Chapter 2
Gringotts
It was early morning when Percy arrived at the magical bank. Streets in Diagon Alley were busy. With the new school year approaching, everyone wanted to get ahead of the curve and buy their school supplies.
And when he saw the people around. Percy felt glad he decided to buy his supplies a long time ago. It let him focus on more important things.
Mainly his pending business with Ragnar. He was walking up the steps towards the bank wondering what exactly he was here for.
For all the good things that Ragnar was forthcoming wasn't one of those. As he wondered what was waiting for him ahead he took a glance at the building
Two years ago when he came here for the first time he felt nothing but excitement. A feeling that completely captured his new find experience. Being introduced to a whole new world gave him child-like wonder glasses back then.
But now those glasses were gone and he felt nothing but dread looking at the building in front of him. He didn't know what Ragnar wanted to discuss but he had the feeling that the person he was right now would no longer exist after this.
A part of him was screaming at him to turn back. To not set foot inside the bank, self-preservation was a value in his Hogwarts house after all. But information was key after all. And information awaited him inside.
So he took a deep breath in and entered the bank. As usual, it was filled with a sea of busy people. He wondered if he should take a number and wait for his turn but then a goblin approached him
"Perseus Nyx I presume?" The goblin asked with a paper in his hands as the young wizard looked down
"Yes I am," Percy said simply as the goblin nodded and put the paper away
Follow me then," The goblin said.
Percy knew not to ask further questions since he wouldn't get any and would only serve to frustrate the goblin further as they deem stupid questions a waste of time. And time is money after all. So, without any comment, he followed the goblin closely.
The unnamed goblin led him to an elevator near the left side of the main entrance. Both of them entered it and Percy saw the goblin press the button to one of the many basements of the precinct.
He looked around the elevator as a way to calm and center himself and as he was lost in his centering process. He didn't notice that they already had arrived at their destination
"Follow the hallway forward and then enter the room on the right," The goblin said bringing Percy back to Earth "They're waiting for you," The goblin explained as Percy gave him a nod and started walking forward
He turned back and saw the elevator taking the goblin back up. But he focused once more on why he was here and walked forward once more. After a minute or two he found the room
He entered and found Ragnar and two other goblins setting up a blue potion on a table near an unoccupied chair.
"Young Nyx, you're here. Good, we can now begin," Ragnar said as Percy walked up to him with a look of confusion in his eyes
"Begin what?" Percy asked his confusion getting the better of him and demanding he seek some answers
Ragnar nodded at the other two goblins and received a nod from each. Percy saw them positioned far away but still within sight of the chair. Then he heard them begging a chant in goblin's language and couldn't help but look at Ragnar expecting an answer
"This is the extinction prevention ritual. Don't ask, I didn't come up with the name," Ragnar said as Percy put all his attention on the familiar goblin "In layman's terms. The process of establishing a potential heir is one of arduous and risky work, hence these little precautions." Ragnar said pointing at the other two goblins
"Risky?" Percy asked in confusion and slight fear as Ragnar looked at him with a small smile on his face
"Well, there have been cases where the houses reject the heir and attack their magical core." Ragnar explained as Percy's eyes winded in fear "Nothing life threatening but then again those were relatively light houses and these are not. Hence the precautions," Ragnar explained
"So there's a chance I might die?" Percy asked fear present in his voice and Ragnar stared right into his eyes
"I have never been dishonest with you young Nyx. And I won't now. Yes, there is a good possibility you may die," Ragnar said as Percy gulped "If you wish to leave and not tempt fate, then by all means you may leave if you desire." Ragnar said as Percy's eyes traveled to the door behind him
"But if you stay and see this through. Then the answers to your problems and desires will reveal themselves," Ragnar said as Percy looked to the ground
The goblin noticed the young wizard's hesitance and let out a tired sigh. He wouldn't admit it but he had grown a bit fond of the young heir. How he could not, a trapped person willing to let all step on him, to be used for other people's ambitions. Just as they were before the rebellion.
He reminded of himself before he chose the warrior's path and he could see that there was a part inside the young wizard begging to be released. So he decided to go out of his way and help the young man. But still in his own way.
"If you keep hesitating then people will keep stepping over you," Ragnar said as Percy's eyes grew big "And those you love and wish to protect," Ragnar said as Percy suddenly looked at him with frustration in his eyes but the goblin didn't let up
"The risk of death reveals our true potential. But if you're too much of a coward to do so, then say the word and we'll wrap this up." Ragnar said with a little bite in his voice and Percy tightened his fist while looking at the chair
"What is it on me to do?" Percy asked with conviction in his voice and the goblin smiled wickedly at him
"Take a seat on the chair. Once we're ready, I'll give you the word to drink the potion there," Ragnar explained as Percy looked at the potion and chair "Once you drink it. It will come down to your resilience to survive." Ragnar said as Percy passed his hand over the handle of the chair
He took a moment before sitting on the chair. He made himself comfortable and stared at the potion waiting for Ragnar's signal "We're good to go. Whenever you're ready young heir." Ragnar said as Percy took a deep breath in
He slowly moved his hand towards the potion. He grabbed it and looked inside noticing this bright light blue-ish colored liquid. He didn't know what the potion was exactly and didn't think to ask. But it didn't matter to him, after everything he still trusted Ragnar.
So after giving one last glance at Ragnar, who was looking at him with trepidation. He took a swing of the potion and managed to drink it all with that one swing.
He put the now empty bottle back on the table as he let the liquid pass through his throat and into his system. He waited for the effect to start.
He started to get worried when nothing happened and was about to voice his concerns when suddenly his vision started to get blurry
It was not long before his whole world was shrouded in total darkness
The feeling of the potion ended and he blinked into consciousness to find himself no longer in the basement of Gringotts.
The first thing he noticed was the light blueish mist surrounding him. He was lying on the ground facing forward letting the mist hit face and body. But that's not what captured his attention.
