Harry Potter and The Forgotten Kingdom

by BrodyG.O23

Just before the third year started. Harry met a mysterious Slytherin right in front of the Dark Alley. And after an enlightening chat with this teen, Harry was presented with a new side of magic. A side long forgotten by wizard-kind. One that will bring mysteries and adventures (Chapter 6 up)

5. Chapter 5

Hi.

First thanks for all the engagement you guys have been giving this story it's nice to see you guys liking it. And when it comes to grammar and typo errors I'm working on them. Sometimes when I move it to it moves around a bit and I miss it so if you see something like please point it out and I'll edit it.

Another thing. I'm kind of stuck. You probably guessed it by the previous chapter, I plan to give several character classes of DND. But there are some I don't know which suits them best and I could use your help. Now I don't want to reveal the characters to prevent spoilers so for that I'll ask you this.

Take a good look at the main characters that appear in this chapter and answer this. Which DND class fits better? Or if you don't know DND, what kind of magic outside of Harry Potter's universe wizardry goes well with them? And if you're reading this on AO3 just take a look at the characters listed on the top.

That's all have fun reading.

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Chapter 5

It was quiet at the Gryffindor dorms. No sound could be heard except for Ron's snoring. Everyone was fast asleep except one person. This person was no other than the boy who lived Harry Potter himself.

He was in bed, sitting cross-legged, looking at his right hand intensely. He was practicing his sorcerer magic by creating lighting around his hand.

Percy was right this was very addicting. The power that surged on his hand was enormous and enticing, and seeing his hand surrounded by lighting was exciting. But then he had to stop when someone pulled his curtain a bit.

He was afraid of being caught but sighed in relief when he saw Neville standing there "Fuck mate, you scared me there, Nev," Harry said as Neville looked down at him.

"Sorry," Nev said a bit apologetically before turning a bit more serious "Didn't Percy tell you to be careful while practicing sorcery?" Neville asked with a bit of a smile on his face.

Harry grumbled and looked away "He did, but Nev!" Harry whined a bit, and Neville held his laughter back to avoid waking the others up.

"Look, I'm no one to judge since I've been practicing myself," Nev said, and Harry looked at him with wide eyes on his face "But it's late, Harry. Go to sleep you can keep practicing in the morning," Neville said, and Harry grumbled.

"Fine, buzzkill," Harry mumbled, getting a snort out of Neville. The blond then moved towards his bed, but Harry stopped him midway through "Hey, Nev. You're a good friend, I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner," Harry said, and Neville looked at him for a moment before looking down.

"Maybe you don't know this, but my mother is your godmother," Neville said, shocking Harry to his core "Perhaps in another life, we would've been friends from the start. Maybe even brothers," Neville said with a hopeful smile as Harry looked at him with strong resolve.

"Well, it's never too late to start, isn't it?" Harry said as Neville found himself nodding with a huge smile on his face "Maybe you can tell me about your mom," He said, and Neville nodded.

"Yeah, that sounds nice. Sleep well, Harry," Neville said, and Harry closed his curtains and lay on his bed.

What Neville had just revealed gave him much to think about. He had always longed for a real family. A family that loved him and cared for him, but he didn't realize that a chance was waiting for him all this time so close to him. He felt like a fool for not approaching Neville sooner.

But perhaps this was his chance to make something for himself. Even if he didn't have any relatives outside, maybe it was up to him to create his own family. A group that would forever hold his trust.

Perhaps a brother would be nice. Those were the thoughts of a sleep-deprived Harry, but the weird thing. Or maybe the sad thing is that when Harry pictured the image of a brother, it wasn't Ron like it used to be. No, this time, it was Percy that came to mind. For a moment, Harry felt heartbreak; he was starting to feel as if he was losing a part of himself, and he couldn't do anything against it.

And with that sadness, he went to sleep and it really didn't help with his dreams. You could see it in the way he was walking when he woke up. Groggy and yawning. A thing that Neville pointed out but he told him that a good shower and some coffee would help him.

He was finishing getting ready and started walking out of the dorm when he stopped and looked back where Ron's bed where the redhead was sleeping currently. Now, the normal thing to do was to wake Ron and wait for him. But Percy and Hermione had warned him that Professor Vector was very strict about punctuality.

So with a sigh showing his regret, he walked out of the dorm earlier than usual. He walked down and found Hermione ready to leave for breakfast "Harry? What are you doing down so early?" She asked a bit surprised and Harry raised an eyebrow at her.

"Is it that surprising that I wake up early?" Harry asked rhetorically but continued talking when he saw Hermione's expression "Don't answer that," Harry said as Hermione chuckled a bit. She had Crookshanks in her hands and for once the cat was fast asleep.

"So, should we go for breakfast or are we waiting for Ron?" She asked in curiosity and Harry instantly knew that she didn't want to wait for him. She didn't want to be late.

"And wait a month here before classes? Let's just go, he'll catch up with us," Harry said and Hermione nodded hiding her amusement at Harry's dig. Then as they were leaving the Gryffindor common room Harry noticed Neville on the corner sorting out his books for the day "Hey Nev!" Harry called out as the blond boy looked at him curiously "Come join us for breakfast!" Harry said.

Neville looked at him unsure but a reassuring nod from Harry was all that he needed to agree "Didn't know you were close with Neville," Hermione pointed out as Neville finished sorting his books.

"I'm full of surprises," Harry said a bit cheekily and Hermione just rolled her eyes as Neville caught up to them. The trio then walked to the Great Hall. They talk about nothing and everything at the same. It was mainly Hermione asking questions to Neville trying to get to know him better.

After all, Hermione was the sociable out of the golden trio. They got to the hall and Harry noticed it was pretty unoccupied. And since he wasn't used to waking up this early he was not used to seeing these few people around.

He looked at the Gryffindor table like always but stopped when he saw Percy. Now normally he would pay no mind to where his friend was but once again he wasn't at the Slytherin table.

He was sitting at the Ravenclaw table in front of two other girls. One was Tracey's friend from Slytherin and the other one was the blond girl he and Neville had seen before their adventure yesterday. He saw both girls close to one another talking between them while Percy ate offering comments here and there. He also had Aurora around his neck as his snake pet was sleeping peacefully.

And today Harry was feeling bold so instead of going to the Gryffindor table he turned to Hermione and Neville "How 'bout we do something different today?" Harry said with a small cheeky smile on his face.

Hermione looked confused and looked at Neville but he was just exasperated by Harry's cheekiness and rolled his eyes. But still followed Harry to the Ravenclaw table.

Hermione stood there for a moment and glanced at the Gryffindor table. There were not many people there but she did see Lavender and Parvati there. And the fact of being there with them gossiping didn't sound enticing to her. So she quickly caught up with Harry and Neville.

Percy was the first to notice them and waved at Harry. Both girls were busy with something, Harry noticed that the blond girl was painting something on Tracy's hand and grew curious for a moment.

He would have to ask Percy about it later. He took a seat next to Percy while Neville sat on the other side of the white-haired Slytherin.

Hermione chose to sit Next to Tracey as the brown-haired girl who had called her over "'Morning," Percy said as the Gryffindor's meal appeared just as they sat. Harry looked at the Ravenclaw's work before looking at Percy.

"What are you guys doing?" Harry asked grabbing a muffing from the tray in front of him. Neville looked at Percy feeling the same curiosity as Harry while Hermione looked at Tracy's hand in wonder.

