Sorry for the long wait and thanks for all the reviews, favorites, and follows. Warning I attempted to address the house-elf issue in here (why this chapter is so delayed). I never thought too much about the house-elf issue when I read the books as a child just thinking slavery is bad and moving on. However, looking back as an older person, the house-elf issue and how it progresses through all seven books seems contradicting, controversial, and confusing. I searched a lot of blogs and Master's theses to see how other people interpreted it and wrote what I thought the characters would think and not my personal views on the matter.

Chapter 4 – Goblins and Gold, Wands and Robes

England. He was in a different country, a different continent. Percy glanced at his watch. It had taken less than a minute to cross the Atlantic Ocean. It was still hard to believe despite all the impossible things he had seen in the past few months.

They were in a brightly lit room with dark wooden floors and walls. A dark-haired woman wearing forest green robes sat at a table on the other side of the room in front of the only door, hunched over a stack of papers. Dumbledore approached the table and placed the plastic bottle in a crate filled with other junk. The woman glanced up from her papers and smiled at him, "Hello Professor Dumbledore, it's good to see you."

"It is nice to see you again as well Gretta," Dumbledore said returning her smile. "I see life after Hogwarts is treating you well."

Gretta beamed, "Thank you Professor though I will always remember Hogwarts fondly." She looked at her papers as if checking something. "It seems you picked up an extra traveler on your trip?"

"This is Perseus Jackson from the United States," Dumbledore supplied. "He will be attending Hogwarts. I have the required forms here." Dumbledore pulled out more papers and put them on the table. "I trust you can make sure they end up in the right hands."

"A foreign student at Hogwarts?"

"It does not happen often," Dumbledore admitted. "I believe the last one was over a century ago, but Hogwarts has accepted foreign students on a case by case basis at the headmaster's discretion."

"Of course." Gretta quickly scribbled a few things with a violet quill before glancing back up at them, "Do you have anything else to declare, Headmaster?"

"No, I do not."

"And you," she checked a form, "Perseus?"

"Uh, I declare to be called Percy, please," he added the please as an afterthought.

The witch smiled at him, "Well then Percy, do you have any animals, plants, potions, or magical items that you should tell me about?"

"Umm, no." He figured he probably shouldn't mention the thermos of nectar and Tupperware of ambrosia in his bag or the sword-pen in his pocket.

Gretta waved her wand. She cocked her head and waited a second before nodding. "Well, it appears neither of you have anything illegal with you." She stamped a form, "That should be it since you're a Portkey Gold Member, Professor, which exempts you and your party from the standard security sweep and wand registration. Welcome to England, Percy. I hope you enjoy your stay and have a good year at Hogwarts."

"Thanks," Percy replied.

"Take care, Gretta," said Dumbledore as he walked to the door, and Percy followed right behind him.

Dumbledore led Percy down a hallway of the same dark wood with doors and windows on both sides. Percy tried to get a good look out the windows, but all he saw was bright blue sky and big puffy clouds. "Mr. Dumbledore, I mean Professor, where exactly are we?"

"We are in the Ministry of Magic located underground, underneath Whitehall, London to be precise," Dumbledore answered.

"So, what exactly is the Ministry of Magic, and if we are underground, why are the windows showing the sky?"

"The Ministry of Magic is the governing body for the magical community of the United Kingdoms –"

"Like that Magical Congress you mentioned?" Percy interrupted

"Yes, very good. The Magical Congress of the United States of America fills that role for your country." Dumbledore gave Percy that little smile teachers give when students answer a question right in class. Percy blushed and looked away. It wasn't a smile he got very often. "Therefore, most countries have both a magical government in addition to a non-magical one. As for the windows, I am sure a clever and observant boy such as yourself can figure that out."

"They're magic," Percy responded.

Dumbledore nodded, "An illusion to brighten up the day and provide variety since working underground can be rather dreary." Percy remembered the gloom of the Underworld and had to agree.

One trip in an old fashioned golden elevator later and Percy and Dumbledore headed towards a pair of large golden gates at the end of another hall. According to the lady's voice on the elevator, it was the Atrium. There were a few people heading to the elevators, but otherwise the hall was empty. Percy figured most people must be working. After the gates, they entered an even larger and grander hall. The ceiling was the same color as the afternoon sky on a clear day with gold symbols constantly shifting. In the center of the hall, a gold fountain spouted water from five large statues.