No, the biggest attention grabber of the area he found himself lay in front of him. A massive bright moon was rising from the floor and Percy could see the half-moon in all its splendor and the only thing he could think of was how beautiful the moon looked.
He sat up and looked at the moon in a hypnotized trance-like stare. He didn't know why this was here, or why there was a moon in front of him. But he found out that he didn't care much for reasons. He felt content just admiring its beauty
"An entrancing beauty is it not?" Percy heard a soft feminine voice speak out. And the way her voice hit his ears gave him a sense of calmness and a sense of longing he didn't know before. He looked up to his right, where the voice came from, and found another person there.
Although, a person wouldn't be the way he described her, not by normal standards. Standing there was a tall adult woman. With light blue colored skin that seems to glow with the light of the moon. A set of curly black hair that reached her shoulders and had a few strands of white here and there. She wore a white robe outfit topped with a grey wolf fur coat hanging from her shoulders and a big white witch hat covering most of her face.
He was so wrapped in how beautiful she looked that he missed a question she asked him "I-I'm sorry, can you repeat that please?" Percy asked and noticed the smile on the witch's face
"I asked if you would be so kind as to allow me a rest by your side?" The witch asked as Percy looked next to him in confusion
"Um sure," He said not sure of himself. He saw the witch taking a seat to his right. She looked at him and if her beauty was captivating, her eyes were on a different level. Or rather her eye. Her left eye had a bright blue deep color that seemed to shine with power while her right eye remained closed with a glowing blue rune mark below her eye resembling a pair of falling shooting stars.
"May I ask for thy name?" The witch asked as Percy was brought out of his trance and blinked a few times to regain himself
"My name is Perseus Nyx, ma'am," Percy said and the witch's eye grew big
"Perseus, like the son of the sea god, a befitting name," The witch said and then Percy saw her eye turning serious in the blink of a moment "Tell me Perseus. Is it thy wish to die? Does death call to you like many warriors like you?" The witch asked and Percy looked at her confused but before he could voice his confusion to her she continued speaking
"Is that why thy decided to drink that potion?" She asked and Percy blinked not knowing what to say "Is power so important to thy Perseus?" She asked rhetorically. Percy frowned and looked forward not wanting to respond while looking at her.
"Power is everything in my world. Without it, you only seem to get used," Percy said his past experiences showing his frustration
"So thy answer was to gain the power. No matter the cost?" The witch asked and Percy looked at her tiredly
"I had no other choice," Percy said, and then the witch started chuckling softly. Percy gave her a confused look as her eye focused on him
"One may think so, but thou hasn't felt the magnitude of such power. Let me show thy but a small fraction of it," The witch said as she waved her hand in front of him
And then he felt it. Suddenly everything burned. His arms, his throat, and especially his chest. It was burning like he never felt before. Such was the pain that he couldn't even scream from it. He could only try to gasp for air trying to alleviate his pain and fell to the ground holding his throat
After a few seconds of pain, the witch looked down at him in sympathy and waved her hand again. Stopping the pain abruptly
Percy gasped for air as he managed to get to his knees while coughing the discomfort away "What the hell was that?" He asked looking up at the witch who looked at him with concern in her eye
"Tis was but a fraction of the house's magic fighting for control of thy magical core." The witch said as she gave him a small smile "But the fact that thy didn't fall into unconsciousness instantly is to be complimented." The witch said and Percy slowly went back to a sitting position
"Right now, I'm keeping that power at bay. Protecting thou from its grasps," The witch explained and as Percy's eyes turned confused as to why she would help him she gave him the answer to his unspoken question "It gives me the chance to speak of important matters with thyself," She said as Percy tilted his head in curiosity
"What important matters?" Percy asked in curiosity as the witch looked forward. Her sight set on the moon in front of her
"First, answer this inquiry of mine," The witch said as she put her hands on her lap and that's when Percy noticed another unique feature of the woman. One that went unnoticed by all the others. Instead of having two hands like normal, she had another two just above her normal pair which seemed to be floating above them.
He was so caught up noticing that he had to force himself once more to focus on what the witch was saying "Does thou believe that the dark is equal to evil?" She asked taking a glance at him
"Do I believe that the dark is evil?" Percy asked repeating the question as the witch nodded her head "No I do not," Percy said his eyes traveling to the moon in front of him "It is in the dark where the light shines brightest. One doesn't exist without the other. Darkness in itself is not evil, there are only evil people that corrupt such power for their own gains," Percy said explaining his point of view
"That is a beautiful view of the reality of thy world. Spectacular," The witch said almost to herself but Percy heard her fine and couldn't help the blush that adorned his cheeks and looked down trying to hide his embarrassment "One last question. If thyself found within grasps of such power, would thy use it for evil ends? To punish those who have wronged you? Or would thy use it for purer purposes?" The witch asked tilting her head to the side
Percy still looking at the moon, narrowed his eyes a bit thinking the question through. After a while, he sighed and started speaking up "I do not know if I would. Nor do I know if I would be driven to the point of having to make that choice," Percy said before looking at the witch "All I know is that I want to keep those who I love and those I will come to love safe. As my ancestors have done for countless of years," Percy said with conviction.
The witch gave him a small smile appreciating his conviction before speaking once more "Thou's conviction tis something of wonder if I might say, one that may rival that one of the gods one day," The witch said standing up as Percy grew confused
"Thy have passed this inquires of mine and I deem thou worthy of carrying my will." The witch said as she started to levitate "To bring the world into the age of stars once more," She said looking down at the young wizard
Percy was out of words trying to process what the witch in front of him wanted. He knew she was powerful but he didn't know if dedicating to a stranger's will was something he wanted to do. He tried to voice a lot of the questions that he had but only one came out.