"Luna got her hands on some henna body paint. And offered to paint us some warding glyphs," Percy said showing them his right hand. On it, he had some geometrical patterns drawn. Harry took a closer look to inspect it but he didn't know what it meant "To protect us from Nargles and such," Percy explained.

"Nargles?" Harry asked in curiosity and Luna responded.

"Nasty creatures. They plague your mind and make you unfocused and angry," Luna said as she looked up at Tracey "All done," Luna said as Tracey looked at her hand with a huge smile on her face.

"It's beautiful thank you so much, Luna," Tracey said hugging the blonde girl and the Ravenclaw girl just smiled happily not knowing what to do as she was not used to someone hugging her.

Then Percy noticed the look of confusion on Hermione and grew curious. He tilted his head and spoke to her "Something wrong Hermione?" Percy asked in curiosity.

"No, I haven't heard of them that's all," Hermione asked and Percy noticed the bit of skepticism in her voice but chose not to comment on it.

"They are invisible that's why they haven't been reported. But soon they will I'm sure of it," Luna said with a bright smile and confidence behind her words.

Harry noticed the small smile on Percy's face before it went away. It raised his curiosity, because, in his perspective, they had just met so how did the two of them bond so quickly? And it appeared someone else at the table was wondering the same but for a different person.

"So, when did Neville become friends with you?" Tracey asked boldly, so much so that it made Percy choke on his food "No offense Neville but ever since this year started he's been getting friends left and right," Tracey said to the blond boy.

Who was trying to hold his laughter because of the scene next to him, that scene being Percy trying to not choke on his food while Harry tried to help to the best he could "Well, I helped them with homework, I suppose that's when it started I guess," Neville explained as Percy managed to breath once more.

"A homework you say?" Tracey asked a bit skeptical "Weird, since we share the same classes why didn't they ask for our help as well?" She asked narrowing her eyes at Percy.

"It was a Herbology homework Trace," Percy said as Tracey crossed her arms "And as good as you are Tracy, Neville here is a prodigy, would be foolish not to ask for his help," Percy said before smiling softly at her "Worried I'm gonna replace you or something?" He asked with a bit of a cheeky tone and Tracey huffed.

"As if. You wouldn't last a day without me," Tracey said as the group chuckled in amusement at their banter "I'm just jealous that you got two Gryffindors as your mates and I got none," Tracey said with a pout as Percy chuckled and just shrugged his shoulders.

Tracey then, after pretending to pout for a moment, looked at Hermione with seriousness "What?" Hermione asked a bit confused as Tracey wrapped her arm around Hemione's own arm.

"I've decided she'll be my Gryffindor friend, she can't be yours," She said to Percy as he raised an eyebrow at her "And as a matter of fact, Luna's gonna be my Ravenclaw friend you can't have her either," Tracey said wrapping her other arm around Luna's.

But unlike Hermione Luna was just glad to be called someone's something so she had a huge smile when Tracey pulled her over "Greedy as always huh?" Percy said simply with a bit of a chuckle in his voice.

"Always," Tracey said with a laugh getting a few chuckles from the boys in front of her.

"Wait, you can't just decide that without my opinion," Hermione said and her conviction crumbled immediately when she saw both Tracey's and Luna's teary eyes. She knew they were pretending but damm, they were pretty good actors.

"Don't bother Hermione," Percy said as she looked at him confused "Once she decides on a friendship it is done. You have no say on it, that's how she did it with me and Daphne," Percy said with a chuckle but then he realized who he had mentioned, and that made his mood sour same as Tracy's.

And everyone immediately noticed the change of mood and Hermione was the first to speak up "I don't want to overstep, but why are you so angry at her?" She asked as both Slytherins looked at her.

Then they looked at each other for a moment before Tracey let out a sigh "Her family went through some issues and they had to take a deal. And she took the biggest fall herself," Tracey tried to say as cryptically as she could "Normally we would've gone to her but she cut us off, the only way we know is thanks to Percy, though he refuses to tell me how he learned it still," Tracey said trying to lift the mood at the end.

"It's confidential," Percy offered for the other's curiosity.

"But that's not enough to be mad is it?" Neville asked confused and Percy nodded and leaned back.

"To be fair it's not her fault entirely. She just decided to cut us off at a bad time," Percy said before taking a moment to center himself "I had just learned some things about my family that brought bad memories and I needed someone to talk to," Percy said "And before when I needed to talk to someone she was the first person I went to," He said putting his fork over his plate finishing with his meal.

The sound had woken up Aurora or perhaps it was her master's sudden mood change that did it. Either way, she had moved around and now Percy was petting her neck while she climbed onto his arm both pet and human seeking comfort from one another.

"And it was the same for me. Malfoy had just run my father out of business and into Germany," Tracey said looking down "And I needed to vent and plan my retribution. So I needed Daphne's help but she didn't answer," Tracey said and Harry grew curious.

"Why did you need her help?" he asked, trying to understand why Daphne was so important to them.

"Well, be honest. Do you think I'm smart?" Percy asked in curiosity, and Harry wondered where the question came from but answered nonetheless.

"Yeah. You think things through unlike me, and well," Harry said and ended the sentence in the open to try and avoid talking about the plans and explanations Percy had given but the white-haired teen knew what he didn't say.

"Well, Daphne is ten times smarter than me," Percy said as a small smile started to form on his face "She sees things logically, like a puzzle that needs to be solved. And once she does well, there's no way to stop her from solving the problem," Percy explained and everyone could hear the respect and love Percy had for her in his voice.

"Which is why it's fucking frustrating watching her shut down that easily," Tracey said tightening her fist in anger. But that anger went away by what Hermione said next.

"She hates herself for that you know," Hermione said and Percy as well as Tracey looked at her a bit surprised "She told me that she made a mistake that she doesn't know how to fix," Hermione said as Tracey looked down at her plate.

"Really?" Tracey asked as Hermione nodded her head not realizing that Tracey was just asking that question to herself. Then she looked at Percy who had his hand on his forehead "What should we do then?" Tracey asked as Percy pinched his nose for once not having a clear answer himself.

But it didn't matter because a solution came from the youngest of them all "Drag her out," Luna said nonchalantly as the group looked at her "Sometimes people are just too wrapped in their own conviction that they refuse to listen to reason," She said looking up at Percy specifically and only he notice that that sentence was directed at him as well. He looked down a bit ashamed at being put on the spot and was glad no one so it.

And for a moment Harry swore her eyes changed into rainbow-colored ones but perhaps it was the light playing tricks on him "In those cases it's best to be fierce and just make her listen," Luna said shrugging her shoulders.

Tracey looked at her in surprise and then chuckled at her bluntness "Perhaps she's right," Percy said as Tracey nodded her head "But we can't keep bothering with our problems so let's change topics," Percy said and before anyone could disagree he looked at Harry "So, excited for your new classes?" Percy asked Harry effectively changing topics.

But unbeknownst to most of them the topic of their conversation was looking at them with longing eyes. Daphne missed he friends. Her resolve only lasted this long because she hadn't seen them in the summer.

But having them here at arm's reach was killing her. She knew what her duty was and she was willing to go through it all the way but as the weeks passed that resolve was crumbling right before her eyes.

