Greengrass Manor late afternoon
Astoria Greengrass's life was pretty normal unless you ignored her sickness. She lived a pretty secluded life, but after a year at Hogwarts, she was getting out of her shelf.
If she was being honest, she kind of hated this sheltered life. Even at Hogwarts, her sister never left her out of sight, and she was getting tired of it. She longed for adventure, for some exploring, for some overdue freedom.
And it seems that her family disagrees. Hence her current punishment and seclusion. She had been losing her mind for the past few weeks and it all started with the deal they made with the Malfoys.
She didn't know what the deal was, but she had an idea. She didn't like how her family let itself be a pushover like this, and she especially didn't like how Daphne had cut herself from the world just for her sake. Her bitterness exploded when she found out that Daphne had stopped contacting Tracey and Percy.
She had enough and berated every member of her family. But it all fell on deaf ears. They thought they knew better than her and it frustrated her to no end. So now she was stuck here. Taking care of the greenhouses under the watchful eye of her father.
"So you're still not speaking to me?" Cyrus Greengrass said as Astoria cut another flower from the pot. The patron of the Greengrass family wonders where did it all went wrong. He couldn't help but feel tired at this whole situation "I know you're mad but it is for the best Tory. Trust me," He said and Astoria scoffed but offered no further comment.
"Master Greengrass," The family's house-elf called out from the entrance of the greenhouse getting the attention of both Greengrass' members.
"What is it?" Cyrus asked looking at the elf in slight curiosity
"Young Nyx is here to see you. Says it's urgent," He said and Cyrus held back a sigh and nodded his head.
"Bring him here," Cyrus said as the elf popped away. The patriarch noticed the sudden rise of excitement in his daughter and couldn't stop the pang of guilt that suddenly invaded him.
There was another pop and Cyrus looked at the entrance noticing the young white-haired teen entering the greenhouse.
"Percy!" Astoria exclaimed rushing towards the male teen and crashing into him in a tight hug.
"Careful there Tory. You almost tripped me down," Percy said patting Astoria on the head. The youngest there looked up and then her eyes narrowed in confusion when she saw the small band-aid over Percy's left eye.
"What happened? Are you alright?" Astoria asked worried and Percy gave her a reassuring smile.
"It's just a small accident. I'm okay," he said, ruffling her hair. Then he looked up, connecting eyes with Cyrus. "Can you give us a moment, Tory? I have important things to discuss with your father," Percy said as Astoria looked back.
She wanted to say no, but the look on both males' faces made her hesitate. "Fine. But don't go without saying goodbye, okay?" Astoria said as Percy looked down.
"Promise," He said ruffling her hair once more and watching her leave the greenhouse. Then an uncomfortable silence invaded the area.
"Percy," Cyrus said breaking the silence but stopped his train of thoughts when he saw a pair of cold violet eyes looking at him.
"I'm here on important business Lord Greengrass. Heir Nyx will suffice," Percy said as Cyrus nodded entering his ministry persona.
"Very well Heir Nyx. What can I do for you?" Cyrus asked as Percy brought a letter from one of his jacket's pockets.
"First. I visited my family's vault and talked to the goblin in charge of the Nyx's estates. And I learned a few things," Percy said placing the letter next to Cyrus "Apparently my family has a seat on the Wizenmagot. I was eager to ask you for help understanding and navigating this issue. Till I wasn't," Percy said and Cyrus glanced at the letter for a moment before looking back at Percy.
"I feel honored but what changed?" Cyrus asked and noticed the young teen crossing his arms. A moment of silence passed and Cyrus couldn't help but feel a bit nervous under the cold stare of the teen in front of him.
"I tried to understand you, Lord. I know the grey faction is losing its power and all. But a marriage contract? Really?" Percy said and Cyrus' eyes winded.
"How? Why do you know that?" Cyrus said as Percy sighed and pinched his nose.
"Read the letter Cyrus and you will understand. Then we can talk about how to make the best of this fuck-up of yours," Percy said and Cyrus frowned.
He wanted to say something about his comments but then his eyes caught something in the letter. He saw the name of the person who wrote the letter. One Arcturus Black the third.
His eyes widened and he immediately started reading the letter. And as his eyes scanned the contents of the letter his eyes grew bigger and bigger.
Then when he finished reading the letter his wide eyes turned towards Percy, who was trying to avoid Cyrus' stare. The Lord of the house dropped to the ground looking at his hands in shock.
Then he snorted. A snort that evolves into a fit of uncontrollable chuckles. "Oh, sweet Merlin. What a fool I was," Cyrus said as he looked up. Then an excited smile invaded his face "Yes, we can work with this," Cyrus said as Percy looked down at him with the same cold look.
"We must. For those we love," Percy said seriously and with conviction. There was a purpose behind that sentence. Then his eyes traveled to the main house. To a certain window in particular. And for the first time, his eyes changed from cold ones into ones of melancholy.
Leaky Cauldron Late in the morning.
Harry had slept very well. A dreamless peaceful night. A huge difference from the nights he had been having as of late. And now he was in the main dining of the establishment having a normal English breakfast.
He was pondering about his recent adventure and even if he was a bit tired from the recent exploration. There was an eagerness to go again inside of him still. He was so lost in his mind that he almost missed someone putting a hand on his shoulder.
He quickly made a sharp turn of his head and saw Percy standing there with his hands up in a sign of peace "Sorry. Didn't mean to startle you," Percy said as Harry relaxed a bit.
"Don't worry. I just didn't see you coming," Harry said as he moved to the side so that Percy could sit next to him "I was lost in thought," Harry said as Percy took a seat.
"I can see. Can I ask what about?" Percy asked and Harry looked at him a bit sheepishly.
"About yesterday. I kind of want to go exploring once more," Harry said with a small smile on his face and Percy blinked a few times.
"Really?" Percy asked tilting his head a bit "Why?" He asked and Harry shrugged his shoulders.
"Turns out I have a liking for exploring," Harry said with a bit of a chuckle "Yesterday was different from my usual adventures," Harry said and Percy remained quiet to let Harry speak.
"Usually these adventures are thrown my way against my will. But this one, I chose it. And it was very rewarding," Harry said and Percy gave him a small smile.
"Well, I'm glad you're eager to go adventuring. Merlin knows I could use the company," Percy said with a snort "As you can see. It's starting to get dangerous going alone. And quite boring frankly," Percy said and Harry looked at him with eyes of excitement
"Really!?" Harry asked excitedly and Percy nodded his head.