"Why me?" He asked as the witch tilted her head
"Why? Tis it's but a simple reason." She said as Percy looked up in curiosity "Not because of your conviction or your power. But thou desires. The yearning of protecting thyself and those who will come to love thou. Tis is something that beckons me to you." She said as she started looking around the area
"Thou may take a chance to the uncertainty that is this voyage of thou. But heed my words, should thou decide to refuse my request then death is certain," She said and Percy raised an eyebrow at her
"And what exactly is your request?" He asked curiosity filling his voice
"Become my champion. My consort. My lord," She said putting one of her hands in front of the teen for him to grab "Let me accompany thou in thy journey and help me bring the age of stars to the world once more," She said as Percy looked up
"In return, I shall shield you from the house's magic and let thou achieve what thou came for. Along with some other pieces of knowledge from me." She explained
Then the white-haired teen looked down. His eyes show the deep thought he was in, he didn't know what to do. But then he remembered the pain he experienced before and his decision was made in an instant.
"What do I have to do?" Percy said and the witch raised an eyebrow at him
"Just like that? I expected thou to have some, what's the word? Wariness," She said and Percy looked up at her
"If you wish to harm me you would've let that pain take hold of me. You wouldn't have intervened," Percy said while smiling at her "I'm not saying I trust you because trust is build up not gain. But I don't feel ill intentions from you, so I would gladly take your aid," Percy explained his train of thought and saw the witch smiling softly at him
"Thou have a lovely soul. It seems I made the right decision by choosing thy as my champion." She said and her eye slowly turned serious "Now kneel and take my hand. Then we will become one and the age of stars will begin once more," She said
Percy nodded in understanding as he started taking a knee. Similar to how knights kneeled when they were about to be knighted. He was about to grab her hand when he realized something
"Wait," He said as the witch looked at him curios "You didn't tell me your name," He said drawing a chuckle from the witch
"Well, thou didn't ask for it," She said as Percy blushed a little in embarrassment "When I was born, I was granted the name Lunar Princess Ranni. But for us just Ranni will suffice," She said as Percy put his hand forward
"That's a beautiful name," He said as the witch's smile grew wider
"Thank you, is one of the last remnants I have of my mother," She said almost in a nostalgic tone before turning serious once more "Shall we begin?" She said as Percy nodded and moved his hand upwards
Her fingers touched the palm of his hand and got a hold of them passing his thumb along her fingers noticing how soft they were. Then as their hands connected fully the scene around him started spinning at incredible speeds
He heard multiple people speaking around him but he couldn't understand them. But for some reason or other, he knew that those voices were all the previous lords and ladies from the houses he was being tested. He tried to focus on them but then Ranni caught his attention
"This will hurt a bit but do not be alarmed. This is just part of the process of us merging together," She said and Percy grew confused but then his left eye started burning up like crazy. He bit a gasp of pain down trying to ignore the burning, he looked up and saw Ranni looking at him in a comforting manner and suddenly the pain and burning started dying down.
He remained calm, or as calm as he could when his left eyesight started fading away. He used the comforting words of Ranni as a mantra that helped him not panic when his left eyesight went black.
He couldn't see but his eye was closed fully and the same mark that was under Ranni's right eye started appearing under his now closed left eye.
He managed to catch his breath and realized that the scene stopped spinning. He was looking down after the pain of his left eye and his right eye winded from what he saw down there.
Five strings were sprouting out of his chest and floating around him. Each one was a different color, one was a deep bright green color, another one was a bright red with sparks of golden, one was just a bright yellow one, one was a light blue glowing color and the last one had a glowing white color on it.
All of them minus the white one were coming on behind him and he looked back to see where they led to. And there four glowing blue shadows of women were standing there with each string connecting them to him.
He couldn't distinguish the details of the woman in front of him but he could swear that the one connected to the green string looked very familiar. But then remembered the last string and turned around
He followed the string and saw it connecting with Ranni but he also saw the other strings connecting to her. He grew curious and couldn't help but voice that feeling "What is this?" He asked wondering what the strings were
"Thou and mine's fate. The shadows are a glimpse of those who will love us and those who we will love. They're our destiny and fate and the ones we will swear to protect," Ranni explained as Percy looked straight at her paying full attention to every word she was saying
"Now raise my love," She said and Percy quickly followed her order and rose up "Now we're one, mine and thou's desires, wishes and goals are one. We're forever bound by fate," She said moving her left hand towards him. She put one of her left hands there and rubbed her thumb along his cheek studying his features
"One final thing," She said as he looked into her eye "Whatever happens make sure to never lose who thou are." She said slowly moving towards him till were standing face to face "Now go forth my love. I will be next to you every step of the way," She said
Percy saw how she moved forward and his remaining eye traveled to her lips in expectation but before his and her lips could connect his vision faded to black.
Back in the basement, everything had gone stale. The goblins who were in charge of protecting Percy had stopped their chanting choosing to save their power in case something went wrong
Ragnar was looking at the unconscious teen who was currently lying on the ground as they decided to put him in a more comfortable position. But the goblin was getting anxious. More than ten minutes had passed and that wasn't normal. Normally the processes would've been over by now, either in success or not. But this stalemate wasn't normal.
His eyes traveled down at the small rectangular box next to him. He wondered if this was the right decision as he opened the box. In there, three family houses' rings stood waiting for someone to pick them up
The one on the right was a black onyx metal ring with a deep silver emblem of a triangle with a circle inside of it and a line right in the middle going from the top end of the triangle to the bottom and splitting the circle in half. The ring also had a Latin sentence "Nos autem mortem vincere," Which translates as "We will conquer death." This was the ring of the Peverell Family
The one on the left was a ruby-red metal ring with a gold-incrusted emblem of a dragon protecting a primordial star. This one also had a Latin sentence engraved below the emblem which said "Nox aeterna nos liberabit," Which meant "The Eternal Night shall set us free." This ring was the symbol of the Le Fay House
And last but not least the one in the middle. There stood a deep green emerald metal ring with a golden skull with raven silver feathers below it serving as an emblem. This one had a Latin engraving that read "Semper purus," Which meant "Always pure," This one was the Black family ring
Ragnar was about to close the box and tell the other goblins to wrap this up when something started to happen, First, the box and rings started shaking and Ragnar wondered what was happening. Then he saw Percy start floating and levitating well above the ground.