The statues of the man and the woman with wands were clearly a wizard and witch. Percy also easily recognized the centaur with his bow and arrow and wondered if that meant centaurs interacted with wizards too. However, he had no idea what the smaller two figures were. "Professor Dumbledore, what are those creatures with the pointed ears in the fountain?"

"Ah, the Fountain of Magical Brethren." Dumbledore paused and gazed at the fountain. "I believe that the artist took certain liberties in his representation of the relationship between some of the magical species and wizard-kind. The one with the pointed hat is a goblin. You will be meeting a few goblins later today. They are rather shrewd and proud individuals. In addition to their skill with finances, they are excellent silversmiths as well. The other statue is a house-elf. House-elves usually serve a large wizarding household like the manors and estates of some of the old wizarding families."

"Oh wow, that must be nice," Percy said looking at the house-elf curiously. It would be great to not have to clean his room.

Dumbledore gave him an appraising look. "It can be. Originally, the relationship between wizards and house-elves was mutually beneficial. House-elves naturally enjoy cleaning and doing chores, and wizards are often more than happy to let someone else do those tasks. In the old days, it was a great honor to be in a house with a house-elf. The family would leave an offering of milk or cream for the house-elf and treat their helper with great respect. These days wizards have corrupted this relationship, and many consider house-elves little better than servants or even worse. It is rather unfortunate that due to ancient magic house-elves must obey their masters' orders whether they wish to or not unless they are freed. I am afraid some wizards and witches take advantage of that power."

"So, they are slaves?" Percy asked not bothering to hide the revulsion in his voice.

"Yes and no," Dumbledore answered though he smiled like he was pleased about something. "The employment of house-elves is a rather complex, ethical conundrum that most wizards and witches choose to overlook. By the definition of humans, house-elves are slaves, and sadly some are treated just so by their masters. However, if you bother to ask them, most house-elves would not define themselves as slaves. They would simply say they are house-elves. Those in kind, respectful families are extremely happy even and would not wish to change their circumstances."

"That still doesn't seem right, having to obey someone's every order," Percy couldn't imagine it. He and obedience didn't really go together.

"I agree," Dumbledore admitted. "However, most house-elves are happy. The idea of monetary payment or being freed from their family is insulting. This behavior seems rather mind boggling to us, the idea of a willing servant. It could be due to years of societal conditioning, or brainwashing so to speak, that makes house-elves believe that they are happy to serve wizards without better compensation because they do not know any other way of living. Or perhaps it is arrogant of us to impose our human ideals on a completely different yet equally significant species that has different values, culture, and needs than our own?"

Percy wasn't sure if he completely agreed with what Dumbledore was saying. It sounded a little too much like some of the justifications for slavery in the US before the Civil War. But, in this case house-elves did seem to be an actual different species then humans, so maybe they did want different things? Grover after all wasn't human and ate aluminum cans, but Percy wouldn't dare tell him that he shouldn't do that. So did that mean it was okay if it really was what house-elves wanted?

"Regardless, I do believe that stricter rules and enforcement for house-elf welfare are necessary to prevent abuse," Dumbledore concluded. "Now, if you are ready, Percy, I would like to take you to Diagon Alley to buy your school supplies."

"Sure, how are we getting there? Another port thingy?"

"A portkey is not necessary this time since legal portkeys require special permits. For shorter distances, wizards apparate," explained Dumbledore. "It is a difficult skill that not all are able to master, but in this case, we can use side-along apparition." He offered Percy his left arm. "You will need to hold my arm very tightly. Do not let go no matter what you feel."

Percy did as instructed feeling slightly less foolish than holding onto a plastic bottle. "Good. That is a strong grip you have there."

Before Percy knew what was happening, Dumbledore's arm jerked in his hand, and he was surrounded by a suffocating darkness. He couldn't breathe. It felt like his whole body was being squeezed by a giant hand. The pressure stopped just as suddenly as it had started, and he took big gulping breaths. The bright afternoon sunlight made his eyes water. He shook his head trying to pop his ears. They felt 10 times worse than that one time he had flown on an airplane. As his senses re-adjusted, he realized that he and Dumbledore were in an alcove next to a busy street.

"How do you feel?" Dumbledore asked looking down at him with concern

"Like an elephant sat on me," Percy replied. "I think I like those portkeys much better."

Dumbledore smiled knowingly. "Apparating does take some getting used to though I must warn you that we will be doing it again later in the day."

"Great," Percy muttered, "can't wait to get squeezed almost to death again."