Only the love for her sister had kept her going but Astoria had shunned her as well. And that had hurt, and if she was being honest with herself, it would be a matter of time before her decision fell to her desires.

And, as she looked at Tracey especially looking at Percy with more longing than her other friend, she saw it. It appears one person in the group had noticed her stare. The blond and youngest one of them all Luna Lovegood.

Daphne connected her eyes with her as Luna tilted her head at her while narrowing her eyes. It seemed as if Luna was judging her and asking her to wake up from whatever spell or trap she had put on herself. Such was that judgment that Daphne had to look away in shame. It was clear she had a lot to think about.

---

Harry and Percy were walking up to their Arithmancy class. Hermione had told them that she would meet at the classroom since she had to put Crookshanks back at the dorm. Harry had offered to accompany her but she told him it was okay.

Percy reassured him that she would catch up with them and he nodded in understanding so that's why only the two of them were walking up to the classroom right now.

Luna had gone to her own classes while Neville and Tracey went to Divination much to her dismay. Harry did mention she could change electives but she told him that she was okay. She didn't want to change electives because it came in the way of her training quidditch.

And in that instant, Harry became giddy, while he wasn't Wood when it came to Quidditch excitement, he still had some for the sport. It was Tracy's dream to be a professional Quidditch player, but since Slytherin's Quidditch was run by Malfoy and Flint she couldn't join the team.

So she had to train hard on her own time so she could keep up with the rest and right there and then Harry became her biggest supporter behind Percy. And he had told her if she needed some help with training he would be willing to help. And she gladly took it and now Percy had to deal with not only one but two quidditch fanatics.

This is what they were talking about while walking up the stairs "Thank you for offering your help Harry, you didn't need to," Percy said as Harry blushed a bit still not being used to taking compliments.

"Please, it's no issue," Harry said simply before thinking about something "I know that Flint is a cunt but he doesn't strike me as the type to avoid good players," Harry said and Percy looked ahead.

"He isn't but the quidditch team isn't his. It's Malfoy's," Percy said and Harry grimaced knowing where this was going "And since Tracey is a Half-Blood woman, it's impossible for her," Percy said and Harry grumbled.

"Fucking arsehole," Harry said as Percy nodded agreeing with Harry's crude sentiment "Is there anything you can do?" Harry asked and Percy held back a sigh.

"At this point is a patience game. Malfoy's dad is very respected in the upper-class circle, but as soon as they graduate next year is open season," Percy said scratching the back of his head "It's very political and manipulative shit but in simple terms, next year we decide who runs the place," Percy said as Harry's eyes winded.

"You're joking," Harry said but when he noticed the seriousness on Percy's face he knew it was no joke "Doesn't Snape or the Prefects control it?" Harry asked and Percy almost scoffed but still maintained a stoic expression.

"Snape doesn't care. He pretends to be our Head of House for the rest of the staff room but he spends his time locked in the dungeons greasing his hair probably," Percy said getting a chuckle out of Harry "The only rule he gave us is whatever issue we have amongst ourselves can't and mustn't reach the other houses," Percy explained and Harry couldn't even describe what he was feeling.

It was a range of emotions between surprise, shock, and disgust "Like fights and such?" Harry asked and Percy immediately "Jesus, it is a pit of vipers. And the Prefects?" Harry asked and Percy just gave him a cold deadpanned stare "Right, so what's your plan?" He asked and Percy shrugged his shoulders. And Harry's eyes immediately grew big "Don't tell me. You're planning on taking over!" Harry said almost shouting but a glare from Percy shut him up.

"Why would you wish to control such a place?" Harry asked a bit shocked and Percy started scratching Aurora's neck, a habit of seeking comfort that he had adopted in the few weeks since he got her.

"I do not wish for it, Harry. But duty is the death of desire, and failing to do so only brings pain," Percy said as Harry looked confused a bit. Percy clarified as his face got a pair of serious and conviction-filled ones. "I won't let Malfoy take over and destroy those whom I love," Percy said simply, and Harry found himself relating more to that than Percy realized.

He didn't ask to be the boy who lived. He didn't ask to be hunted by serial killers and criminals like that. But if he had to take those things head-on to protect his loved ones. He would gladly do so.

Then his thoughts were interrupted as Percy placed a hand on his shoulder "But as I said, that's not something you need to worry about. Come on, we have a class to attend," Percy said as Percy walked forward leaving Harry behind a bit.

Harry knew very well that Percy was carrying something heavy on his shoulders. A burden different from his but heavy nonetheless but unlike Harry Percy didn't have anyone to help him.

So it was up to him to help Percy carry that burden. He swore to it so when he walked forward again Harry had a new conviction to him. He caught up to Percy as the white-haired teen was entering the Arithmancy classroom.

Harry looked around feeling confused a bit. Normally classes in Hogwarts everyone stuck around their housemates. But here it was a mixture all around. Slytherins talking to Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors with Ravenclaws.

It weirded out Harry a bit but his weirdness went away when Hermione got there out of breath "Few I made it," Hermione said much to the amusement of Percy and Harry.

"Getting just in time Miss Granger. Please don't make it a habit," A voice said from the teacher's desk A Professor looked at them with bored eyes "Miss Granger. Mr. Nyx, please take your seats," She said as the students nodded and went to their seats "Mr. Potter a moment please," She said calling him over as Harry approached her a bit curious.

"Did Mr. Nyx or Miss Granger explain how this class works?" She asked as Harry nodded his head as both of them had given him a general synopsis of the class "So you're aware that we work in teams in this class right?" She asked and Harry nodded once more.

"Good, then you'll be working with Miss Padma Patil and Miss Hannah Abbott," She said as Percy blinked a few times. He knew there was little chance he was going to be assigned to Hermione or Percy but he was still surprised nonetheless "Miss Patil, Miss Abbott," Professor Vector said getting the attention of both girls "Mr. Potter will be joining your team from now on. Please get him adjusted," She said as Harry looked up to the classroom.

She recognized Padma quite easily since she had the same physical appearance as her twin sister Parvati, but he did notice she had a kinder set of eyes. She was sitting next to a blond Hufflepuff and he figured that was Hannah.

He nodded at the professor before walking up to the girls and he quickly swallowed his nerves "Hi," Harry said simply as Padma offered him a kind smile while Hannah looked at him shyly.

"Hello Harry, please take a seat," Padma said patting the seat next to her. Harry took a seat as he looked at Hannah in confusion "Don't mind her, she's just a bit shy with new people," Padma said as Hannah smiled apologetically.

"Ah I see, don't worry I get it," Harry said to Hannah who smiled in thanks and then he decided to change topics to avoid bothering her further "So, what can I expect from this class?" Harry asked in curiosity.

Padma raised an eyebrow wondering if his friends had told him anything about the class but figured he was just making small talk "Well it can be a bit tough but Professor Vector is very good at her job," Padma said as Hannah found confidence to chime in.

"She's very clear," Hannah said and Padma nodded while smiling at Hannah.

"That she is," Padma said before looking at Harry "She can be a bit strict but don't worry, we got you covered till get used to this class," She said and Harry gave her a big appreciation smile.

"Thanks, I will definitely need it," Harry said getting a chuckle out of Padma and a smile out of Hannah.

These were the times were he kicked himself mentally. There were a lot of nice people outside of Gryffindor. He was an idiot for not realizing it sooner.