"Yes, but keep it between us for now," Percy said before looking ahead "I don't mind bringing others along in the future if things get too complicated. But I would like it to remain a close circle secret for now if you don't mind," Percy said and Harry nodded his head.
"My lips are sealed," Harry said and Percy squeezed his arm in thankfulness.
"So, care to join me for an ice cream or would you rather spend all day trapped here?" Percy said and Harry tilted his head and shrugged his shoulders.
"Sure," Harry said stepping out of the table and following Percy into the Diagon Alley "You gave Bill the amulet?" Harry asked and Percy shook his head
"Not yet. I got occupied by some personal matters and I forgot," Percy said patting one of his pockets "I'll give it to him later," Percy said.
"Can I join you? Perhaps I can look better at his wares," Harry said and Percy shrugged his shoulders.
"Sure, Bill will thank me if I bring money to his shop," Percy said a bit amused as Harry let out a small chuckle.
Both teens arrived at the ice cream parlor and ordered their desserts. Then they fell into small talk, mainly about Hogwarts and their future classes. Harry was intrigued by subjects like Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. If he was being honest when Professor McGonagall and Hermione explained it to him, it sounded very complicated and convoluted. That's why he chose Divination with Ron.
But now, hearing Percy describing them, he couldn't help but feel intrigued. Creating your spells and accessing another form of magic seems intriguing to him. But it wasn't like he could change course this late. But Percy said that he didn't lose anything by asking McGonagall fora change.
He was pondering this topic when he heard two familiar voices near him "Harry!" He heard his best friend shouting at him. He left his seat in a blink of an eye and met his friends at the edges of the ice cream parlor.
Ron had his ginger red hair longer than the previous year and a bit more rough-ish. It seems he had let it grow in the summer. He sported a bit of a tan thanks to his trip to Egypt.
And there was Hermione who had tried to the best of her abilities to straighten her hair down. She still had some unruly curls here and there but it seems more controllable. He also noticed that her teeth were a bit shorter. A small difference from the year before. But he supposed he would've to ask later.
"So what's this about you inflating your aunt?" Hermione asked a bit accusatory and Harry scratched the back of his head sheepishly
"I didn't mean to," Harry said with a shrug "I just lost control," He said and Hermione rolled her eyes while Ron chuckled at him.
"It's not funny Ronald. He could've been expelled," Hermione said and was about to say more but then she noticed someone else approaching them.
"You blow up your aunt?" Percy asked in curiosity and slight amusement. Harry sighed and noticed how his friends stared at Percy. Ron had this look of annoyance in him, he couldn't blame him. He wasn't the biggest fan of Slytherins. And Hermione had this curious look on her as if she was trying to figure out who he was.
"She was saying things about my parents and I lost it," Harry explained and Percy crossed his arms.
"Accidental Magic?" Percy asked and Harry nodded his head "How unusual. Then again, anger does make magic uncontrollable," Percy said, and Harry got curious.
"How so?" He asked and Percy just shrugged his shoulders.
"I'll tell you later. Shouldn't you introduce me to your friends?" Percy said tilting his head with a smirk on his face Harry blinked a bit before his eyes widened
"Ah right," Harry said turning to his friends as they both looked at him with curiosity and annoyance in their eyes, well annoyance more in Ron's eyes than Hermione "Guys this is Percy, we met yesterday," Harry said as Percy nodded at them and place his hand forward to Hermione who was the closest to him.
"Percy, these are Hermione and Ron, my best friends," Harry said beaming as Percy kissed the knuckles of Hermione's hand getting a blush out of her. He moved to shake Ron's hand but noticed his anger rising and him not wanting to shake his hand so he didn't.
"Why are you talking to a slimy snake?" Ron asked annoyed and Percy blinked in confusion.
"Slimy?" Percy asked out loud but no one really heard him because of Hermione's indignation.
"Ronald! Don't be rude!" Hermione said slapping his shoulder as Percy looked at Harry in confusion.
"He knows that snakes aren't slimy right?" Percy asked and Harry shrugged his shoulders not knowing what his friend was saying.
"How am I being rude!?" Ron exclaimed at Hermione "You know that those Slytherin cunts can't be trusted. Or have you forgotten how Malfoy is!?" Ron said and Hermione rolled her eyes
"Not because Malfoy's a prick does it mean every Slytherin is also a prick!" Hermione said and then she turned to Percy "Are you a prick?" She asked Percy who shook his head.
"Not usually," Percy said a bit confused much to the amusement of Harry.
"See!?" Hermione said as Ron crossed his arms and scoffed. She tried to argue more but Percy stopped her.
"Granger," Percy said getting her attention "It's okay. I know my housemates aren't the most welcoming people to put it lightly," Percy said to the snorts of both boys there "So it's fine. I'm used to it," Percy said and only Hermione noticed the little annoyance behind his eyes. But it faded away too quickly for others to notice.
"That doesn't mean he gets to be rude, I'm sorry about that," Hermione said and then looked straight at Percy's violet eyes "And please, call me Hermione," She said and he offered her a small smile and nodded his head.
In an effort to bridge a gap with Harry's friends, he looked at Ron who still had that annoyed look on him "I saw you on the news. How was your trip to Egypt?" Percy asked and Ron's annoyance calmed down a bit
"It was good. Me and my family had tons of fun," Ron said and then a small smile invaded his face "Bill was so excited and he couldn't control himself," Ron said and Percy chuckled.
"I supposed he was. Places like that are a curse breaker's paradise," Percy said avoiding the knowing look that Harry sent him.
"I guess you're right," Ron said before bringing his rat familiar out from one of his pockets "The only downside is that Scabbers has been pretty sick since the trip," Ron said as Percy leaned over to look at the rat.
"He does look a bit worse for wear," Percy said as he stared intently at the rat. There was something familiar about this pet but he couldn't place what it was.
"He does. I want to get him a check over. Just in case," Ron said as Harry jumped in.
"There's a magical creature shop just over there. They should have something for Scabbers there," Harry said and Percy couldn't help but throw a dig at him.
"We best listen to him. We're in the presence of a local after all," Percy said with a light chuckle and Harry's eyebrow ticked in annoyance.