"If you have recovered your sarcasm, I think you feel well enough to continue," Dumbledore said with a wink. He stepped out of the alcove and onto the cobblestone street. Percy followed his guide and gasped. "Welcome to Diagon Alley, Mr. Jackson."

Percy didn't know where to look first. There were hoots from a store filled with owls. A crowd of kids surrounding a window display of an actual broom gushing about the flight speed of the new Nimbus 2001. He didn't know why he was surprised that wizards and witches would fly on actual brooms. Would he be allowed to ride one or would Zeus blast him out of the sky as soon as his feet left the ground? There was a store filled with fancy instruments that whirled and twirled and hummed. There were also less pleasant products on display as well, bat wings, snakes' tongues, and other things Percy really didn't want to know the identity of. Most of the people on the street wore long robes like Dumbledore's though they were much less bright than his. When he had first seen Dumbledore's clothing choice, he had thought it was the preference of an eccentric old man, but now, he realized that everyone in the wizarding community seemed to wear robes. He really hoped he wouldn't have to wear them too.

He followed Dumbledore to a large, white-marble building that towered over the other shops on the street. "Gringotts, the Wizarding Bank," Dumbledore announced. "Here, you can exchange your American money."

The thick, white columns guarding the bronze door reminded Percy of an ancient Greek temple. It seemed like he couldn't escape Greek influence even at the heart of the British wizarding world. As Dumbledore and Percy walked up the marble steps, the heavy bronze doors magically swung open, and a small figure wearing a red and gold uniform bowed to them. Percy recognized the pointy ears, sharp nose, and long fingers from the statue at the fountain though the artist seemed to have left out the cold disdain in the goblin's dark eyes. However, that changed to a spark of interest when the goblin caught Percy looking at him.

Inside, Percy found himself facing a pair of large silver doors, but this set had words on them. He tried to read it, but the letters kept jumping around. He was a little too embarrassed to ask Dumbledore to read it for him, so he quickly followed the headmaster when the doors once again magically opened. Two more goblins bowed them through to a huge marble hall. It might have just been Percy's imagination, but he swore that the goblin guards were looking at him strangely.

The inside of Gringotts was even grandeur than the outside. For a moment, Percy forgot all about the guards as he took in the large chandeliers and gold gilded columns. It wasn't the throne room on Olympus, but it still was impressive. Goblins sat behind a long counter that ran the length of the hall though Percy could barely see some of them behind the piles of gold and precious gems. It was only then that Percy realized how quiet it was, and he felt the weight of a hundred stares on him. The few other customers were looking around curiously trying to figure out what had distracted the goblins. Suddenly, like some secret signal had been given, all the goblins started working again, and the hall was filled with the scratching of those quills and the jangling of coins. "Is that normal?" Percy asked quietly.

"No," Dumbledore replied frowning slightly. "I did not think my presence would attract this much attention." Percy couldn't shake the feeling though that while the wizards and witches had stared at Dumbledore, the goblins' gazes had been on him. Did they know he was a half-blood?

Percy tried to ignore his unease as he and Dumbledore approached a free goblin at the counter. "Good afternoon," Dumbledore greeted the goblin with a polite nod and friendly smile. "Mr. Perseus Jackson has an American cheque to exchange. Could you help us please?"

The goblin peered down at Percy and stared at him for so long with those dark, slanted eyes that Percy had to resist the urge to squirm. "Yes, sir," the goblin finally said still looking at Percy, "but it might interest Mr. Jackson to know that his father requested a vault for him and transferred a significant amount of money from his personal account. Would you like to make a withdrawal from your vault instead, Mr. Jackson?"

Percy's mouth fell open in shock. "My father?" The goblin nodded. His dad had somehow opened up an account for him at this bank in London. The surprise though quickly turned into anger. Who did Poseidon think he was? That he could just give Percy money and that would make everything better? No, he didn't want his father's money. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his mom's check. He was about to hand it to the goblin but paused when his eyes fell on his mom's signature. Sure, they weren't struggling as much financially anymore, but this still was a lot of money. Maybe his mom could use it to buy some nice clothes or to pay for more classes. She deserved to be able to do that. If he used Poseidon's money, she could.

Percy clenched his jaw and ripped the check. "Yes, I'd like to take money out of the vault, please," he tried not to sound too angry. It wasn't this poor goblin's fault that he and Poseidon had issues.

"Very well sir, Gornuk will take you to your vault."