And on the other side of the classroom, a set of green eyes were looking at Harry's group in concern "Worried about your friend?" Percy said noticing the pouring concern out from his partner.

Susan Bones was not the type to worry. While she didn't live a life full of risk, she believed in living with a smile on your face and facing life with open arms. A life out of worries and a more happiness-filled one.

But she did worry about one thing. Her loved ones. It was the main reason she was in Hufflepuff, she was loyal to a fault. It was her biggest flaw someone would say but she rather go through pain than witness a loved one being in pain.

So seeing Hannah, her shy childhood friend so out of her depth worries her a lot "Am I that obvious?" Susan asked Percy with a bit of a nervous smile.

"A little bit," Percy said a bit amused as Susan moved a bit of her hair behind her ear. She was a bit ashamed at being caught that easily "I think is sweet," Percy said and Susan blinked before blushing a bit.

"Shut up," She said pushing him a bit playfully while he tried to chuckle out loud "I just worry about her that's all," Susan said as Percy gave her a look full of curiosity.

And since the week they had been working together, she had started to like the white-haired teen. Not in a romantic sense but liked him nonetheless, he was funny and understanding. So she felt safe about confiding in him "She's had a rough childhood. Same as all purebloods I suppose," Susan said with a bit of a sigh "And she's a bit too shy around new people, especially extroverted and charismatic people like you and your friend Harry," Susan said as Percy hummed.

"I see," Percy said giving a side glance to Hannah out of her view. Then he looked at Susan before putting a hand on her shoulder "You know, it's not wrong to worry," He said as Susan looked up "But sometimes you need to let people soar on their own. If you keep looking over her she will never become the person she's meant to be," Percy said letting go of her shoulder.

"Yeah, you're probably right. I'm still gonna worry though," Susan said and Percy chuckled at her conviction. Then she smiled at him a bit cheekily "You're pretty weird you know," She said as Percy blinked in confusion and she clarified herself "Do you prepare those deep speeches or do you just go with the flow?" She said jokingly and Percy blushed a bit before looking away for a moment

"Prick," He grumbled as Susan laughed while hitting his arms playfully. So to throw the blush back at her, he looked at her with a bit of a cheeky smile "So, what's this about me being charismatic?" Percy said hoping to get a blush out of her.

But surprisingly she didn't. Instead, she met his attempt to be flirtatious with her own by leaning forward a bit towards him "Yeah. You have a way with words and have a nice smile. 'Sides, your eyes and hair make you look very handsome," She said and again the blood rushed up to his cheeks. He wasn't being used to people flirting with him so he didn't know how to react.

So he spluttered for a bit trying to find some words. "Thanks, um, you also have lovely hair and eyes," Percy said scratching the back of his head nervously.

Susan smiled as she looked to the front of the class "Thank you, Percy," She said before adopting a more cheekier smile "You're gonna try harder next time," She said as Percy got rid of his blush and chuckled.

"Seems I do," He said as he looked at the Professor. It seemed like the class was about to start.

---

Harry loved his friends. He did, they had gone through a lot. But sometimes he finds them very annoying. Ron especially, and now it was one of those times.

Ron realized that Harry had changed electives and he was pissed. For what? Harry didn't understand but he was getting tired of this berating. His plan was just to ignore it till he calmed down but then Ron said something that pissed him off.

"I'm sure it's all that slimy Slytherin cunt's fault. I'm telling you he has you under his wrap," Ron said and Harry stood up from the couch of the common room where he was sitting and glared at Ron.

"Don't you dare Ron! He's not a cunt!" Harry said annoyed at him "I changed electives because I fucking wanted to!" Harry said as Ron glared back.

"That's what he wants you to think! I'm telling you, you cannot trust snakes!" Ron said as their shouting had started getting some attention "What are you gonna do with quidditch practice huh!?" Ron shouted and Harry looked confused "With all these classes you may not have time for it! That's what that fucker is looking for!" He said and Harry didn't know whether to be confused or angry so he settled for the two of them.

"The fuck is it to you what I do with my time!?" Harry shouted back as Ron's eyes winded a bit "Quidditch practice would've happened whether I was in divination or not! I will manage just fin Ronald!" Harry said channeling his inner Hermione for a moment.

Then he stepped up to Ron with an enormous glare on his face "And don't you dare say anything about Percy again! You better start getting your head out of your arse Ron, because you're starting to sound like Malfoy!" Harry said and immediately regretted what he said but it was too late to take it back.

"Screw you," Ron said simply walking away too pissed off to continue the discussion. Harry grumbled and dropped back onto the couch mad. At himself and Ron.

He rubbed his forehead back and forth trying to get rid of his annoyance. He didn't mean that Malfoy comment but Ron was pissing him off. He hated when people bad-mouth his friends and it hurt seeing a close friend like Ron doing so.

He was lost in thought when he felt a hand touch his neck and the back of his head in a comforting manner. He resisted the urge to flinch and looked back and saw Ginny there looking at him in worry.

That's when he remembered that they were arguing in the common room and suddenly he felt ashamed at the display he had made of himself "Shit, did everyone see that?" Harry said putting his hands over his face a bit of a blush over his cheeks.

"Yeah pretty much," Ginny said with a bit of a chuckle in her voice as Harry groaned "Lavender and Parvati will get a kick out of this for weeks," She said and Harry groaned even louder. She was making fun of the situation Harry noticed. To help him calm down he figured.

"Harry, are you okay? Is unusual to see you this mad" She asked concerned. She knew he was prone to anger but not that usually and not toward his friends. So she was worried.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just don't like what he was saying about Percy," Harry said before looking back at Ginny "I'm sorry. I know he's your brother but he's being a prick," Harry said and Ginny sighed.

"Don't worry he was being prick. I've met Percy he doesn't strike me as a cunt," Ginny said before looking down "And any friend of Luna is good in my book," She said getting this faraway look.

"Just don't listen to him. You know how he is, he's jealous and stubborn. He will get over it," Ginny said and Harry sighed but nodded nonetheless. He was well aware of Ron's fits of stubbornness but this felt different.

"What if he doesn't?" Harry asked a bit afraid and Ginny sighed while looking at where Ron had left.

"Then that'll be his mistake," Ginny said before looking at Harry "I know his your best friend but if he continues this path then do not forgive him that easily," Ginny said as Harry blinked in confusion.

"What?" Harry asked confused as Ginny looked down.

"Friendship is not a one-way street. Both people need to contribute to it. Otherwise, you're just taking advantage of the person," Ginny said before looking back at Harry. "Don't let him take advantage of you," she said as Harry was confused by how much this topic bothered her. There was a small sadness behind her eyes, so he couldn't help but ask why she was feeling like this.

"I took advantage of a friendship as well, and she was too kind to let me know I was wrong. And she suffered for it," Ginny said getting rid of the tears that threatened to come out "Never again," She said and Harry placed a hand on top of hers.

"Ginny, one thing I've learned is that it's never too late to make amends," Harry said before smiling at her "And you're a good person Ginny, don't ever doubt that," He said as Ginny looked at him big eyes before a small blush appeared on her cheeks and then she looked down with a smile on her face.

"Thank you, Harry. Your friends are lucky to have you," Ginny said and Harry raised an eyebrow at her.