"Come on Ron let me show you the way," Harry said under the chuckle of his friends. Harry and Ron walked away first leaving Percy and Hermione trailing behind.
Hermione kept looking at Percy every once and a while still with curiosity and Percy felt the need to point it out "Something the matter?" Percy asked and Hermione blushed a bit.
"I'm just wondering if we met before. I swear I've talked to you before," Hermione said and Percy nodded his head.
"We have," Percy said to Hermione's slight surprise "Back in our first year, I got lost and ended up in the old women's restroom," Percy said and Hermione's eyes winded.
"Oh that's right," Hermione said in realization "You tried to cheer me off back then, I remember," She said and Percy scratched his head.
"I did though I supposed I didn't do a good job. Considering how nervous I was back then," Percy said and Hermione placed her hand on his arm.
"Don't beat yourself too much. I needed someone to listen to me back then," Hermione said with a small smile on her face.
"Well, I'm glad you decided to stay," Percy said as Hermione moved her hand away "It would be a shame for Hogwarts to lose someone as bright as you," Percy said as Hermione blushed a bit and looked away.
"W-well I suppose I would've regretted leaving in the end," Hermione said and Percy tilted his head "How can anyone turn their backs on this world? Am I right?" She said and Percy chuckled and nodded
"Yes, I suppose us muggle-born and muggle-raised can go back after seeing the wonders of the magical world," Percy said and Hermione blinked.
"You're a muggle?" She asked a bit hopeful but that hope died down when Percy shook his head.
"I'm a pureblood who was muggle-raised. Malfoy's biggest nightmare," Percy said cheekily and Hermione giggled a bit "So I grew up reading and watching the Lord of the Rings. Imagine my surprise when I found out I was a wizard," Percy said and Hermione's eagerness rose.
"I know right!? Things I imagined as a child were suddenly real. And even if it isn't all rainbows and roses, it's still pretty amazing," Hermione said and Percy nodded his head.
"Then again, not every world is rainbows and roses is it?" Percy said and Hermione nodded her head.
"Yes I suppose you're right," She said as the group entered the magical creature shop. Percy let Hermione in first and then he looked around the shop.
It was a bit small and all the walls around were blocked by the endless cages of animals and creatures. The shop was also filled with the roars and screeches of the animals around them.
Each teen moved around the shop waiting for the clerk to finish with another customer. Percy was looking at a beautiful black python who was staring back at him with its red ruby eyes in curiosity "There is a joke here somewhere," Harry said behind Percy and the white-haired teen looked back.
"Just please don't call me or her slimy," Percy said with amusement as Harry chuckled and placed himself next to him.
"Her?" Harry asked in curiosity and Percy nodded his head "How do you know?" Harry asked as the other teen just shrugged his shoulders. Harry felt there was something that the other teen was not telling him but he didn't want to pry too much.
"What is she saying?" Percy asked looking at Harry who got a bit nervous. His parseltongue ability wasn't something he was very proud of "I won't judge you," Percy felt the need to reassure him and Harry sighed.
He focused on the hissings of the snake and then turned to Percy "She wants to leave, she feels trapped here. And she wants the pretty white wizard to take her," Harry said with an obviously amused smirk.
"I don't know whether to feel flatter or not," Percy said with a bit of a frown. Then he carefully opened the cage "Kuro might get jealous but she's too gorgeous to pass on," Percy said putting his arm forward.
The snake slithered around Percy's arm and placed herself around his neck. She made herself comfortable and then lay there. Marking the spot for herself. "You aren't worried about what they would say around Hogwarts?" Harry asked in concern.
He couldn't help the whole Slytherin's heir fiasco from the year before and concern filled him for his new friend "Not really," Percy said scratching the chin of the snake.
"But," Harry said and Percy put a hand on his shoulder.
"I don't care if people talk or say things. I only care what those closest to me say," Percy said squeezing his shoulder "Besides, people should stop associating snakes with evil," He said before walking to the counter where Ron and Hermione were.
Harry looked at the floor in deep thought. Perhaps Percy was right. He should stop getting upset about what the others say about him.
He approached the counter and heard Ron talking to the storekeeper. She offered a rat-tonic for Ron who bought it. The lady handed him the bag with the tonic and just as Ron was about to pocket Scabbers away. A kneazel orange cat jumped into the counter with the sole intention of eating the rat.
"NO, CROOKSHANKS NO!" The storekeeper said stopping the cat in its tracks as the rat bolted for the door with Ron behind it.
Harry looked at the entrance of the store and sighed in annoyance "I suppose I should help him. You're going to Bill's after?" Hary asked Percy who nodded his head "If I don't find you when you're done we'll meet you there," He said before walking outside "And bring Hermione!" He shouted at them before leaving the animal store.
"Bring me where?" Hermione asked curiously and Percy looked at her a bit.
"A store, what else there's around?" Percy asked cheekily and Hermione rolled her eyes and slapped him in the arm.
"Prat," She said a bit amused, and then she looked at the snake "She's pretty," Hermione said and moved her hand forward. She was a bit surprised by her actions considering everything that went down last year. But she was in Gryffindor for a reason.
Percy glanced at the snake a bit and saw her looking at Hermione in curiosity and didn't notice any hostile intentions on the creature "Sure, just be careful. Don't want you getting hurt," Percy said as Hermione put her hand in front of the snake.
The tongue of the snake hit Hermione's hand a bit making her giggle and then the snake moved her head up allowing Hermione to scratch her.
Hermione did so scratching the snake below its neck and the snake closed her eyes showing how much it liked it.
Percy was staring right at Hermione thinking how pretty she looked with those curiosity-filled eyes. She must've felt his stare as she looked at him with a raised eyebrow "What is it?" She asked in curiosity making Percy blush lightly.
"Nothing," Percy said looking away. Hermione looked at him with uncertainty. She stopped petting the snake and was about to ask something further but the clerk interrupted them.
"Huff, sorry about that dears," The clerk said managing to calm the cat down. Both teens look back at the clerk "So, I suppose you wish to buy Aurora here," The clerk said and Percy looked at the snake.
"Aurora huh?" Percy asked himself before looking back at the clerk "Yes I want to buy it. How much?" He asked and the clerk smiled at him.
"Twenty galleons, but if you pay ten more I can give a personal care package to you," The clerk said with a sly smirk and Percy just nodded his head as he took an empty pouch out of one of his pockets.