Percy thanked the teller who bowed his head to Percy in respect. Percy returned the gesture. Based on the goblins surprise and pleased smile, he figured people didn't do that very often. Gornuk, another goblin, led Percy to one of the many doors. Percy glanced behind him, but Dumbledore was not following. "You're not coming, Professor?"

Dumbledore smiled, "No, I will wait for you here. The transportation to the vaults is a little uncomfortable for someone of my age though I think you will enjoy it."

Dumbledore was right. The ride to Percy's vault was basically the best roller coaster he had ever been on. There were sudden twists and sharp turns and plummets that made Percy whoop like he was back at Coney Island. He wasn't sure how far down they went, but he had a feeling that he was probably getting a little too close to Hades' realm for his own safety. They passed by shoots of flame, underground lakes and even went through a waterfall that wasn't really water. Percy could just tell.

The cart finally jerked to a stop in front of a door with the number 818 carved into the stone above it. Percy clambered out of the cart with Gornuk but stopped at the door because there was no handle or lock. "Umm, how do I open it?"

"Place your hand in the middle of the door, Mr. Jackson," the goblin instructed. "This door has been keyed to recognize your father's blood. It is not a usual security measure at Gringotts, but we make exceptions for the Ancient Ones of course."

"The Ancient Ones? You mean the gods?" Percy asked.

Gornuk shrugged, "They go by many names, but your father's family has been very loyal customers since the bank was founded." Well it seemed like the gods had trusted goblins with their secret but not the wizards.

Percy placed his hand on the door, and it vanished revealing a large vault with mountains of gold coins and hills of silver and bronze ones. He gaped. There was more wealth in this vault than he could use in his lifetime. Before Percy got carried away imagining all the things he could buy with this much money, he remembered that Poseidon was using it to compensate for being such a lousy father. That made him want to use as little of it as possible. He didn't want Poseidon to think that he could be won over with a little money.

Gornuk handed Percy a bag, interrupting his fantasy of throwing the money into the sea. He did still need it for his school supplies, and maybe he could do something good with all this money. Something that would make his mom proud. He would have tried to give her some but knew that she would not accept it. Percy glanced at the bag in his hand then back at the overwhelming amount of coins and realized he had no idea where to start. "Gornuk, could you tell me how these coins work, please?"

"Of course, sir." As the goblin explained all about Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts, Percy wondered who invented the crazy system. There was no way he could remember those random numbers. "And I assume sir that you are familiar with the fourth type of coin in the vault?" Gornuk asked.

It was only then that Percy realized there was a mound of golden drachmas next to the Galleons. They were larger than the gold wizard coins and were stamped with a trident. As angry as he was with Poseidon, Percy was grateful for the drachmas. Everyone who went home from camp only had an allowance of 10 drachmas until the next summer. If he was going to be IMing Annabeth and his mom every week he was going to need a lot more.

Percy ended up asking Gornuk for a second bag for the drachmas. He figured it would be best to keep them separated from the wizard coins, so an accident wouldn't happen. The money bags themselves were actually enchanted. No matter how many handfuls of coins Percy put in them, they remained about the same size as a wallet, so Percy was able to easily slip them in his pockets when he left the vault. By some magic, the cart went just as fast back up to the lobby as it did on the way down which was just fine with Percy.

Back in the sunlit street, Dumbledore continued his role as tour guide. Percy noticed that several of the other shoppers kept glancing at Dumbledore with curiosity in the same way people did when they spotted celebrities but were too polite to bother them. Dumbledore though completely ignored the attention as he guided Percy along the busy street pointing out various shops, like Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor where he could get ice cream that didn't melt or Scribbulus Writing Instruments that sold self-sharpening quills. "I believe it would be best to get your robes first," Dumbledore advised. "Madame Malkin has the best."

Percy groaned. He really couldn't help it even if it made him sound like a whiny child. "Why robes? Can't I just keep wearing my normal clothes?"

"Why not robes?" Dumbledore chuckled, clearly amused. "You will find they are extremely comfortable, and the pockets are very convenient."

"But they just look silly, and how can you run or fight in them without tripping?" Percy skeptically eyed the robes flapping around a teenager's legs as he hurried to the broom display nearly stumbling in shock when he caught sight of Dumbledore. "They just get in the way."

"As the headmaster of Hogwarts, I hope you will not be running or fighting in the halls," Dumbledore said sternly with a look that matched his tone. Percy winced. He probably shouldn't have mentioned fighting, but he also knew that as a half-blood with his bad luck he probably would have to at some point. "I will warn you Mr. Jackson that fighting is not tolerated at Hogwarts, and I hope with a proper outlet for your magic you will have more success than at your previous institutions."