"Um, you know we're friends, right?" Harry said rhetorically and Ginny blinked for a moment. Then she smiled, she really wanted to get close to him so him calling her a friend was good.

Then she noticed how close they were. With her hand on his neck and his on hers. She became self-conscious and quickly moved back a little.

"Um well, I'm glad you're okay," Ginny said stepping off the couch "I should go and do homework, um, see you later, Harry," Ginny said a bit nervous before walking away.

Harry looked at where she left confused and a bit amused. His mood was brightened thanks to her and his annoyance went away quite quickly. Then he looked at the hand that was holding Ginny's and he couldn't help but blush a little.

Her hand was very warm.

---

Ancient Runes was different from Arithmancy. Both classes were difficult. That much Harry had noticed. But the difference lay within the Professors' way of teaching.

Both Professors Vector and Babbling were adamant about working in teams that was a given but while Professor Vector had a more methodical and logical approach to her class. Professor Babbling had a more practical one.

She went over a specific rune for that class and then she taught them ways they could implement them. Today they were starting with shield runes and now he, and his team, consisting of Sue Li, a Ravenclaw Asian girl who seems to have always a stoic face, and his friend from Slytherin Percy, were reaching for the historic presence of that rune since they'd have to make a small presentation about what they found.

And by working with them Harry realized that he was truly out of his depth. While Padma and Hannah made him feel welcome and helped him every step of the way, Percy and Sue were different.

They weren't the most talkative people and apparently, since they both didn't speak that much they didn't explain what they needed to each other. They worked like a well-oiled machine.

Sue asked something and Percy already had the answer for her. Percy wanted a book and it was in his hands before he could even finish his sentence. It was as if they were talking telepathically.

But he was grateful Percy was here. Since they both already knew one another Percy knew how to integrate Harry smoothly. And Harry found himself learning and helping the best he could.

But he was quieter than usual. He had met Ron while walking to meet with Percy and Sue at the library. He wondered where Harry was going and at the first mention of Percy Ron had scoffed at him and walked away.

And that had brought up the argument they had yesterday. And his annoyance was brought back up by that moment. And Percy noticed it quite easily "Something wrong, Harry?" Percy asked in curiosity as Harry looked up.

He wanted to deny any ongoing problems but the concerned eyes of Percy made him change decisions "Had a spat with Ron. Nothing important," Harry said.

"I wouldn't consider a spat with a friend not important," Sue commented and Percy nodded agreeing with the girl next to him. He looked at Harry wondering what the spat was about and got his answer when Harry avoided his eyes.

"Ah I see," Percy said looking down at his books "Perhaps is best if I give you some space, to work things out with him," Percy said and Harry looked up immediately.

"What? Fuck that!" Harry exclaimed and someone shushed him from far away "He's being a prick that isn't your fault," Harry said narrowing his eyes at Percy making sure his point was well received.

Percy looked at him with a bit of apologetic eyes before speaking up "I just don't want to be the wedge that drives you two apart," He said and Harry looked at him for a moment. Friendship was really important for Percy it seems.

"You won't," Harry said reassuringly. "You aren't to blame for Ron being a prick; that's his problem," Harry said, and Percy blinked for a moment. It was nice that someone was putting him first for once. He wondered when the last time that had happened.

"As touching as that was and I truly hate to interrupt," Sue said getting the attention of the two boys "But we should get back to the assignment," She said and the boys grew a bit embarrassed and looked back at their books.

"Right, so I was thinking. How about we do a presentation about blood runes?" Percy asked changing the topic as well as offering an idea for their assignment.

"It could work, I don't think many people will choose that," Sue said agreeing instantly with his train of thought.

"Blood runes? What are those?" Harry asked in curiosity as Percy looked at him for a moment.

"Normal runes are tied to the wizard's magic. That's what powers them. Blood runes on the other hand are tied to the user's blood," He explained as he took a blank page out and drew a circle in the middle of it.

"Imagine this is a barrier. While using normal rune magic the best way to break in is to overload the arcane on the rune effectively breaking the barrier," Percy explained as Harry leaned forward paying close attention to his explanation.

"But with blood runes," Sue said jumping in for a bit "You can avoid that flaw since they don't work on magic. As long as that person or relatives live the rune will continue to work," Sue Li said as Harry looked impressed.

He almost laughed a bit at the irony. It wasn't even a week and he was already learning more than he was at Divination "Well it sounds cool, I say we go for it," Harry said as Percy gave him a small smile while Sue just looked at him with the same bored expression as before.

"Then it's settled," Sue said as she glanced at Harry "There should be some books at the end corridor about this topic. Can you get them for us Harry?" Sue asked and Harry wondered for a moment why him, but he just shrugged his shoulders and went for them anyway.

But it wasn't only him who wondered why Harry was sent away. Percy was confused as to why Sue did that and glanced at her with confusion on his face but she spoke up before he could ask anything "Are you a moron?" Sue said surprising Percy a lot.

"What?" Percy asked not knowing what else to say.

"Perhaps I should give you some space"? Are you an idiot?" Sue said a bit annoyed. Percy didn't know where this was coming from but he didn't need to wonder further as she made it clear "You're willing to give up for that prick after what he did to you?" She asked and Percy blinked for a moment before looking away.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Percy said trying to deflect the topic and Sue leaned up to him.

"Does he know? Harry I mean," Sue said and Percy looked down as his hands started closing into fists "Does he know why you gave up on trying to be his friend in our first year?" Sue asked and Percy sighed trying to calm himself down.

"No, he doesn't know," Percy said before looking at her with narrowed eyes "And digging the past it's of no use, so leave it," Percy said and Sue blinked a bit before nodding her head.

"Fine. I just don't know how you could forgive him after what he did to you," Sue said and Percy looked ahead. Then she was surprised by the small hatred that invaded his eyes.

"I haven't. I just don't want to bother about it," Percy said before glancing back at her. He realized something, that annoyance of hers wasn't one of concern but one coming from experience. So he wondered if she had gone through something similar herself "Did he do something to you as well?" He asked and Sue looked down for a moment.

"You weren't the only one that wanted to get close to Harry," Sue said "Even though my intentions were born by the small crush I had for the boy who lived. I still wanted a friendship, but he made it impossible," Sue said and Percy sighed.

"Fucking arsehole," Percy said with a bit of a frown on his face as Sue agreed with him. Then he looked at where Harry had gone before looking at her "Well it's not too late you know," Percy said and Sue blinked at him for a moment "To get close to him, to your crush I mean," Percy said and Sue looked at him for a moment before chuckling softly.

"Oh, Percy that's long gone," Sue said after a moment of chuckling "It was a silly crush that died a while ago," Sue said a bit of a smile on her face a show of her amusement.

"Oh, really?" Percy said as Sue nodded her head "Well that's a shame, you should've had at least a chance," Percy said and Sue shrugged his shoulders.

"It's fine, he's too extroverted for my tastes anyway," Sue said before a small blush appeared on her cheeks "Besides there's someone else I fancy right now," Sue said and Percy grew curios and leaned forward

"Really, who?" He asked a bit cheekily but Sue just gave him a look that shut him down very quickly.

"Don't push it, Percy," Sue said and he chuckled before going back to his books to continue with the assignment. And that made him miss the look that Sue gave him. A look that had a bit of longing behind it.

Back with Harry, he had gotten to the corridor where the books were and he came up with a predicament. He didn't know which to take. So here he was just looking at all the sections out of his depth.