Ragnar took a step forward shocked at what was happening as this was the first time this had happened, at least in his experience. Then he felt air just above his head and saw three projectiles flying toward Percy
He looked back at the box and saw that the three rings had disappeared and figured those were the three projectiles that flew toward the white-haired teen. He looked back and saw the rings glowing bright yellow and morphing into something else.
The black ring remained as a ring but its size had adjusted to fit Percy's right pinky finger perfectly. The Le Fay's ring changed into a bracelet with the emblem right in the middle and it adjusted itself unto Percy's right wrist.
Finally, the Peverell ring changed into a silver earring that fit just right into Percy's right ear. It was a quick process and Ragnar understood that the kid had done it and couldn't help but smirk in excitement
Then he saw Percy moving around till he was floating with his feet to the ground and Ragnar saw a blue rune of two shooting stars appear right below his left eye and he wondered what that was.
He saw the teen descending slowly and landing on his feet into the ground. As if nothing had happened. Ragnar took a few steps forward in excitement but stopped abruptly in fear when he saw Percy's right eye slowly opening and looking down at him
Ragnar gulped the fear down and chided himself for feeling that. Then he spoke to the teen who was looking and rubbing his thumb along the Black family ring "I guess it all went well, didn't it Percy?" Ragnar said and Percy hummed a bit before answering back
"It would seem so. I severely underestimated the risk of death but to be fair I was warned about it beforehand." Percy said looking at the ring before turning his sight unto the goblin ahead "And also Warrior Ragnar. Please let's stick to our formal titles. We're creatures of class after all, don't we?" Percy said with a cold tone in his voice and Ragnar gulped once
"Sure thing young heir," Ragnar said and Percy narrowed his good eye at him and Ragnar cleared his throat "Apologies. My lord," He said and Percy nodded his head in appreciation
"Good. I suppose we have much to discuss old Warrior, but first," Percy said looking back at the Black family ring "It may be the residue of the potion or a family magic. But I have a feeling, or rather the ring has, that I need to learn about a magical marriage contract that was drafted not too long ago," Percy said with a raised eyebrow showing his curiosity "Do you have an idea of what that could be?" He asked and Ragnar nodded his head
"I do, I also have a copy waiting for you at my office." Ragnar said "I could explain it all to you out back there as our current location is not up to par," Ragnar said and Percy hummed once more while looking around
"That is true," Percy said before looking back at the goblin "Then after you. Time is money after all," Percy said receiving a wicked smirk from the goblin in return.
Leaky Cauldron Afternoon
A lot of information had been dumped into Percy's brain back at Gringotts. While he was thankful for the knowledge he had gained his health began to differ. He was feeling tired and he had a nasty migraine from all the information, one that he was trying to quelle down with some food and beverages.
And on top of that, he was also a bit mad. He had found the reason why Daphne had gone radio silence on him and it had to do with the marriage contract he had found about. He didn't know who to be mad at. Daphne for not speaking to him about it or asking for help knowing full well he would've given it to her without any question
Or Cyrus for signing the damm thing and he could only wonder what drove him to doing something so extreme.
Hence the letter he was wrapping into a seal. He needed to find out what happened and offer his help even if they didn't want it. He also needed to clear things to the people that had taken such great care of him over the years. But he also knew that if he addressed it to Daphne it would just be ignored so he went to the lord of the house and addressed it to Cyrus directly
He finished wrapping it up and took a bite out of his club sandwich as he waited for Thena to get there. He heard a flapping of wings next to him and turned around expecting his familiar dark-silver-colored owl but instead, a snowy white owl was facing him with a tilt of its head
"Oh hello. And you are?" He asked and received a hoot as a response and the white-haired teen saw the owl's eyes traveling to a piece of bacon that was on his plate "Here," Percy said giving the bacon to the owl who started eating it gladly and letting Percy pet its neck "So tell me. Who do you belong to?" Percy asked in curiosity
Then he heard rapid footsteps coming from the stairs leading to the rooms above and saw how the owl looked there where the sound came from "Hedwig there you are!" Percy heard a voice call out and turned around and saw Harry Potter standing behind him looking at him in slight confusion. He quickly willed his lordship jewelry to turn invisible before Harry could see them
"Oh. Hi," Harry said noticing Percy but then he saw Hedwig eating a piece of bacon "Did you give my owl bacon?" He asked confused and Percy nodded his head
"I did. She was very polite asking for it and I couldn't help but indulge her," Percy said giving a final pet at the owl "She's very lovely. You've trained her well Potter," Percy said and Harry frowned a bit
"Thanks, but she's always been like this. I didn't train her," Harry said and Percy raised an eyebrow at him
"Really? Then you're very lucky then." Percy said looking at him fully "Care to take a seat?" He asked pointing at the stool next to him "I've been doing business with the goblins all morning. A chat with a wizard will do me some good," Percy said
Harry was about to refuse but then he saw how Hedwig was behaving around the teen and wondered why. Hedwig was not friendly with strangers and some of his friends even but she was behaving so well that he grew curious. That and the fact that Percy had one eye shut made him hesitate. In the end, he decided to agree. Nothing wrong with getting to know new people.