"I'll do my best, Professor," Percy promised. He didn't want to think what would happen to him if he got kicked out of this school too.

"As for looking silly," Dumbledore continued with a much lighter tone. "I believe that is simply a matter of perspective. No doubt many here, think you look silly with your baggy trousers and funny half robe." It took Percy a moment before he realized Dumbledore was talking about his hoodie.

"Hey, you shouldn't disrespect the hoodie," Percy warned pretending to be offended, "It has all the good points of your robes without any of the bad ones."

Madam Malkin's shop was cozy, Percy decided. It was a place that his mom would have liked. Madam Malkin herself looked like the sweet, kind grandma Percy always wished he had. She greeted them with a warm smile and like everyone else seemed to know Dumbledore. She showed Dumbledore to a small waiting room where a father and son, wearing normal clothes, were already waiting before ushering Percy to the back.

Another boy was there. With his mousy brown hair, he was clearly related to the family in the waiting room. Percy also could tell that the other boy was quite short since even though he was standing on a stool as a witch pinned up the long black robe around him his head was the same height as Percy's. When Percy stepped on his own stool, the boy grinned up at him, "Hi there! Are you going to Hogwarts too? I'm Colin by the way Colin Creevey." All the words rushed out in one breath.

"Umm, yeah, I'm going to Hogwarts, and I'm Percy Jackson," Percy replied. He figured it might be nice to know someone before classes started.

"Wow, you have an American accent!" Colin exclaimed. "That's so cool! Are you from there? Are there other students from different countries too? The pamphlet didn't mention that."

Percy could barely keep up with Colin's rapid-fire questions. "Yes, I'm from the US, and I think I'm the only one." Before Colin could ask more prying questions, Percy added, "It's what my family wanted."

"Cool! So your family's magic too? I'm the only magical one in my family, I think. Though Denise might be too, because he's also done some pretty odd stuff that might be magic. But my dad's a milkman and my mom. . ." Colin paused, and it was like all his enthusiasm had suddenly deflated. "She was a photographer before . . . she got sick and. . ." He didn't need to finish. Everyone could tell what must have happened.

"I am so sorry, dear," Madame Malkin kindly offered.

Percy winced. He knew a loss like that couldn't be covered by sorry. When he had thought he had lost his mom, the only thing that had kept him going was all the craziness at camp. But he had been able to get his mom back. Colin wasn't as lucky. The poor guy looked like he was trying to keep it together and clearly didn't want to talk about it right now with a strange lady poking and prodding him, so Percy tried to offer an out from the awkward silence. "So weird magical accidents happened around you too?"

Colin flashed him a grateful look and jumped into his answer with his previous enthusiasm even if it seemed a little forced, "Oh yes, there were lots of odd door slams or things changing color, you know. But the best was definitely when I accidentally made Trever Davidson's – he's the school bully – trousers vanish." He smiled then, and Percy couldn't help it. He laughed. "What about you?" Colin asked.

"Well, on a field trip at an aquarium, I might have accidentally vanished the catwalk and caused my fourth-grade class to take a swim in the shark pool."

"No way, that's so cool! Did the sharks bite anyone?"

"No, luckily the staff kept them all very well fed," Percy replied. After that Colin spent the rest of the time rambling off all the cool magic things he had heard about at top speed. Most of them Percy didn't know. Like what was Quidditch and who was he supposed to know?

"You are both done, my dears," Madame Malkin finally said to Percy's relief. Colin seemed nice, but the non-stop talking was starting to give him a headache.

Dumbledore and Colin's family met them at the counter, and Colin enthusiastically introduced his family to Percy. When the boy saw Dumbledore, he looked like he might faint, "You're Professor Dumbledore!"

Dumbledore chuckled, "Guilty as charged, I am afraid. It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Creevey. I look forward to seeing you at Hogwarts in a few weeks."

Mr. Creevey went to pay for Colin's robes, but he frowned as soon as Madame Malkin rang up the price. He opened a pouch and seemed to count a few coins before he closed his eyes. Percy knew that look all too well. It was the same one his mom got every time he had asked for a skateboard or a new basketball. "I'm terribly sorry Madame Malkin, but I'm afraid we won't be able to purchase your lovely robes."

Madam Malkin nodded in understanding and smiled kindly, "Not to worry dear. There's a shop two blocks down that has a rather good selection and should be able to fix you right up."