He placed it on the counter and tapped the top edge of the bag with his wand and the previous bag started filling up. And once it stopped Percy took the exact thirty galleons out of the bag and placed them into the clerk's hand.
"Pleasure doing business with you dear," The clerk said and Percy nodded politely before looking at Hermione who was staring at the cat with slight wonder.
"You should buy him," Percy said as the clerk handed him a bag with the care package "He seems lovely," Percy said moving his hand in front of the cat.
Crookshanks sniffed it for a bit before rubbing its head on Percy's palm. Then Percy scratched behind the cat's ears making it purr a bit.
Hermione bit her lip in deep thought before looking back at the clerk "How much?" She asked and Percy moved his hand away.
"I'll wait for you outside," He said to Hermione who nodded her head. Percy stepped out ofthe store and walked to a nearby bench. He took a seat and started looking through the bag the clerk had given him.
He was sorting everything when Harry joined him once more "Found the rat?" Percy asked and Harry nodded and took a seat next to him "And Ronald?" Percy asked in curiosity.
"He told me he'll meet us back at the leaky cauldron. He said that Scabbers needs a rest," Harry said with a tired sigh "I really wanted him to meet Bill," Harry said and Percy placed a hand on his shoulder.
"We can always go another time," Percy tried to reassure him but Harry shook his head.
"No, we should go. You need to sort out the necklace," Harry said before letting a chuckle "'Sides. Hermione will never forgive me if I don't take her to Gabriel's store," Harry said to the amuse of Percy.
"Take me where?" Hermione asked gaining the attention of both males. She had Crookshanks nested in her arms and the cat looked content.
"A store. What else is there around?" Harry said cheekily to the snort of Percy. Hermione rolled her eyes and called Harry a prat same as Percy "Ron will be mad when he sees him," Harry said pointing at the cat.
"Oh I'm counting on it," Hermione said to the amusement of the teens in front of her "So, can I know where are we going? Or will you two keep acting like prats?" Hermione asked as both men gave each other an amused look.
"Come on. It's just up ahead," Harry said jumping off the bench leading Hermione. Percy fell behind letting both friends catch up. He offered some comments here and there but he mostly stood aside.
That's it until they got to the entrance of the dark alley "Wait," Hermione said as Harry looked back "We're going into the dark alley?" She asked and Harry nodded his head "But," She started saying but Harry cut her off
"Don't worry, it's perfectly fine," Harry said and then smiled at her "Besides, where's your sense of adventure," Harry said as he started walking forward.
"If it makes you feel better. He spent at least three weeks standing here deciding if he should go in or not," Percy said placing a hand on her shoulder. She looked at him uncertainly and he squeezed her shoulder "It's safe in there. You just need to know what stores to avoid," Percy said as Hermione nodded and walked forward stopping only when she noticed Harry frozen in place.
"What's wrong Harry?" Hermione asked as the black-haired teen looked back a bit sheepishly.
"I kind of forgot the way," Harry said to the amusement and exasperation of Percy and Hermione respectively.
"Gabriel's store is this way," Percy said as he walked forward and started leading both teens forward.
It was a short walk to the store and once they entered Hermione had these huge eyes of wonder and couldn't stop looking around at the endless sea of books "What is this place? There are so many books I haven't even heard of," Hermione said looking around.
"You were right," Percy said leaning into Harry. Remembering how he said that Hermione would love this place.
"I told you," Harry said as Hermione looked back at them.
"Seriously, what is this place?" She asked with a big smile on her face.
"Perhaps I can help you with that dear," Gabriel said from behind Hermione. The young Gryffindor girl turned around and quickly hid her shock of meeting an actual gnome very quickly "How was your hunt, Percy?" Gabriel asked as she sorted out two books on the shelves.
"Pretty good overall," Percy said simply trying not to give anything away "No scrolls though," He said and Gabriel sighed in defeat.
"Bummer," She said before looking at Hermione "So, what do you want to know?" She asked as both teen and clerk went on a huge conversation of how this store worked.
"This is going to take a while, want to go to Bill's?" Harry asked and Percy, who still had his eyes on Hermione, shook his head.
"We should stay," Percy said without looking at Harry "I have a feeling she would like Bill's store as well," Percy said and Harry nodded in understanding.
Both teens watch from the sidelines as Hermione, with the help of Gabriel, explores the store to its full capacity. She was frustrated that she didn't have enough money to buy at least one book. That's when Percy intervened.
"I'll pay for them," Percy said, and Hermione looked at him in slight surprise. "Just pick the ones that catch your attention the most," Percy said, and Hermione looked a bit mortified.
"I can't just take your money away," Hermione said and Percy shrugged his shoulders.
"It's okay, I have too much of it anyway," Percy said reassuringly "Besides, the more money this store gets the more books I get to buy," Percy said a bit cheekily and Hermione looked at him uncertainly.
"Are you sure?" She asked and Percy nodded his head. She turned around and started telling Gabriel which books would she like.
Percy noticed the look Harry was giving him and glanced at him "What?" Percy asked and Harry shrugged his shoulders.
"Nothing," Harry said with a small smirk on his face. Percy wondered what all of that was about but didn't get anywhere.
They saw Hermione walking to the counter and Percy walked there as well. He paid for the books, in truth there were fewer than he was expecting. Perhaps she didn't want to impose too much.
After they were done, they left the store. As soon as they left, Hermione jumped at Percy, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Thank you. You really didn't have to do that," she said, and Percy, who didn't know how to react, patted her back a few times.
"Like I told you, I don't mind," Percy said as Hermione stopped hugging him "So shall we go to the next store," Percy said quickly changing topics quite nervously.
Harry hid his amused chuckle behind a cough and then smirked at Percy's slight annoyance. He saw Percy walking away first and looked at Hermione for a bit. "So what do you think?" Harry asked Hermione, who was busy looking at her bag. Harry offered to carry it for her, seeing as she was having trouble carrying Crookshanks and the bag at the same time.
"About what?" She asked a bit confused and Harry looked forward, she turned around and saw where Percy was "About Percy? He seems nice," Hermoine said and Harry nodded with a smile on his face.
"He is. I'm glad you two are getting along," Harry said as he walked forward before Percy disappeared from their sight.
"I'm glad you're making new friends Harry," Hermione said as she placed a hand on her friend's shoulder "Especially one from Slytherin," She said and Harry scratched his head.