"What happens to your eye?" Harry asked and Percy had to hold back a chuckle at how bold the rave-haired teen was
"A potion accident." Percy said looking at Harry "Stared too long at a brewing and ended my right eye blind," Percy explained using the lie he had thought off while he was at Gringotts
"Oh, I'm sorry," Harry said and Percy gave him a small smile
"Don't be. I think it suits me even in such circumstances," Percy said and Harry snorted "I do believe I owe you an apology Potter," Percy said and Harry raised an eyebrow
"Please just call me Harry. You remind me too much of Malfoy when you do that," Harry said and chuckled at the horrified look on Percy's face
"Gods. Okay, then Harry. The least I want is to be compared to that cunt," Percy said and Harry snorted in amusement
"So what do you want to apologize for?" Harry asked after getting his amusement under control
"Well, if you recall when we first met. On Diagon Alley two years ago, we told each other to see one another again. But alas I didn't keep to my word and for that, I apologize," Percy said and Harry frowned once more
"Percy. You can't be holding onto that for that long. That was two years ago and it wasn't that much of a promise to begin with." Harry said and Percy was about to protest but he stopped him "You don't need to Percy, it is as much my fault as it's yours," Harry said and Percy gave him a small smile
"Thank you, Harry. You're a good bloke," Percy said gaining a snort once more from the raven-haired teen "So what are you doing in the Leaky Cauldron? Buying school supplies?" He asked in curiosity and Harry scratched his head in embarrassment
"Actually. I've been staying here for the past three weeks," Harry said as Percy tilted his head wanting to know more "There was an accident back at my relatives and I was kicked out. That's why," Harry explained cryptically gaining the curiosity of the teen in front of him
"What kind of accident?" Percy asked in curiosity and Harry looked down with some redness on his cheeks
"I kind of turned my aunt into a giant balloon," Harry said embarrassed and Percy's eye grew in amusement "She was calling my parents bad thing and I kind of blew up. I know I shouldn't have but I couldn't stop it," He said and then looked up when he heard Percy chuckling
"Bloody hell mate. You inflated your aunt? That's got to be the funniest thing I heard in a while," Percy said amused and trying to get his chuckles under control as Harry looked down and gave him an embarrassed chuckle of his own "And don't be shy about it. I did a similar thing back in the orphanage a while ago," Percy said and Harry looked at him confused
"You did?" He asked as the white-haired teen nodded his head
"The matron of the orphanage didn't like me too much. I was different from the other kids, accidental bursts of magic and all. She even used to call me a freak," Percy said amused by the whole thing. But he did miss the look of empathy that Harry adopted for just a second "Anyway. One time I overheard her talking about how mother was a deadbeat and that she gladly abandoned me to my fate and all of that." Percy said taking a sip of his beverage before looking at Harry again
"And you know the expression liar liar pants on fire?" Percy asked with a small smirk on his face as Harry nodded his head and then his eyes winded
"You didn't?" He said in shock and Percy chuckled a bit before continuing speaking
"Well it just happened, but I will admit I don't feel guilty about it," Percy said and Harry chuckled a bit in amusement
"You know. My relatives used to call me freak also," Harry admitted not knowing why he felt like he could but something told him that the teen wouldn't judge him for it
"That sucks. But then again I can't blame too much," Percy said with a sigh and then he looked ahead "Witnessing out-of-the-ordinary experiences at a constant can be too much for some people," Percy said a little bit seriously and Harry nodded before snorting once more
"It still sucks all the same," He said and Percy snorted loudly and looked at Harry amused
"That it does," Percy said with an amused chuckle
Both teens fell into a comfortable silence which Harry was about to break feeling the need to keep growing this potential new friendship. But then a dark silver owl landed in between them just next to Hedwig
"You're late Thena," Percy said but then winced when the owl poked his hand with her beak, and Harry chuckled when he saw Percy grumbling while rubbing his hand in pain
"I'm guessing this one is yours?" Harry said and Percy looked at him and snorted
"You would think is the other way around the way she treats me," Percy said sarcastically as Harry kept chuckling at his attitude
Then he saw Percy grabbing a letter and giving it to the owl "Please take this to Lord Greengrass and make sure he reads it. Bother him to death if you have to," Percy said noticing how the owl seemed to be asking what she got out of it "If you do this I'll give you all the bacon you want," He said as the owl while hooted grabbing the letter with his beak
Harry looked at it flying away amused before looking at Percy once more "You know, if you keep spoiling her. She will keep biting your hand," Harry remarked and Percy sighed tiredly
"I know. But I'm getting used to so it is what it is," Percy said while stretching his arms above his head "So, you said you've been here for three weeks now?" Percy asked while glancing at Harry who nodded his head
"Yeah, why?" He asked confused as Percy crossed his arms and looked at him in curiosity
"You must be bored out of your mind," Percy remarked and Harry couldn't help but agree to that "There is a minigolf course just two blocks from here. It is a muggle establishment but we could go if you'd like," Percy said and Harry tilted his head in curiosity
"We?" Harry asked curiosity in his voice and Percy gave him a nod
"Yes, we." Percy said amused "Don't know about you but after a morning full of business I need a break. And is either that or go home and watch TV till I drop dead," Percy said with a chuckle
"Besides. I had to watch you beat our house in quidditch for two years straight. And I'm dying for a win over the Gryffindor's golden boy," Percy said with a bit of cheek on his voice amusing the raven-haired teen
"Well it's not my fault you have a shit seeker," Harry said referencing Malfoy and Percy laughed at that comment agreeing with him silently "Well I'm down but I feel like we need to add some stakes, wouldn't you agree?" He said cheekily and Percy smirked at him
"Well now you're speaking my language," Percy said as he tilted his head "Are we talking about money or a different kind of wager?" He asked and Harry frowned a bit in deep thought
"Well, money seems a bit underwhelming. A wager seems more risky and exciting," Harry said. He wondered how easily he was socializing with the teen in front of him. Normally he could be a bit antisocial but something seems to be connecting between them very easily
As they discussed what kind of wager they could make a bond was born between them. And also a friendship that was meant to be since their birth but because of outside circumstances couldn't come to be was finally made. Just what their parents wish them to be, even if they didn't know that.
Astoria Greengrass life could be surmised to one single word. Boredom. Don't get her wrong, she loved the life she had all around. She had parents that loved her very dearly. And a sister who, even if she annoyed her a lot of times, had her back on everything she needed
But ever since she was diagnosed with the blood curse her life was suddenly changed and she was treated like a fragile thing made out of glass
No longer she was another member of the family but a thing to be protected. And it was driving her insane. No longer was she allowed to go outside on her own and everything wrong she did was let pass because she was a kid with a curse.