Percy glanced at Colin and his younger brother. Both were looking down in embarrassment. Percy knew how that felt too. "Well, let's go boys." Mr. Creevey steered his family to the door.

Percy wished he could do something to help, but then he remembered his extremely full money bag and realized that for the first time in his life he could. "Wait! I can pay for them."

Colin looked up at him, completely shocked with hope gleaming in his eyes, but Mr. Creevey just smiled sadly, "Thank you, young man. That's a rather kind offer, but I just could not accept it."

"Please, I really can and want to," Percy knew it might be hard to convince Mr. Creevey, but he also knew that he would have appreciated the kindness when he and his mom had needed it. "Look, I've just been given more money than I could possibly ever use. Trust me, you would be doing me a favor." And they would, since it would be a better use for Poseidon's money than just sitting around in a bag, or Percy using it to buy things he really didn't need. "Please, you can pay me back when you can if you want."

Mr. Creevey looked torn. "Please dad?" Colin asked with the facial expression of a sad puppy.

"Oh, very well."

Colin's smile was totally worth it. The boy hugged his father and then Percy after he had handed the Galleons to Madame Milken. "Thanks, Percy! I promise I'll pay you back as soon as I can."

Dumbledore had been silent for the whole incident but finally spoke once they were back outside, and the Creevey family had left, "That was an incredibly kind deed, Percy."

Percy shrugged, "It just seemed like the right thing to do."

He looked up at the headmaster who was beaming at him, "You are a very unique wizard, Mr. Jackson." If only Dumbledore knew exactly how true that was. "I know you never knew her, but I believe your grandmother would have been extremely proud of you today."

They continued on with the rest of Percy's shopping. With Dumbledore's help, he bought ink and quills and parchment though Percy really wanted to know what was wrong with normal paper, pens, and pencils and would definitely ask his mom or Annabeth to send him some. He got his potion supplies and telescope plus the course books for both first- and second-year students.

Dumbledore asked if he wanted a pet. He had always wanted one, but the only animals allowed at Hogwarts were a toad, a cat, or an owl. Percy figured he would probably lose or accidentally squash his toad within a week, and he had never been much of a cat person. He was definitely more of a dog guy. An owl seemed like it might be useful since Dumbledore said that was how wizards mailed things. But, he also remembered that owls were Athena's sacred animal and that Athena and his dad didn't exactly get along. He didn't know if an owl would like him, so he figured he should wait and ask Annabeth about it. Maybe, she could put in a good word for him with her mom, so the owls wouldn't attack him every time he tried to mail a letter.

Finally, the only thing they had left to get was Percy's wand. Dumbledore led him to an old shabby shop, "Ollivander makes the best wands. His family has been in the business since 382 BC."

A bell jingled as they entered. This shop was small, about the size of his old apartment's living room, and the floor to ceiling shelves were stacked with thin boxes. A few seconds later, an old man came out from the back. Percy assumed this must be Ollivander. He certainly looked old enough to have been alive in 382 BC right along with Dumbledore. The man's eyes widened in surprise, "Good afternoon Albus, it has been many years since you have entered this shop."

Dumbledore smiled, "Yes, Garrick, unfortunately I rarely have the opportunity to accompany new students anymore. This is Mr. Perseus Jackson, and his is an unusual case."

Ollivander's silvery eyes fell on Percy and stared at him so intensely, like he was memorizing his face or something. It was kind of creepy. "You look familiar Mr. Jackson though I cannot quite place where. Have I sold a wand to a member of your family, perhaps?"

"Umm, maybe my grandmother, Elizabeth Smith? Apparently, she was a witch here."

Those starring eyes finally blinked in surprise, but when they met his eyes again, Percy saw a new understanding behind them. "Ahh, American, that explains quite a lot," the old man stated. He glanced at Dumbledore, "Although it also makes one asks other questions as well."

The headmaster was inspecting some of the boxes on the shelves though Percy had a feeling that Dumbledore was purposefully trying to avoid Ollivander's gaze.

"I did sell Ms. Smith her wand," Ollivander continued. "Nine and three quarters of an inch, fairly flexible made of willow and unicorn. She was an exceedingly kind witch. Such a tragedy what happened." Ollivander looked far away then, like he really was back in a different time. Then his eyes once again focused on Percy's, "Though it truly is miraculous if her child managed to survive that night despite the horrible rumors. Now, Mr. Jackson is this your first wand?"

"Yes," Percy said, hesitantly. He wasn't sure if he liked Ollivander. The man was unsettling.