"He basically forced a friendship to be honest," Harry said before glancing back at her "He can be very persuasive," He said as Hermione gave him a small smile as they caught up with Percy.
"There there, you can always send it to him by mail," Harry tried to say reassuringly and patted Percy's back. It turns out that Bill was out of town and the store was closed till further notice. Much to Percy's annoyance.
"Out of town my ass," Percy said grumbling much to Harry's amusement. The trio entered the leaky cauldron. Hermione was eager to enter the store later on because of the other two males' descriptions. Gems of powerful elemental magic sounded very interesting to her.
She was lost in her thoughts and was brought back to reality by Ron who started berating her because of Crookshanks.
Both Percy and Harry saw this coming and didn't want anything to do with it so they silently moved away. Percy noticed the huge crowd of redheads and figured the Weasley coven had arrived at the magical motel.
Percy wanted to go away but Harry had dragged him to meet his foster family "Harry," Both males heard a soft voice say and they looked at a red Ginny, she was clearly embarrassed by something and went away quickly. And now it was Percy's turn to look at Harry amused.
Harry elbowed Percy a bit hiding his chuckles "Harry. How nice to see you," Percy, the Weasley head boy, said as Harry took Percy Weasley's hand with his own.
Harry was still trying to hold his laughter about the Ginny situation as he said hi to Percy Weasley. Soon he was met by the twins who started making fun of their older brother.
Percy Weasley met Percy's eyes and both men shook their hands "I don't believe we have met. I'm Percy Weasley," The head boy said as Percy nodded his head.
"Perseus Nyx. A pleasure, and congratulations on making head boy," Percy said noticing the badge that the Weasley was wearing proudly "From what I've heard it was well deserved," Percy said as the Weasley beamed a bit before being pushed away by his siblings.
"Oh of course it was," Fred said jumping on the conversation.
"Only someone with a head as big as Percy's could be head boy," George said chuckling. Their older brother was annoyed by their attitude and decided to just go away.
Harry chuckled a bit but stopped when he saw Percy rolling his eyes a bit "And who is this?" Fred said as Percy looked up at them but this time didn't make any effort to put his hand forward.
"This one seems familiar. Don't you agree Gred?" George said as Fred nodded his head and both twins looked closely at Percy.
"I'm the guy you bullied to hell on its first year. And retaliated last year," Percy said a bit annoyed "Or did you forget the endless stink bombs you threw my way?" Percy said and Harry looked at the twins mortified
"You guys did that?" He asked and Fred and George shrugged his shoulders
"We don't remember, we prank a ton of Slytherins. Who can keep track of them all," Fred said as it was a matter of fact and Percy rolled his eyes once more.
"Of course," He said bitterly as he walked away towards the bar area. The twins and Harry watched Percy leave in uncomfortable silence.
"What did you do?" Harry asked as the twins shrugged their shoulders. Harry raised his eyebrows and the twins looked away sheepishly.
"Well he's a Slytherin and we may have overdone it a bit," Fred said, scratching his head.
"But we stopped last year when he trapped us in that room with fireworks," George said looking back at Percy "He gained our respect," George said and Harry rubbed his face in annoyance.
"And have you apologized?" Harry asked in a slightly annoyed tone and the twins shook their heads "Then go. He's a good guy and bullies are the worst," Harry said and the twins sighed but walked up to Percy.
The white-haired teen was sitting on the bar stool waiting for a drink when he turned around annoyance was still present in his eyes "Look Percy, about the pranks," Fred started as Percy narrowed his eyes.
"We're sorry we took it too far, but you were the only one that kind of fought back, and," George said while looking at his brother.
"Well, we were happy to have a small prank war and we may have overdone it," George said and Percy sighed and rubbed his face.
"It's fine. I shouldn't have reacted like that," Percy said while rubbing his neck "It's just that one of your pranks kind of ruined a special day for a dear friend of mine and I've been bitter about that for a while now," Percy said to the confusion of the other three people.
"Ruined how?" Fred couldn't help to ask as Percy looked forward.
"Sorry, that's personal. Let's just say this person is one of the closest people I love and I kind of lose it when something happens to her. She's kind of a sister to me," Percy said and Fred and George understood completely.
"Same as us with Ginny," Fred said as Percy turned around and let out a breath.
"Then how about we start over, I could use your help with something," He said taking a small pouch out of his pocket again. He reached into it and with a bit of a struggle he took out two identical black pocket-size notebooks "Here," Percy said handing George one notebook. The twins plus Harry looked at the notebook in confusion before looking at Percy with the same look.
"Try writing something on it," Percy said passing a pen to George "A question perhaps," Percy said and George shrugged his shoulders and started writing in the notebook.
He wrote, "Who is the biggest git in the school?" And then looked at his twin unsure. But then Fred's eyes grew big and pointed at the notebook. There, below George's question, something started to appear.
Then an answer that said "It is between Malfoy or Professor Snape," appeared below George's question.
"Whoa," Harry said as the twins looked at Percy with wide eyes. Percy showed them his notebook and they saw both sentences there as well.
"This an invention from my mother. A two-way secret communication, my gift to you," Percy said as George and Fred blinked and narrowed their eyes a bit.
"What's the catch?" Fred asked and Percy gave them a small smile.
"Malfoy has a lot of influence in Slytherin thanks to his cocksucker of a father," Percy said to the snorts of the other three "And I want him to lose it. I have a plan, but this may speed things up," Percy said as the trio looked at him confused.
"What will?" George asked as his twin nodded his head agreeing with his brother.
"And what do you have against Malfoy?" Harry asked and Percy looked at the trio in front of him.
"Well leaving the fact that Malfoy is a cunt aside," Percy said gaining a few chuckles here and there "Right now Slytherin is associated with evil. People think of us as future death eaters. Nothing but bullies and evil horrible people," Percy said with a sigh.
"I wish to change that. We're cunning and ambitious sure, but those aren't evil traits. But Malfoy and his cronies don't realize that. And since they refuse to change, I got no choice but to get rid of them," Percy said and Fred leaned forward.
"And how are you planning on doing that?" He asked a bit intrigued. There was no love in Fred for Malfoy and the chance to knock him a few pecks down caused a huge eagerness on the young Weasley.
"By alienating him. If people start distrusting him. He will slowly but surely lose his standing," Percy said before pointing at the notebooks "And to do that I just need to bring one person on my side," Percy said as the trio looked confused.