But worst of all was the unhealthy focus her sister was devoted to her by finding her a cure. She felt like she was robbing her sister's life and no matter what she did she couldn't help but feel frustrated
She needed an answer or a way out. She couldn't let his family keep being used just because of her sickness. It would drive the twelve-year-old to insanity and she just couldn't.
She was in the living room thinking of a plan when the chimney started growing in size. A signal that someone was entering their house through the Floo.
She stood up to formally greet whoever was entering her house but formality went out the window when she saw who it was "Percy!" She said tackling the white-haired teen into a hug just as soon as he stepped into the house
Percy let out a huff at the sudden loss of air but he composed himself back quickly to hide his discomfort from the little girl "Hey little firecracker. How've you been?" Percy said ruffling her blond hair and gaining a chuckle from her
"I'm so bored. Daddy doesn't even let me go to our yard alone, it's driving me mad," Astoria said her face buried in his stomach
"You know that Cyrus is just worried about you right?" Percy said looking down as the little girl let out a sigh
"I know. But I still don't like it," She said releasing him from the hug and Percy chuckled at that statement. She was about to ask him what he was doing here but then her eyes winded in shock
"Percy you're eye," She said shock and concern filling her voice as she noticed that he had his left eye closed "What happened?" She asked and Percy looked down in embarrassment
"A potion accident. I started too long at the gasses of a potion and I lost my left eye," Percy said as the little girl looked at him with worry "Don't be worried, Tory. I think it gives me style," Percy said
"Well, as long as you're alright Percy," She said. She would never admit it but he was one of her favorite people in the world. And the thought of something happening to him sacred Astoria a bit
"So shall we chat on the sofa while I wait for your parents to summon me?" Percy asked her bringing her attention to him "I'm kind of feeling the heat of the chimney on my legs and it is not a pleasant feeling," Percy said cheekily, and Astoria gave him a huge smile and grabbed his hand while leading him to the couch
Then the two fell into a comfortable catching up as the whole summer both of them had been so busy in their own business and hadn't had the chance to fully talk to one another
A few minutes passed and the conversation turned to a different topic once the twelve-year-old noticed the change in how Percy was speaking, mainly the different vocabulary he was now using
"You've changed," She noted and Percy's eye grew big being caught in surprise as to how she noticed so quickly "You're behaving differently and speaking differently. What happened?" She asked in curiosity and Percy gave her a small smile
"You mean different from the shy and pushover guy that I was before?" Percy asked cheekily and Astoria looked away but nodded her head nonetheless "Well if I'm being honest. I did quite like that guy but that's not what happened," He said looking at the chimney
"There's a weight that leaves you when you realize who you are and where you came from," Percy said before turning to look at the young girl "So I did, and I realized that I quite like this complete version of me." Percy said before ruffling her hair "But I'm still the same person you know Tory. You know that right?" Percy said and Astoria nodded her head
Then a pop rang out in between them and they saw the Greengrass family house elf standing there looking at the young male teen "Mister Nyx. Lord Greengrass is ready for yours," The elf said before disappearing
He had a nice chat with Astoria so he would ignore that the elf didn't call him lord for now. It didn't matter that much but it did sting a bit. He stood up and looked down at Astoria who was feeling a bit downcast because the conversation had ended
"Tory," Percy said as the girl looked up at him curiosity in her eyes "No matter what you're going through or how the world treats you. You can do whatever you want. You only need to believe so," Percy said and Astoria gave him a small smile
"Thank you, Percy. I'm really glad I know you," Astoria said and Percy offered her a smile in return
"Me too Tory," Percy said before walking away from the living room.
He was glad he had met not only with Astoria but with Harry also. It helped him quell his anger a bit and therefore as he approached the study of Lord Greengrass he felt himself growing calmer by the moment. A huge difference from how mad he felt when he left Gringotts
He got to the entrance door of the study and was about to knock when the door started to slowly open up by itself. Pureblood did like their tricks he thought as he put his hand down.
The door opened fully and he saw Cyrus sitting behind his desk looking through some papers. But he wasn't alone. His wife Bella was sitting on a couch on the right side of the room. And Daphne was also here sitting on a couch on the left side of the room.
He saw a chair ahead of the desk of Lord Greengrass and figured that was his seat, he also noticed the biscuits and snacks on the table in the middle of the room and he figured that the trio had been here a while.
He walked to the chair and noticed how the breaths of the ladies hitched when they noticed what happened to his eye and he saw Daphne putting a hand over her mouth showing her shock at the sight
"Please take a seat." Cyrus said pointing at the chair without looking up from his papers as Percy made himself comfortable on it "So, what did-" Cyrus started saying finally looking up at him and his eyes winded when he saw the left eye of Percy
"What happened?" Cyrus asked in concern and Percy quickly answered. He would never say it but he was tired of explaining it and now he was dreading getting to Hogwarts and having to explain it over and over again.