"A little older than my usual first-time customers, but, no matter, we will still find you a good match. Although, if what I know about your family is correct, Mr. Jackson, I believe you will be a most challenging customer." Ollivander winked at Percy making him wonder exactly what the wandmaker knew about his family. "If you would hold out your wand arm."

"Umm, which arm is that?" Percy asked confused.

"Usually, it is your dominant arm," Dumbledore clarified. The headmaster was no longer browsing the shelves but was watching Ollivander almost suspiciously.

"Oh." Percy extended his right arm, and Ollivander measured the length.

As Ollivander continued to take Percy's measurements, he explained the three magical cores he used in his wands. "Could I have a wand with unicorn hair, please," Percy requested. He figured that a unicorn hair would probably be best since his father had created horses. As he found out this summer, it sort of gave him VIP treatment among equines.

"I am afraid it does not work like that, Mr. Jackson," Ollivander said with a smile, "You see, it is the wand that chooses the wizard, but perhaps given your heritage, unicorn hair will favor you." A sinking feeling built in Percy's gut. Surely, it was just a coincidence. Ollivander had to be referring to his grandmother, who had a unicorn hair in her wand. He couldn't know about his father. Ollivander moved to the shelves and picked out several boxes before returning. "Let's start with this one." He opened a box revealing a wand made from light brown wood with an intricately carved handle. "Alder and unicorn hair, nine and a half inches, unyielding."

Percy took the offered wand and wondered what was supposed to happen. "Give it a wave," Ollivander advised.

Feeling extremely foolish, Percy waved the wand, and nothing happened. Ollivander quickly grabbed the wand and replaced it with another. "Try this one, Sycamore and dragon heartstring." Percy waved this one, only to have the same response. That wand was also snatched and replaced with another one. Percy quickly made his way through the pile Ollivander had selected. When Ollivander offered him the last wand in the pile, "Yew and Phoenix feather," the wandmaker glanced at Dumbledore as if looking for a reaction. The headmaster seemed to stiffen and frown in concern though he relaxed so quickly when once again nothing happened that Percy thought he might have imagined it.

Ollivander, however, beamed, "Tricky customer, indeed."

As Percy tried more and more wands with no results, he wondered if he might not be a wizard after all. Would Zeus let him return home if it turned out he wasn't? When he voiced his doubts to Ollivander though, the wandmaker quickly reassured him, "Not to worry, Mr. Jackson. You are just a very rare customer. I imagine any of that raw power passed down from your father's side would be difficult for all but the strongest wands to channel. After all, it is practically a force of nature."

Percy was stunned. It confirmed his suspicion, but how could Ollivander have possibly known? He hadn't been in England for more than a day, and people already knew his secret. Before he could respond though, Dumbledore asked, "You know his father, Garrick?" the curiosity practically gleaming from his blue eyes.

"I would not claim to know him," Ollivander responded with a small smile. "Rather, I would say I know of him. Long ago, the Ollivander's were associates of that family, and we still remember." The wandmaker gave Percy a knowing look. "I imagine you look a great deal like your father." Percy felt Dumbledore's gaze on him, no doubt trying to see whatever Ollivander had. Keeping Dumbledore away from his secret was going to be harder than Percy realized. The man was just too smart and saw too much. It didn't help that goblins and old wandmakers kept mentioning his father.

Ollivander once again turned to the shelves that were noticeably emptier now that at least a third of the wand boxes were stacked in the tried-wands pile. "Clearly we need balance, fire for water," he muttered to himself so quietly that Percy could barely hear. "And rare." Ollivander paused then as if struck by an idea. "A rare wizard indeed, I wonder. . ." He moved to a shelf in the very back of the shop that looked like it might have a few cobwebs on it. "Tell me Mr. Jackson are you familiar with wizarding superstition at all?"

"No," Percy responded, wondering what that had to do with anything.

"Good, since you do not hold the baseless prejudice of most wizards then perhaps this wand will favor you," Ollivander removed a single box and blew the dust off. "Elder wood and phoenix feather, 12 and three-quarters, solid."

It was a beautiful wand, light brown in color with streaks of pale yellow. The base of the handle was a circle that narrowed and then flared out into a grip that ended in a small ridge. From there the wood almost seemed to spiral until the point. Percy wondered if it was just him, but the wand's handle looked like a sword hilt, almost.

As soon as Percy's fingers wrapped around the wand, he knew this one was different. Warmth flooded from the wand into his hand. This one felt right. He slashed it through the air, and a cascade of blue sparks shot from the wand. "Very good! An excellent match," Ollivander exclaimed.