"Who?" Gorge asked and Percy just smirked at them not giving them the answer "Fine keep your secrets. But at least tell us what part we play in it," George said and Percy smiled at them.
"You just need to prank them. At every week, every day, and every hour," Percy said before pointing at the notebooks again "And for you to do so, I will give you every password of our common room, even if they change it," Percy said as the twins blinked and then got excited.
The only place they had never been able to enter was the other houses' common rooms. But if they had access to one just like that, the possibilities would be endless. But they didn't want to agree right away.
"Can we think about it?" Fred said as Percy nodded and then looked at the notebook in Fred's hands.
"Sure, why don't you keep the notebook, and if you decide to go with my plan just let me know through there," Percy said as the twins nodded and walked away. They had much to think about.
Harry took a seat next to Percy while looking at the teen in slight curiosity. Percy raised an eyebrow asking what was on Harry's mind silently "There's more to this isn't it?" Harry asked as Percy tilted his head "You wouldn't do this type of thing just for power. Or at least that's what I think," Harry said and Percy looked forward and nodded.
"How well have you come to know me in such a short time, Harry," Percy said as Harry smiled a bit shyly under the praise "He called one of my friends a dirty and worthless half-blood traitor all of our second-year while taunting her about becoming a prey of Slytherin's monster. It's personal," Percy said with narrowed eyes. There was also hatred behind those eyes. Harry gulped and right there and then he vowed to never cross Percy in any way.
"He did?" Harry said a bit surprised. He at least thought Malfoy would treat his house-mates a bit fairly "He's truly a massive cunt," Harry said as Percy snorted as his drink arrived.
"That he is," Percy said taking a sip of his drink "I should probably get going," Percy said as Harry looked at him with a frown.
"You're leaving?" Harry asked a bit sad. But he understood if Percy needed to leave back home.
"I need to sort out my things so that I can join you tomorrow on your trip to Hogwarts," Percy said as he noticed the confused look on Harry's look "What? You're not getting rid of me that easily," Percy said cheekily as Harry spluttered a bit embarrassed.
"Tom. I'll take a room for the night," Percy said dropping a few galleons on the table "I'll meet you later Harry. Or tomorrow morning if you're fast asleep when I arrive," Percy said as he placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Yeah, see you later," Harry said as he saw Percy leaving the leaky cauldron.
"He left already?" Hermione asked as she took a seat next to Harry putting Crookshanks on top of the table. Harry nodded as he noticed one taking a seat next to him on the other side.
"Good riddance if you asked me," Ron said receiving to pair of glares from his friends.
"Seriously Ronald! Don't be rude!" Hermione said but Ron just rolled his eyes. Harry wasn't much of a confrontational person so he took the more passive approach of berating his friend.
"Ron, he's a good guy. Just give him a chance," Harry said but Ron, as always, was being stubborn.
"No way. He's a snake, he probably just wants something from you Harry," Ron said and Hermione had enough and started berating him.
Harry tuned them out as he had grown used to doing and looked forward. He was a bit worried. For a moment just before Percy left he looked a bit concerned and he couldn't help but worry.
A day later.
Harry hadn't slept well, his mind didn't let him rest from what he had heard from both Weasley's adults about Sirius Black. He knew he was dangerous but learning that he was being hunted was something else. And to think that he hoped for a normal school year.
Then he had forgotten how chaotic the arrival to the train was with the Weasleys. He was dozing off while all the redheads plus Hermione scrambled to get their suitcases and belongings packed.
That's when he felt a familiar touch on his shoulder. He looked to the right and noticed Percy slipping into a seat next to him while giving Harry a cup. He had started to notice that even if Percy pretended to be aloof he liked physical and reassuring forms of affection. Seeing how much he placed his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Coffee?" Percy asked as Harry took the cup in his hands.
"Thank you," Harry said before looking at Percy "When did you get here?" Harry asked as Percy leaned back and Harry noticed that his snake pet was again on Percy's neck.
"Between twelve and one in the morning," Percy said rubbing his eyes "I started reading a book and time passed me by," Percy said with a yawn "What about you? What kept you awake?" Percy asked and Harry yawned as well.
"I'll tell you on the train. If you wish to join us that's it," Harry said and Percy looked at him amused much to Harry's embarrassment.
"Whoa Harry, are you perhaps asking me on a date?" Percy said as Harry went bright red "I'm flatter but I don't swing that way, mate," Percy said with a few chuckles as Harry slapped his arm while calling him a prat "Well usually I join with some friends of mine, but we're on a rough patch and I don't want to see them just yet," Percy said scratching the back of his head.
"Can I ask what sort of rough patch?" Harry asked and Percy looked at the floor in deep thought.
"One of my friends stopped talking to us in the summer, that us being me and my other friend," Percy said with a sigh "She has this habit of closing off when bad things happen. Both I and the other friend were a bit tired of it, so we bowed to not speak to her until she spoke to us," Percy said before looking at Harry "So I'll be glad to join you. Though I'm not sure your friend Ron would like me there," Percy said and Harry snorted.
"Don't worry about that, he'll behave," Harry said as Percy raised an eyebrow asking how he knew "Hermione didn't leave him alone because he was being rude to you," Harry said and Percy's face adopted a small smile.
"I'll have to thank her then," He said before both teen's attention was caught up when Hermione and Ron joined him.
Percy noticed that Hermione had her new cat in a medium cage fit for travel "Don't worry Crookshank's. I'll let you out on the train," Hermione said as Percy noticed the annoyance in the cat. He could clearly see the cat begging him to be released.
"You won't. What about poor Scabbers?" Ron said pointing at the lump on his chest where the rat was hiding "And you, keep that snake in check," Ron said to Percy. And as if Aurora knew she was being called. She moved her head up and stared at Ron intently getting him nervous.
"Don't worry. She won't eat your rat," Percy said scratching her neck while looking at Ron.
Then the group of teens was called by the Weasley patriarch telling them that they were here "Who?" Percy asked in confusion and Harry looked a bit shy.
"Ministry cars, they're going to take us to Hogwarts Express," Harry said much to the confusion of Percy.
"Why?" Percy asked not knowing what else to say. Harry looked down nervously and down and Percy noticed this while Ron explained that his Dad worked at the ministry and that's why they were giving them these cars.