"A potion accident. Gas went into my eye and now it is gone," Percy said looking straight at Cyrus "It is what it is," Percy said shrugging his shoulders and Cyrus frowned in concern
"Are you alright? Considering all of it?" He asked and Percy offered him a small smile
"I am." Percy said easing the older man's concern away "It is a shame I lost it but I will get used to it. Besides, I think it sets me apart from the rest. Or how many one-eyed white-haired teens do you know of?" Percy asked a bit sarcastically and Cyrus gave him a snort in response
"Not that many," Cyrus said amused, and then leaned back into his seat "Well then. Your letter said you needed to discuss something serious but offered no details." Cyrus said and Percy gave him a nod
"I felt it was too sensible and it would be better to discuss it in person," Percy said and Cyrus tilted his head giving him a signal to carry on
"Do you know about the extinction-prevention act from Gringotts?" Percy asked and Cyrus shook his head no. Percy was about to explain but someone beat him to it
"It is a clause that Gringotts have in case a family house faces extinction," Bella said as everyone turned to her "So instead of the normal bloodline succession. The houses choose an individual, it doesn't have to be blood-related, to become its new lord. Employing a test to gauge the individual's motivations," Bella said and Cyrus grew curious and looked at Percy who was nodding at Bella's words
"You explained it better than Ragnar my lady," Percy said as Cyrus' wife gave him a small appreciation smile "Alas he ain't the explaining type," Percy said and Daphne who had been silent finally spoke out
"And why is that important?" She asked in genuine curiosity as Percy looked at her turning serious
"Because I fit the criteria for three houses under this clause," Percy said before looking at Cyrus "So this morning I underwent the test. I almost died, that was lovely." Percy said as he willed his jewelry to appear and he could see Cyrus and Daphne's eyes winded in shock. But the thing that caught his attention was the lack of surprise in Bella's eyes
"So one of the things that came with little thing," Percy said lifting the black family ring upwards "Was the knowledge that the House Greengrass had drafted a marriage contract between the eldest daughter and the oldest heir of the house black," Percy explained as Cyrus started to slowly piecing together what was happening
"What in the nine hells were you thinking Cyrus?" Percy asked practically demanding an answer and Cyrus sighed in defeat
"We're fading away Percy," Cyrus said looking down at his desk "The grey faction that is. This will forever be my greatest shame but it will also serve as protection for my daughters, I will do it all over again if the circumstances were the same," Cyrus explained and Percy looked down frustrated. He couldn't exactly blame the man for his decision but he didn't have to like it,
"Also the Black family has an enormous collection of Dark Magic books. There has to be an answer to Astoria's curse there," Daphne said explaining why she agreed to it as Percy looked up "But why do you know of it? How does this concern you?" She asked in curiosity and once again Bella answered for him
"Because he is the oldest heir of the Black family," Bella said as Daphne's eyes winded in surprise "And has a better claim for it thanks to his father," Bella said as Percy looked at her
"You knew this would happen, didn't you?" Percy said as a matter of fact as the matriarch of the house nodded her head
"I took a gamble. There was no way I would let any of my daughters marry that Malfoy prick," Bella said as Cyrus and Daphne looked at her in a mixture of confusion and shock "So when Cyrus told me that the contract said the heir of the Black house I agreed," Bella remarked as she took her glass of wine on her hands
"And since only I and the Potters knew who your father was I figured that the Malfoys wouldn't notice the deceiving until it was too late," She said feeling a bit proud of herself and was about to drink the wine but stopped when Percy spoke up
"It was a pretty idiotic gamble, my lady," Percy said shocking Bella and making her look at him in confusion "If the betrothed was anyone other than Daphne. I would've ripped that contract right there and then," Percy said with a serious look in his eye
"But you didn't, so it seems I made the right call," Bella said and Percy crossed his arms
"I still can," Percy said as the trio's eyes winded in shock "The contract says that we need to marry when we come of age. By ministry standards, meaning in two years," Percy explained and then turned to look at Daphne
"And if in those years she wishes to back out of it I will gladly break it," Percy said looking at Cyrus and Bella with seriousness in his eyes.
"But make no mistake," Percy said leaning forward and looking at the couple with a cold look "I do not like being used or being a trading tool. And as much as Daphne agreed to it. I know her and I know there's a part that will grow to resent you a bit for this transgression." Percy said and Cyrus wanted to say something but Percy beat him to it
"I'm not done," Percy said with a bit of a bite shutting whatever Cyrus wanted to say up "I'm not someone that can be used to further your gains. Not anymore and as much as I love you. Do something like this again and I will see the Greengrass house end," Percy said glaring a bit at Cyrus who gulped and nodded
"I apologize Percy, for bringing you into this mess," Cyrus said and Percy leaned back into his chair while letting a tired sigh
"That's not the issue," Percy said rubbing his face "It was the fact that none of you contacted me. Not for advice or anything like that but just to talk," Percy said and Both father and daughter looked down in shame while Bella just frowned and looked at her daughter
It seems she expected Daphne to contact him but didn't realize it until now. "I thought I was part of the family but I was mistaken," Percy said as Daphne's eyes winded and looked at him with slight regret
Percy started to stand up and looked at Daphne "About your problems with the ministry, I think I have a solution. I need a proxy for two of my houses. My lady could help with that I think," Percy said giving a glance to Bella before looking back at Daphne
"It's a good idea. But let's discuss it later. Our emotions are high and I do not wish to burn any bridges," He said and Percy nodded his head agreeing with him
"That is sensible," Percy said while looking at Daphne "I'll be in the garden if you wish to speak alone," He said to Daphne and then gave a nod to both Cyrus and Bella before walking away
He left the study with a weight lifting out of his shoulders and he saw her. Astoria was sitting next to the door on the right side with her head between her knees. She had overheard everything it seems.
He walked up to her put his hands on top of his head and then walked away. He was too emotional to be of any comfort and it was better to leave her to process everything right now.
If the Greengrass could be proud of something it had to be the views of their manor. At least that was Percy's opinion. Clear open sky and a beautiful green landscape were the things that surrounded the manor. It made for a perfect spot to have a picnic on
Percy was currently lying on the ground facing up while looking straight at the moon letting the light of it hit him fully. Today was great to view it also as it was a full moon right now.
He had always had a sort of fascination for the moo. Its beauty for some reason always called to him. But now, after meeting Ranni, that fascination was turning into something akin to longing
He knew she was there with him even if he couldn't see her but feeling the rays of the moon he could pretend she was here next to him.
After a few minutes of just looking at the moon, he heard a set of soft steps approaching him. He glanced over there without moving from his position and saw Daphne standing above him
"Hey," She said softly and Percy's eyes traveled back to the moon "May I sit?" She asked and Percy didn't offer a response so she did anyway
"Are you mad?" She asked a bit confused and noticing he wasn't looking at her "What was I supposed to do Percy? It is my duty as the eldest daughter, I couldn't say no." Daphne said and turned her glance to the moon
"Sure it sucked but I wanted to spare you any pain. That's why I didn't say anything, I just wanted to cut ties and let you live your life," She said and was surprised when Percy quickly sat up
"And who gave you the power to decide that?" Percy asked a bit irritated "Last time I checked friendships are a two-way street Daphne," He said his irritation palpable in his voice
She was about to speak but Percy interrupted her "You know you have some nerve Daph." Percy said with a frown as Daphne closed her mouth "I agreed to keep our friendship at Hogwarts with discretion, against my better judgment." Percy said and Daphne looked away
"To protect us or some shit. But this is on a different level Daphne," Percy said frustration on his face "Not even a single letter through all the summer. Not even a week ago on my birthday!" Percy said as Daphne's eyes widened. With this whole issue, she forgot about his birthday.