Dumbledore clapped politely although Percy thought he noticed a hint of concern and worry in the wizard's face. "Congratulations, Percy. However, are you sure this is a suitable wand for a new student, Garrick? Wands of elder are known to be troublesome."

"Bah, that is just the old superstition of elder wands being unlucky and fickle. I thought you would know better, Albus. It is true that a perfect match between an elder wand and a wizard is extremely rare, but when the elder is balanced with a proper core, it will be loyal to the wizard who earns its allegiance."

Percy glanced at his wand. He really didn't need any more bad luck in his life though part of him wondered if it could get any worse. But, he also didn't want another wand. He wanted this one. It didn't feel unlucky. It felt good. "I don't care about the superstition. If this wand did choose me, then I want it. It feels right."

"I am glad," Ollivander said with a smile, "and that response is exactly why I believe you will have no trouble in gaining this wand's complete loyalty." He held out the box, and Percy reluctantly put his wand back into it.

Ollivander walked back behind the counter and carefully wrapped the box in brown paper. "That will be seven Galleons." As Percy handed over the gold coins, Ollivander once again fixed him with that unnerving stare of his. "One thing is certain Mr. Jackson. An elder wand only chooses a wizard who has been marked for a special destiny."

Suddenly, the box with his wand felt like it weighed a hundred pounds. Ollivander's words reminded him too much of Chiron's cryptic hints about that super-secret prophecy. After his quest, he had enough of destiny and prophecies.

Before Percy and Dumbledore left the shop, the headmaster addressed Ollivander, "I trust you will be discrete regarding what you may know or suspect about Mr. Jackson's relations, Garrick."

"Of course," though Percy got the feeling that Ollivander was talking as much to him as he was to Dumbledore. "It was truly an honor to meet such a remarkable wizard. I am sure when the time comes you will rise up and meet your destiny, Mr. Jackson," Ollivander said with a bow as they left the shop. Percy really didn't want to meet his destiny. He would rather just stay alive and keep the Fates far away. Once they walked back out onto the street, Percy finally relaxed. At least it seemed like Ollivander would keep the secret about his father. He just hoped the wandmaker's statements hadn't tipped off Dumbledore.

"Well, I believe we are done with your shopping," Dumbledore stated as he headed towards another empty alcove. "Are you ready to go to Hogwarts?"

Percy sighed, "I guess so though I'd rather not do that appearing thing."

Dumbledore offered Percy his arm, and he reluctantly grabbed it, "It will be better this time now that you know what to expect."

Percy wasn't sure if he agreed with Dumbledore. One suffocating, disoriented trip through blackness later, and Dumbledore and Percy appeared in front of a large wrought iron gate flanked by two columns with winged boars on top. In the light from the sunset, Percy could see a huge castle with towers and turrets. Dumbledore pressed his hand to the gates, and they swung open. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Percy."

After much deliberation, I did decided to give Percy an elder wand based on the wand wood descriptions on Pottermore. I couldn't resist with the whole marked for a special destiny and rare wizard. I know another elder wand was never mentioned in the books, but they also never said that the Elder wand was the only wand made of elder.

Continued rant about house-elves if anyone wants to share their opinions since it's causing a huge block in a future chapter:

Whether or not it was originally intended there are undeniable parallels to slavery with the house-elves, but if the treatment of house-elves is supposed to be a metaphor for slavery than why is Hermione, the only character that truly attempts to free the slaves, scorned, and why are all but one house-elf offended by freedom? Instead the protagonists seem to have the most success in their interactions with house-elves whenever they actually listen to the elves and try to understand their points of view. If the elves want to be free than freedom is good and if they don't then just be nice to them seems to be what works. It just doesn't make sense. Surely, the protagonist and plot would have taken stronger stances to free slaves if this was the case.

The alternative interpretation that makes more sense with the plot is that Hermione's earlier failures for house-elves' liberation is a critique of imperialism since she tried to push her beliefs on beings of a different culture without first trying to understand their wants and needs and only really bothered to listen to Dobby because he reaffirmed her preconceived notions. However, this would mean that house-elves indeed really want to serve because it is a part of their culture. This interpretation is strengthened by the fact that the inspiration for house-elves are clearly Brownies and other magical beings from European folklore. If this was the intended moral, it is clouded by the similarities between house-elves and black slaves since the wizards' argument that house-elves are happy serving wizards unfortunately was a common justification for slave owners.