that adopted that beautiful silver color after the hardships of the last war." Ollivander said
"Hardships?" Percy asked in curiosity looking up at the older man
"The tree was cut down and burned almost to the ground. And only a piece of it remained. The piece that was used for the wand." Ollivander explained and continued describing the wand "It has a dragon heartstring core attached to it with a length at ten inches. With the ability known as briskly flexible." Ollivander said and once more the kid looked up at him in confusion
"Briskly flexible?" He asked confusion in his voice
"It means that the wand has the adaptability ability. It has the property to adapt and excel at any type of magic known or unknown. From wizardry to sorcery. Its full potential is up to the imagination of the wizard." Ollivander said as Percy moved his eyes to the wand
And he didn't have to touch the wand to feel the connection forming quickly. So enthralled he was that he missed Ollivander telling him to grab it. But he did nonetheless
He grabbed it and pulled it out of the box when he then felt it. Air brushed the sides of his hair, chills ran up his spine and bright light coming from the wand happened simultaneously. And a feeling of what could only be described as content invaded his systems
"Yes. Excellent that is the one." Ollivander said as Percy looked at the clerk. Excitement still present in his eyes "A perfect fit if I say so myself," Ollivander said and Percy looked up
"It is," The boy said with a huge smile on his face "Why did this one work and the others didn't?" He asked in curiosity tightening his grip on the wand not wanting to lose it so quickly
"Ah. Well, the answer to that question is very easy young man." Ollivander said leaning forward "It is not the wizard that chooses the wand but it is the wand who chooses the wizard. And for such wand to have chosen you I can't help but feel excited to see the things you will do young man," Ollivander said
Percy's eyes grew big and looked down at his wand. Trepidation and excitement bubbled down on him. And couldn't help but wonder what the future had in store for him.
Two years later.
"In other news," A tv's new anchor audio was ringing in the penthouse of an apartment complex in London.
This was the current house of one young Perseus Nyx. Although by the looks of it, he wasn't that young anymore. The kid who once had child-like wonder in him had grown and matured a lot in these past two years. Physically and emotionally
He no longer had the messy short hairstyle that he used to have when he was thirteen years old. Now he had an undercut fade hairstyle with messy hair on top. He had a z-type pattern on the left side of his hade that faded away with the faded style he had
The chubbiness on his face disappeared a while now and the features on his face. This being his jaw and cheekbones started to get more defined. He also stated gaining a bit of muscle as he had started getting into training physically. Mainly running around his houses and landscapes
But the main difference from two years ago was his tired and serious eyes that showed a few bad experiences that had happened to him.
Currently, he was wearing a simple black hoodie and black sleeping pants. He was sitting in the kitchen with a bunch of letters and important documents on top of the table in front of him.
"Young Masters, here's the coffees you asksed me for," A house elf said appearing next to him with a cup of coffee in its hands as the teen nodded
"Thank you Teeky, you can put it on the table." Percy said as the elf put the coffee in front of him "Can you also please raise the volume of the TV," Percy said as the elf nodded and apparated in front of the Television and raised the volume up "Thanks Teeky. That will be all." He said but then the elf didn't disappear
She looked at Percy in concern "Master," She said as Percy looked up "She will calls you laters, do not be mad at mistress," She said as Percy gave her a small smile
"I know Teeky, I'm not mad at her I'm just worried. You know how she is." Percy said as Teeky nodded in understanding "Thanks for the concern though." He said and Teeky smiled at him before disappearing
Percy sighed and turned to look at the TV in hopes of avoiding thinking of the problem that had been plaguing him for the past week.
"In breaking news. Sirius Black mass murdered convicted fourteen years ago to live sentence in Azkaban," The muggle's news anchor said and Percy put his elbows on top of the table and his hands below his chin as he narrowed his eyes in deep thought. The names Sirius Black and Azkaban were familiar to him. They were part of the magical world so he wondered why a muggle news anchor was using it.
"Sirius Black is guilty of the murder of thirteen people." The news anchor said and a photo of Sirius Black's mugshot appeared next to him. "We urge you to be careful and if you see this man do not engage with him and contact the nearest authoritative agency. In other news." The news anchor said and Percy leaned back as he started thinking about the prisoner
The name was familiar to him. But he didn't know from where though. But his musings were interrupted when he heard a knock on a nearby window
He looked there and saw a beautiful dark silver-colored owl knocking on the window with its beak. He walked there and opened the window. The owl once the window was opened jumped inside the room and started poking Percy's arm
"Ouch! Thena stop!" Percy said trying to stop the owl from poking him further "I'll give you a treat but please stop." Percy said as the owl stopped poking him and looked at him expecting a reward
"When did you get so spoiled?" Percy asked exasperated as the owl hooted in annoyance and Percy could see her sending him a glare "Here," He said giving her a piece of bacon which the owl took gladly
"So, did you get anything for me?" Percy asked the owl hooted and put her leg forward almost regally and the young teen noticed a letter strapped to her leg
He took the letter off her leg and noticed the familiar seal on it. The Gringotts seal. He opened the letter and started reading it. And it read as follows
Dear Heir of House Nyx
I hope you're doing well. And if you're not, well I don't really care. What I do hope is that you remember the conversation we had two years ago.
If you remember. We talked about being a potential heir for some houses and I told you to wait for certain requirements to pass before we can discuss which houses could it be.
Well, I've been looking at something and the requirements were met two days ago. We're only finding out right now and I believe it is in your best interests to come down to Gringotts to discuss this matter
Regards
Ragnar. Goblin keeper of the House Nyx
Percy finished reading the letter and put it back on the table as he took another sip of his coffee. His eyes went back to the TV and they showed his deep thinking
Something was changing. Something was brewing around him and he needed to be prepared. Gone were the days he let people step over him.
End of Chapter 1