"The thing I look forward to the most didn't happen. Because you were trying to spare my feelings!?" Percy almost screamed letting his anger and frustration out
"I'm sorry," She whispered while looking down and he huffed in annoyance
"You're sorry?" He repeated sarcastically and rolled his eye "Well in your infinite wisdom you ignored one crucial detail," Percy said
She looked at him in confusion and let him speak not wanting to anger him further "You fail to realize that a life without you in it would've absolutely destroyed me," Percy said looking straight into her eyes
Her eyes grew big and tears started forming under her eyes and started sniffing a bit "I'm so sorry. I-I just didn't know what to do." She said and Percy grabbed one of her hands
"You should've called me Daph," Percy said more softly now his frustration slowly dying out "I would've stolen you away if it came to be," He said as she snorted a bit amused by that statement
"I know. That's why I didn't call you," Daphne said tears still in her eyes "I just couldn't put you in that type of pressure. I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I had," Daphne said and Percy sighed letting his frustration go
He could never be truly mad at her. He cared too much to actually be mad but he had to admit it was a very frustrating summer for him. He looked down and started passing his thumb on the back of her hand before speaking up once more
"So, what do you want going forward?" Percy asked staring at her eyes once more "I wasn't lying before. If you want I can break the contract," Percy said and Daphne looked down
"But I have to see this through. It is my duty," Daphne said and Percy grumbled in frustration making her look up
"Forget about your duty for once and tell me what do you want. Not what the Heiress to House Greengrass wants. But what does Daphne want?" Percy asked and Daphne looked at him for a moment before responding
"I don't know.," She said letting a tried sigh before staring straight into his eye "All I know is that a life without you in it would tear me apart," Daphne said as she put a hand on his cheek "So if the contract is the reason I can keep you by my side, then so be it," She said as Percy turned serious
"It doesn't have to be," Percy said looking into her eyes "Daphne I was yours from the moment we met. All I am and all I will ever be is yours. I would burn down the whole world if you asked me to. We can keep the contract alive but I know in my heart that it is not needed to be by your side," He said and Daphne couldn't stop the smile that formed on her face
"Me neither. I am yours, Percy. Now and forever. My life is in your hands and I vow to always be by your side, no matter what," She said moving forward and as both teens breath each other in Percy felt the need to clarify something before she went full in
"I have to say something as I could never lie to you Daph," Percy said as Daphne looked at him in confusion and curiosity "I am bound to other four people. Four other wives to be more specific," Percy said and Daphne raised an eyebrow but didn't move away
"Explain," She said simply and Percy took a deep breath in before speaking
"I need an heir for each house I'm lord to. Nyx, Peverell, Le Fay, and the Black houses respectively," Percy said as Daphne nodded digesting the information "I could take just one wife if the families were on the lighter side but as they're on the grey and black side. Some of the houses could attack and affect the wife's magic. Potentially killing them in the process." He explained and Daphne frowned in deep thought
"And by taking one wive for each house you're protecting them and your offspring. I see your point," Daphne said but then she noticed something that Percy said "Wait you said other four wives. But if you're counting me then there's only three houses left." Daphne said and Percy looked down knowing this would be the hardest part to explain "Who is the fourth?" She asked and Percy looked at her once more
"I didn't lose my eye in a potion accident," He said and she grew curious but let him explain himself "I didn't lie when I said I almost died on the test. The power of the three new houses together was too much. But someone protected me from it," Percy said
"Who?" She asked curiosity filling her voice
"Her name is Ranni. The goddess of the stars and moon," Percy said and Daphne almost chuckled at the absurdity of it. Not believing him but the seriousness in his eye made her hesitate "She asked me to be her companion and consort. And let her be my side hence the loss of my eye," Percy explained
"And in return for helping her bring the age of starts to the world once more. She shielded me from the power of the hoses and gave me some of her knowledge too," He explained and Daphne started at his left eye. Her eyes traveled to the rune below it
"Is she here?" Daphne asked and Percy nodded his head
"She's on my mind right now. I'm still processing the knowledge from the houses and she said it would take a week or so before she could classify the knowledge and make sure no one can get to it," Percy said and Daphne's eyes went back to his working eye "And I got this deep feeling that she likes you. I think she's telling me that through this feeling," Percy said and Daphne let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in
"Wow, this is a lot," Daphne said, and Percy nodded his head
"I know. Sorry for dumping it all on you," Percy said before looking at her seriously "But I didn't want you to agree to anything without knowing everything. We can still call this off if that's what you want," He said but then he was surprised when he saw Daphne shaking her head
"No," She said and then started rubbing her finger along his cheek "I have to admit that sharing you with other four women, one goddess at that, is quite a lot," Daphne said and Percy nodded his head but offered no comment
"But I almost got destroyed this past few months without you and I don't want to let go of you ever again," Daphne said "And if sharing is the way I keep you then so be it. After all, I know you. And I know that there's no other person that will love me the way that you already do," Daphne said as she started leaning forward
"So from this day on. I am forever yours Percy," She said and Percy gave her a small smile
"And I'm forever yours Daphne," He said leaning forward and capturing her lips in the first of many to come.
And as the moonlight hit them both a silver engagement ring with a green emerald gem on it started to appear on Daphne's right ring finger. A signal that she was the bride of the Black family house. They may have not known it that night but after today. Nothing could ever tear them apart. And whoever tried it would only experience true horror. After all.
The moon would always have them in her protection.
End of Chapter 2