"I'd probably grab the ones on the right," He heard a soft melodic voice behind him say and he turned around a bit surprised by the sudden voice.

There stood a girl a bit shorter than him. Dark-haired and pale white skin that seems to glow a bit with the lighting of the library. And her deep green eyes were looking at him with a curiosity behind them. She sported a Ravenclaw uniform so he didn't have to wonder what house she was in but she wasn't on her year as he didn't recognize her.

"Um, and you are?" Harry asked and then he felt a sense of deja vu, he had experienced this exact same moment back at the entrance of the dark alley.

"Astoria Greengrass. Pleasure to meet you, Potter," Astoria said as Harry nodded. He didn't know who she was but he wasn't rude to not respect those who he didn't know "So, are you done? I have to get a book and you're kind of in the way," She said and Harry blinked.

"Ah right, sorry. Just give me a moment," Harry said taking the books she had mentioned in his arms "Here you go," Harry said stepping away. She gave him a nod of thanks before stepping forward.

Harry saw her looking at a book above her on the top shelf. He was about to offer some help but his eyes winded when he saw her pull the book from the shelf without a wand.

"Please don't tell. I don't want my sister to worry," She said and Harry did a sign of sealing his lips "Ah, and also Potter," She said before she glared at him surprising him a bit.

"You dare hurt Percy in any form and I will end you," She said glaring at Harry hard and he got scared a bit if he was being honest. He gulped the fear down and nodded as Astoria let go of her glare.

"I'll see you around Potter," She said walking away leaving Harry there confused. When it came to meeting people he thought that the one with Percy was the weirdest he had experienced.

But no, this one took the cake.

---

Quidditch season was just around the corner. And a part of Harry couldn't help but feel excited. Being back on the air was one of the main reasons he always looked forward to coming back to Hogwarts.

Even if Wood was a sadist fuck he was always glad to be back on the broom. Currently, the Gryffindor team was on a break after Wood had made all of them fly laps around the Quidditch stadium.

Harry was sitting down taking in the view when someone brought his attention "Catch," A voice said as he swiftly caught a water bottle coming at him.

He looked up and saw Katie Bell his brown-haired teammate, coming towards him. She had a bit of sweat on her forehead and a towel around her neck. Wood was a sadist indeed they hadn't even started the practice yet.

"Wood is ambitious this year," She said dropping beside him "I'm sure I won't feel my legs later on," She said and he chuckled as he put the bottle next to him.

"Yeh, my arm is sore already," Harry said with a snort before looking at her "Think he'll get mad if lay here for a moment?" He asked and Katie shrugged her shoulders.

"Don't know, don't care," She said dropping down and lying on the ground of the pitch "Ah yes this is nice," Katie said and that was all it took for Harry to drop as well.

"Oh yeah," Harry said with a sigh of relief. The grass felt very nice on his back. He even felt the desire to take a small nap but Katie brought his attention to her.

"What do you think?" Katie asked and Harry looked at her confused "What do you think about all of this?" She asked and Harry raised an eyebrow at her.

"About quidditch?" Harry asked, and Katie hummed before nodding her head. "Ell, I don't have much to think about, honestly," he said, and Katie felt the same way.

"I get it. Want to know a secret?" Katie said and Harry shrugged his shoulders and nodded "I didn't want to join the quidditch team at first," Katie said and Harry blinked for a moment.

"Really!?" He asked a bit surprised as Katie nodded her head.

"Yeah, Angelina and Alicia dragged me into it," Katie said with a chuckle in her voice "And I fucking hated it at first," She said getting a snort out of Harry "I got dizzy, sweaty and everything hurt. Frankly, at the end I wanted to die," She said and Harry chuckled.

"Felt like the first day Wood trained me as well," He said remembering the hell he had gone through when McGonagall introduced him to Wood "What made you stay?" He asked in curiosity.

"The freedom," Katie said as she looked at the sky "There is a sense of freedom very time I get on a broom. Wind in my face and all," She said as Harry looked up to the sky.

"I get it. Playing quidditch makes me feel like I'm in a place no one else can get to," Harry said looking at the clouds missing how Katie looked up at him "Away from all the looks and judgment. A chance to just be myself," He said as Katie grew concerned for a moment.

She moved her hand up to his hair and Harry turned to look at her "Are you okay Harry?" She said while caressing his hair softly. Normally he would've recoiled by the touch but with everything going through his life he had grown tired so he appreciated the moment of affection.

"I'm just a little tired," Harry said and Katie smiled. After the spat, she had seen between him and Ron it was no wonder why he was like this. And she knew she was not the best person to unload on but he needed some rest might as well help him a bit.

"Then let's just stay like this for a bit and enjoy the view," Katie said softly while she continued stroking his hair. He sighed as a bit of heaviness left his shoulders. He knew they would need to go back to training. But for now, he really felt rested and at peace.

And the same could not be said by Hermione Granger. She was sitting on the stands of the quidditch pitch doing some assignments while Crookshanks lay asleep next to her. Normally she would do this back at her dorm but Ron was there and right she was avoiding him the best she could.

Sure he was her friend but he was also being a prick about everything as always. And she could handle well when Harry was there but ever since the spat they had Ron's annoyance had been directed at her and her pet.

And she's had enough of it. That's why she was here avoiding him altogether. Or at least that was one reason.

The other one was about a certain person who had come into her life recently. Percy was something different entirely. She didn't want to be mean but her friends weren't as smart as he was.

She was used to help Harry and Ron with their assignments at every chance she could. It was a custom she had adopted from her muggle school. She knew some people just did it to take advantage of her. And she knew Ron also did it for that purpose she wasn't an idiot.

So when she offered Percy some help she was surprised when he had refused. And not only had he refused he had challenged her work in a good way. He offered a different point of view than hers and suddenly she found herself an equal.

Someone that she can actually debate certain points of view. And even had a different experience than her to pull knowledge from. It was something new for her.

That's why she found herself excited to meet him every single week. That and because of something else but she wasn't ready to admit that.

And the other reason she was here was because she had asked him to meet her there. She wanted to ask him something. She was having an issue and she needed an outside perspective. But if she was being honest with herself, she just wanted to spend some time with him.

Hermione looked from her assignments for a moment. She looked over to the pitch to try and see what Harry was doing but before she could find him a white set of hair invaded her vision.

She smiled as she saw Percy waving at her. A small blush started to appear on her cheeks the more he got closer and as soon as he got to where she was she invited him to take a seat. She moved a bit of stray hair behind her left ear and looked at him as he took a seat on her left "Hi," She said as he gave her a small smile.

"Hey," He said as he removed the dust from his legs "Mind telling me why you brought me all the way here?" He asked a bit curious as Hermione smiled feeling a bit cheeky.

"Thought you'd appreciate the view," She said with a shrug getting a small snort out of him. Then she reached for her bag and took a small black journal out "I wanted to give you this. This is all I can remember from our first year," She said as he grabbed the black journal.

"Oh, that was quick," He said a bit surprised at how little time it took her to write it all "Thank you, Hermione, you really didn't have to do this," Percy said placing the journal next to him.

"Like I told you. I wanted to," Hermione said as she moved a bit more closely to him without him noticing her.