"I see," Percy said while looking at Harry who mouthed "I'll tell you later," Not wanting to say much out here.
The teens walked to the cars and before they left Hermione noticed that Percy wasn't carrying any trunks "Wait, Percy where is your stuff?" She asked as Percy blinked at her.
"Ah that," Percy said as he took out a mini-sized trunk out of his pocket "Here," Percy said, and Hermione leaned forward with curiosity in her eyes.
"You shrink your trunk?" She asked while looking up at Percy. He nodded and Ron answered for Percy.
"It probably has a shrinking charm on it. Fit for long travels, though those things cost a bloody huge amount of money," Ron said not hiding how he thought that Percy was a rich asshole.
"Yes, they do. It was a present though," Percy said pocking the small trunk back on his jacket.
"What about Kuro?" Harry asked as they moved away a bit faster. Harry tried to avoid an early confrontation between Ron and Percy.
"Hogwarts allows only one pet and an owl," Percy said while glancing at Harry "And since Aurora is kind of a baby I thought it would be best if she joined me," Percy said while opening the door and letting the trio walk out first since they had all those luggage with them.
They got to the cars and Percy couldn't help but throw a dig at Harry as he bowed and opened the door for him pretending he was royalty. Harry rolled his eyes and entered the car.
The golden trio got on the back and Percy took the co-pilot seat. It was a silent trip since the ministry chauffeur was much of a talker. Ron was looking at the muggle's streets in amazement while the others just waited for the trip to be over. And in the blink of an eye, they got to their destinations.
Mr. Weasley suggested they go into the barrier between platforms ten and nine in pairs. They agreed and Mr. Weasley and Harry went first. Percy hung back and went inside along with Hermione as he helped her push her trolley. They got onto the platform of the Hogwarts Express and noticed Arthur talking to Harry in hushed whispers.
Percy followed Hermione and Ron to the train and the trio waited for Harry near the entrance of the train. Harry rushed to them and they quickly got into the train before it took off. Both Ron and Harry leaned over the window to say goodbye to the rest of the family.
Harry led the group and whispered to Ron and Hermione that he needed to tell them something. Ron ushered Ginny away, and the girl cursed her big brother off. Percy let her pass with an amused smile on his face at her vocabulary.
Ginny thanked him while glancing away at him. It seems that outside her family she was very shy. Percy crossed eyes with Harry for a bit asking him if he still wanted him to join them. Harry nodded his head and Percy followed them to almost the end of the train. Whatever Harry wanted to say it was very secretive indeed.
They got to an empty compartment, as empty as it could be, since it had an adult sleeping in it. Harry decided this would do and ushered everyone inside.
"Who do you think he is?" Ron asked out loud wondering about the man inside. Percy and Harry glanced a bit at the man while standing in the doorway as they let Hermione and Ron settle.
"Professor R. J. Lupin," Hermione said as Ron and Percy looked at her in a mixture of surprise. Both were wondering how id she knew who he was but Only Ron voiced that question. "It's on his suitcase," Hermione said and Percy felt dumb and glad he didn't say anything.
"Wonder what he teaches?" Ron asked out loud and now it was Percy's turn to answer.
"Probably Defense Against the Dark Arts," Percy said and Hermione nodded agreeing with him. Then Percy looked at Harry a bit "So, how private do you want this conversation to be?" Percy asked and Harry looked at him with a mixture of confusion and seriousness. The jet-black-haired teen nodded at him with narrowed eyes conveying how much privacy he needed then Percy turned around.
He started murmuring something while passing his wand along the edges of the door of the compartment "What are you doing?" Ron asked noticing the look of amazement in Hermione.
"That's the notice-me-not charm, it creates a veil so if anyone passes through this compartment they will be compelled to walk away, but that's a Fifth-Year spell, how do you know it?" Hermione asked as Percy just smirked at her.
"Trade secret," Percy said as he took a seat next to her putting Hermione between him and Ron "But it will suit our needs for the moment until one of us opens the door that's it," Percy explained as Harry nodded in understanding.
To be honest he was a bit impressed as well by the use of the charm but he had some other things to discuss. So he did, he told them everything Mr. Weasley had told him and also what he had overheard about Sirius black.
When he was done he was faced by three ghost-ashen white surprised faces. At first, neither of the three spoke but their thoughts were spoken by Percy in a simple word "Fuuuuck," He drawled out as he rubbed his face.
Ron leaned forward a bit worried about his best mate but Hermione beat him to the conversation "Sirius Black escaped prison to come after you? Oh, Harry," Hermione said bringing her hands over her mouth "You'll have to be very careful, please don't go looking for trouble," She said and Harry quickly retorted back.
"Trouble usually finds me not the other way around," Harry said as Rin agreed with him. There was just no way Harry would be chasing a mass murderer. And that's when Percy noticed Harry's reaction to all of this. He was too calm, with no panic whatsoever. As if it was a daily occurrence.
"Harry, why are you so calm?" Percy asked a bit concerned and then noticed that the trio wasn't as surprised as him "I mean, a serial killer is after you after all," Percy said and Harry shrugged his shoulder.
"When you've already faced the dark lord twice. A serial killer isn't that scary," Harry said and Percy blinked a bit confused.
"Twice? What do you mean by that?" Percy asked and then the golden trio looked mortified. They remembered that Percy hadn't been there for their previous adventures.
"Ah well," Harry said looking at his two friends who just shrugged their shoulders "I supposed I need to tell you some things," Harry said as Percy leaned forward expectantly.
Then Harry went on a brief description of what had happened the previous years at Hogwarts. Explaining the philosopher stone and meeting Voldemort for the first time and then came the second year.
At the end of Harry's tale Percy had his head in his hands while he rubbed his forehead periodically "I'm gonna get a headache," Percy mumbled as the trio looked at each other worried. They didn't know how Percy would react to this.
"Are you okay mate?" Ron asked. He was starting to get comfortable with Percy. He still had mistrust for the Slytherin but it was slowly fading away though perhaps Harry was just hoping and seeing things.
"Yes, it's just that not every day do you learn that the blood purist murderer Lord Voldemort was, in fact, a half-blood. And that wasn't even the most shocking thing you said," Percy said rubbing his face and moving his head up. "I don't know whether to be impressed or worried you faced all those things, Harry. Especially the basilisk, I thought that was a fucking joke," Percy said and Harry just shrugged his shoulders.