"So, did you just want to give me this? Or was it something else?" Percy asked in curiosity and Hermione had to give it to him. He of course realized there was more to asking him here than the book.

"I wanted your opinion on something," Hermione said as Percy looked at her paying her his undivided attention "How does a friendship work?" Hermione asked as Percy raised an eyebrow.

He was a bit confused so he let her carry on with her explanation "I mean Harry and Ron are my first friends, and technically you're my second. And my friendship with you is pretty different," She explained and Percy crossed his arms.

"Well, every friendship is different. But how is my friendship different?" Percy asked. It was clear this was something else entirely and now he was growing concerned.

"Well, you listen to me for starters," Hermione said before looking forward "And you don't insult me or take advantage of me. I don't know but when I'm around you I feel heard," Hermione said not noticing that she revealed a bit much or the mortified look he was giving her.

"They insult you!?" Percy asked in shock as Hermione looked at him and nodded "Harry and Ron!?" He asked and Hermione sighed.

"Harry doesn't it's mainly Ron. But Harry doesn't say anything against it," Hermione said before looking at him "And it's starting to get annoying if I'm being honest," She admitted and Percy frowned. She was a bit surprised by his disgust so maybe she was right about her annoyance at this.

"What types of insults?" Percy wondered. He needed more information about this issue "Because there is a fine between banter and insults," He explained and Hermione grew curious.

"What's the difference?" She asked and Percy blinked for a moment. Sure he knew she didn't have many friends but he didn't realize it was this bad.

"Um like. For example," Percy said trying to find the best way to explain it "When me and Harry call each other dickheads, cunts, and that sort of stuff. That's banter," Percy said as Hermione nodded taking the information in "But if it's more targeted. If it's directed at an insecurity, when it's mean. When one person feels bad about that. That's an insult," He said as Hermione tilted her head.

"For example?" She asked and Percy thought for a second.

"Like when someone mentions something about my family," Percy said as Hermione frowned in confusion "I'm an orphan. And some people had insulted me about that or my dead fathers. That really pisses me off," He said, and by the hatred in his eyes, she knew there was a specific person in mind.

"So it has to be personal?" Hermione asked and Percy nodded feeling that way was the best to describe it "I see, so he really was insulting me," Hermione said looking down a bit dejected.

"What sort of things has he said to you?" Percy asked as Hermione looked forward for a moment before speaking again.

"The usual stuff. Bookworm, know-it-all, annoying, mental, ugly," She said as Percy nodded "But I feel that if it wasn't for Harry he wouldn't hold back. But maybe I'm just seeing things," She said as she looked at him and now his look was filled with worry. She couldn't help but feel touched.

"And have you talked to him?" He wondered and Hermione shook her head "Why not?" He asked and Hermione looked down.

"If I do he's not gonna take it well. And besides, I can sometimes be those things and I don't want to lose my friends," She said as Percy looked at her with a ton of worry.

How awful had her life had to be for her to keep ignoring all those insults? He needed to do something, something out of the ordinary for him "Hermione," He said as she looked up.

Then his hand went forward and moved a hair strand behind her ear. An action that surprised Hermione especially when his hand stayed on her cheek "You're not those things. You're smart, confident, brave, and fucking beautiful. Don't ever let anyone make you doubt that," He said as Hermione was just shocked at his words.

"And you'll never have to worry about not having any friends," Percy said with conviction behind his eyes "You'll always have me," He said as Hermione blinked for a few moments. Then she brought her hands to her eyes as tears started forming on her eyes.

Then the emotion got the better of her. She had endured a lot these years and while she thought it was normal a part of her knew that something was wrong and having heard Percy reassure her broke it.

So she fell into his chest as he held her tightly trying to comfort her through her tears. Tears the weep for all of those years of mistreatment endured

---

Percy had one habit. Exploration, that was it. It was dangerous at times but only to him so he considered it safe for most of it. But what he was doing right now could be considered very dangerous.

Okay considered wasn't the right word. It was simply dangerous. Like what he was doing right now, he was currently studying the dementors to the best he could. He was sitting on top of a rock and looking at the distant lake where all the black creatures were hovering around.

There wasn't going to be another opportunity like this any time soon. And he wasn't crazy enough to go to Azkaban. So these creatures being here was a golden opportunity.

He had read a few pages of the journal Hermione had given him and now he was processing what he had read. He got to the part of the troll and had to take a pause. He had severely underestimated how heavy their adventures had been.

There were a lot of unknown variables and questions. Not only with this book but with the whole situation he was currently in.

First his dungeon explorations. As much hope he had received from the previous dungeon he still didn't know where to go. And it frustrated him to no end. Going dungeon from dungeon hoping to find something was just stupid. And he knew that but he didn't have any other idea of what to do.

Then there was all the Slytherin issues. He was no moron, he knew his friendship with Harry was stirring the pot. Sooner or later someone would say something or do something against him. He needed to get ready, or perhaps he needed to prevent it. And he was debating on what to do.

And the final thing that plagued him was the whole business with Daphne. He knew what she was going through. He even understood it but he couldn't stop the anger that he felt at the whole situation. It felt frustrating and it bothered him more than it should.

He pinched his nose before groaning in frustration. He needed to do something, Luna was right action was required but he didn't want to do the wrong one. He wanted to be sure. Some sort of divine intervention would be nice at this point.

Then as he was frustrating himself over all of this a hoot of an owl caught his attention. He moved his hands away and looked up to a tree on his right. There stood a snowy white owl with blue stripes looking down at him with its big eyes.

He tilted his head feeling something was off about the creature. Why was it here? Why was it looking at him? And why did he feel like he was being judged?

Those were the questions that ran through his mind but he lost focus when his left hand started burning up a little. He looked down and the henna tattoo that Luna had made and saw it glowing orange.

He frowned and quickly left the rock grabbing the book in a swift movement. There was an urgency in his step and by his intended direction one could only wonder what had happened.

And as soon as Percy left the rock the owl flew as well. It didn't follow him but instead, it took a shortcut to the Slytherin common room area. The same place where Percy was heading.

A few moments before Percy's mark had burned up a bit in the Slytherin main area was Tracey just passing time and doing some assignments. She wanted to get through homework as soon as possible to get some time to practice quidditch.

But damn the divination assignment was killing her. Not because it was difficult or anything like that. But it was so boring.

It got to the point that her boredom was giving her a headache. And it didn't help that Cassius Warrington, one of the chasers of the quidditch team, was glaring at her.

She had made the mistake of saying she wanted to be a chaser and join the team back when and apparently that had pissed Cassius a lot. And maybe she being half-blood didn't help that much but that didn't matter it appeared.

He hadn't done anything to her yet. But she wasn't kidding herself, that was thanks to Daphne and Percy. Daphne was an important pure-blood so someone like Warrington wouldn't dare to do anything against her. And Percy's aloofness and mysteriousness weirded them all out enough to think things twice.

But now everyone knew she and Daphne weren't talking and Percy wasn't here. She didn't have to be a genius to see that something was going to happen. So she quickly sent magic to the runes on her left hand. And she was glad she did when Cassius stood up.

"Hey I have a question," He said stepping up to the middle of the room "How long are we going to ignore her being friends with those mud-bloods?" He asked as several of the Slytherin students that were there looked up.

The most notable of the bunch were Malfoy and his cronies. Daphne, Theo, and Blaise who stood there in a neutral manner, and those in the quidditch team.