"Sucks to be me," Harry said and Percy couldn't stop the snort that came out of him.
"You don't say," Percy said as he finally regained composure "It's a lot to take in and I need a drink. I'm gonna see if the trolley's coming," Percy said removing the charm and sticking his head out of the compartment.
"Hey, Harry," Ron whispered to him and Harry leaned forward "Are you sure about telling him?" He asked in concern and Harry nodded.
"I trust him," Harry said simply. He would admit, he wasn't the best at judging people usually. But with Percy, he got a good feeling about it.
"She's four compartments away, nothing but wait then," Percy said flopping back to his seat. A moment of silence invaded the group, a silence that Ron broke.
"So, are you guys excited for the Hogsmeade trip? Merlin knows I am," Ron said with a bright smile on his face "I want to go to Dervish and Banges. Fred and George told me of all the things they sold there," Ron said as Hermione jumped into the conversation. And both of them went on a tirade of Hogsmeade while Percy and Harry listened to the best of their abilities.
And once they were done Harry finally said something "All of that sounds cool. You'll have to tell me when you go," Harry said and his two oldest friends looked at him confused.
"What do you mean by that?" Hermione asked and Harry shrugged his shoulders once more.
"Can't go. Dursleys didn't sign my form and Fudge wouldn't either," Harry said and Percy looked intrigued.
"You meet the minister?" Percy asked and Harry nodded "For all the Sirius business I presume," Percy said and Harry once again nodded.
But that didn't matter for Ron, he wanted to go with his friend on a trip and started planning ahead. But whatever plan he made was shut down by Hermione. "Well at least you will have company that day," Percy said and Harry raised in curiosity.
"Oh yeah? Who?" Harry asked a bit sarcastic but stopped when Percy pointed at himself "Seriously?" Harry asked as Percy nodded
"Perks of being an orphan. Although perhaps in this case it doesn't seem like a perk," Percy said a bit downcast. Hermione placed her hand in an emotional support manner getting a small smile from Percy.
"Well, if there's no other option," Harry said and Percy kicked his feet playfully. The group chuckled a bit but stopped when the professor moved around a bit. They held their breath and released a sigh when the professor went back to sleep once more.
An hour or so passed and the trolley lady had come by. They bought their snacks while trying and failing to wake the professor in case he wanted something. They were busy eating when Hermione started opening the cage that held Crookshanks in.
"Don't you dare Hermione!" Ron said but it was too late, she had already opened the cage and the first thing Crookshanks did was bolt toward Ron and strike at his chest where the rat was.
Ron shoved Crookshanks forcefully away and the cat jumped avoiding any major injury "Ron don't!" Hermione said trying to save her cat but failed. Thankfully the cat landed on Percy's legs gracefully.
Hermione's mascot moved in circles for a while before settling there. Percy didn't know what to do at first but then he settled for petting the cat over its head much to the delight of the cat. Hermione looked at him in curiosity before berating Ron for almost hurting her pet.
Another few moments passed with nothing major happening. Other than Malfoy walking up to the compartment searching for Harry. But thanks to Percy's charm he and his cronies went away. Harry couldn't be more thankful for Percy right about that moment. But they did have to hold Ron back from jumping outside of all the things Malfoy was saying.
They continued their travel for a while till suddenly the train came to a full stop. Ron stretched his arms upwards and yawned "Finally, man I cant wait for the first feast. Wonder what they'll serve this year?" Ron said out loud not noticing the look of concern in Hermione's and Percy's faces
"That's weird," Hermione said looking at her watch "We can't be there yet," She said and Ron grew confused.
"Then why are we stopping?" Ron asked but then the compartment grew cold and the lights went out. Startling everyone out of their seats
"Ouch Ronald, that's my foot," Hermione exclaimed and moved back but then stopped when she heard a huff "Oh I'm sorry Percy," Hermione said and Percy grumbled.
"It's fine; that's just my stomach," Percy said, but then both Harry and him exclaimed out in pain "And that's my forehead! The hell is going on!?" Percy said, and Harry could see the faint outline of someone looking out the window.
"I don't know. It seems someone is entering the train," Ron said as Harry opened the door, hoping to see something. But then someone tripped over him, sending both him and the other to their previous seats.
"Ouch!" Harry heard a familiar voice exclaimed as he helped the person above him up.
"Neville? That's you?" Harry asked out loud feeling around trying to find Neville
"Yeah, what's going on?" Neville said as he tried to stabilize himself. The others told them they didn't know and Hermione started to move around.
"I'm going to speak to the driver, and see what's going on," Hermione said using Percy's help to get to the door.
Percy held her hand till she opened the door. But before she could get out she squealed along with someone else. Turns out Ginny was outside and both girls crashed into one another. They got back to the compartment not knowing what else to do. They kept shouting over one another till a hoarse voice shushed them all off
"Quiet," They heard and noticed that the professor was wide awake now and standing in the middle of the compartment. The cold grew colder and then they heard it. A soft crackling noise that came along with a shiver. Then a small shivering light invaded the room. Giving everyone a good view of the professor.
His roughed face and brown hair betrayed the stress he was feeling but even if his physical features had a lot to be desired his eyes were wide awake and ready for anything.
"Stay put," Professor Lupin said as he reached for the door but before he could open it the door opened for him.
There in the doorway illuminated by Lupin's magical light a creature towering over the door covered in a black dread hood was floating and looking around the compartment. For a second Harry looked down and saw a glistering in its hood revealing a dark bony type of hand. One of a skeleton.
And as if had sensed Harry's glance the creature put its hand back into the hood still looking around the compartment.
"None of us is hiding Sirius Black under their cloaks. Leave," Lupin said but the creature didn't seem to listen. The creature gazed at Percy for a moment and the white-haired teen held a breath in trying to control his fear.
He felt Aurora moving around his neck trying to comfort him and he also felt a hand slipping into his own. He glanced back without turning his head around and saw Hermione behind him looking out for him while using him as comfort. He glanced back to the creature as it stopped looking at him and settled his glance on Harry.
Then the air grew thin as Harry saw the creature drawing a short and hollow breath in and the compartment grew colder. The compartment air grew heavy and Harry felt himself losing his breath. Then his eyes rolled back as nothingness invaded him. And then he heard a woman screaming before darkness surrounded his vision.
End of Chapter 2.