Tracey leaned back and maybe the annoyance made her bolder but she didn't care anymore "If you have anything to say, say it to my face," Tracey said as Cassius narrowed his eyes at her.

"I don't like who you're consorting with," He said simply and Tracey actually laughed at that.

"You joke," Tracey said before calming herself down from the laughter "Warrington it isn't your fucking business who I'm friends with," She said before looking back at her work.

"I'm just saying. There's better picking than those mud-bloods and that freak," He said, and her quill almost snapped at the anger of him insulting Percy. But she calmed herself before she did something rash. But he wasn't letting up "I mean I don't know what you see in that parentless bastard when you could be with better company," He said and Tracey immediately glared at him and she wasn't the only one as Daphne did as well from her place.

"Because his company is ten times better than yours and you pack of dickless cowards," She said before standing up "And say any more about him and I'll drive my wand up your fucking throat," She warned and Cassius just gave her a cheeky smile.

"What a potty mouth. Guess your useless father didn't teach you better," He said and Daphne tried to warn Tracey with her eyes to not do anything rash but she knew there was no stopping her.

Tracey rushed forward and placed her wand up throat before he could even raise his. He gulped at the sudden threat as she had piercing eyes glaring at him "Go on, continue. Keep saying things about my father, see where it ends," She said as Cassius looked around trying to find any help.

But he wouldn't find any around. It was one of Slytherin's main rules. If you had an argument or fight you'd have to finish it yourself and never let it go out of these walls. So help was not something he would receive.

So he just gulped and shut his mouth and that was enough for Tracey, she put her wand away and turned around but that was a mistake. Cassius wasn't going to live with that humiliation and not especially by someone who he deemed below his status.

So before she could leave he grabbed her arm with his right hand and turned her around and slapped her right in her right cheek. The sound of his hand hitting was deafening enough to silence and shock everyone there. The force was strong enough to send Tracey to the ground and looked up at Cassius in shock.

"Do not ever forget your place filthy half-blood. Who do you think you are by threatening me huh?" Cassius said glaring down at her before looking around trying to shower himself in pride at what he had done.

But surprisingly no one was looking at him there. No, they were all a bit afraid and were looking at the entrance of the common room. He wondered what got them all scared and decided to look at the entrance as well.

And there stood Perseus Nyx, watching in cold boredom at the scene that was happening. His eyes didn't betray any though and just a blank face was all that Cassius met. He didn't know what the white-haired teen was thinking and that weirded him out but he had made his bed and refused to leave it.

"Ah, the freak has come back. What? Here to help you filthy…" He started spluttering threats to Percy as well but couldn't finish his sentence as a huge force of air suddenly hit his stomach. It crashed into his stomach immediately taking his breath out but the force didn't stop there.

No, it continued to push forward enough as Cassius started feeling himself being lifted from the ground. And the last thing he saw before he was sent flying away into the chimney behind him was Percy's outstretched right hand.

As Cassius's back hit the chimney all who were gathered around couldn't do anything but stare in shock at what had just happened. One moment Cassius was standing on top of Tracey and then he was crashing into the chimney.

Even Tracey who was rubbing her cheek was too shocked to even process what just happened. Her shock was so big that she even missed the first time that Percy spoke to her "What?" She asked once she realized that he was kneeling in front of her.

"Let me see," He said simply and Tracey could see how he was holding his anger back trying to stay calm. It was all in his eyes. She removed her hand from her cheek and he narrowed his eyes at the red mark that had started to appear "Go to your room, I have something that can help with that," He said before he stood up.

Tracey looked at him a bit afraid before looking at Cassius, she was scared of what Percy would do to him. But then he gave her a reassuring small smile "Go on, I'll handle things here," He said as Tracey nodded and stood up promptly going to her dorm.

Percy then crossed eyes with Daphne and quietly told her to go after Tracey. The message was clear things between them needed to be resolved now. Then he looked at Cassius and started walking forward "Marcus, correct me if I'm wrong but our first match is against Gryffindor right?" He asked out loud but never took his eyes off Cassius.

"Yes," Marcus Flint, the captain of the Slytherin quidditch, found himself only capable of answering like that. He was confused as to why he was being addressed.

"Now I'm not the most competitive or prideful housemate. But I know that if Gryffindor wins I will never hear the end of it," Percy said as he got closer to Cassius "So, since you have two injured players you're in dire need of backup players. So how about me and Tracey help you in that regard?" He said as he got to where Cassius was.

Flint looked at his chaser and saw him groaning in pain. The crash must've hurt but other than that he seemed fine "You're count is off. There's only one injured player," Flint said glancing at Malfoy who had a look of deep fear in his eyes for whatever reason that Marcus didn't know.

"I don't think so," Percy said grabbing Cassius' right arm. Then before anyone could react they all saw Percy twisting Cassius' arm hard enough to break it from the elbow. The injury was bloody enough that you could see his bone sticking out of his arm and suddenly the room was filled with Cassius' screams of pain "See, two injured players," Percy said and then looked down seeing some blood on his hands and right cheek.

Flint was just too shocked and afraid of what just happened so he stumbled on his response on when should Percy and Tracey join quidditch practice "Um, right. Thursdays at two," He said as Percy got rid of the blood on his hands.

"Very well," Percy said walking to the girls' dorms without any more comment. He needed to say anything more. His message was sent and he hoped no one would dare to hurt his friends again.

And everyone there just kept looking at Cassius with fear. Percy took him down quite easily so how could they ever compete, and no one was feeling more fear than Malfoy.

But there were two who weren't afraid, two who saw the chance of a lifetime. Two who saw an opportunity where everyone else saw chaos. Blaise and Theo were almost salivating at the power that Percy showed.

They were hiding it well Blaise better than Theo but if you looked closely at them you could see the greed behind their eyes. Sure, they were waiting for either Malfoy or Percy to make a mood since the two of them were clearly the powerhouses in Slytherin. But after what Percy just did it didn't matter the chance of learning a bit of that power was too good to pass on.

So they gave each other a nod and quietly stood up. They needed to talk to Percy it was time for them to back him up.

Back at the girls' dorms, Percy was looking at Tracey's cheek carefully while applying a sort of ointment over the red part of her cheek while Daphne stood to the side looking at Tracey in concern "Percy I told you I'm fine," Tracey said a bit embarrassed about him fussing over her.

"Tracey," Percy said looking at her for a moment "Shut up and let me worry about you," He said as Tracey blushed and looked down not being used to someone worrying about her like this.

Then she glanced at Daphne who was looking at the floor in shame and a bit of annoyance came forward in Tracey's mind "Why didn't you intervene?" She asked a bit angry at her.

Daphne looked up for a moment to try and explain herself but no reason was enough so she just looked down "Don't blame her," Percy said as Tracey looked at him a bit confused and angry.

"But," She said but Percy just gave her a look interrupting her train of thought, and stopped applying the ointment.

"If she had she would've become a target. And she has a lot to lose if she did," Percy said placing the ointment box on her nightstand "That doesn't mean she wasn't worried about you," He said as Tracey looked down understanding why Daphne didn't intervene. She didn't like it but she understood it.

And Daphne was looking at Percy with wide eyes. She was sure no one understood why she was doing this. But hearing Percy not only understanding it but also defending her made her a bit emotional. How long has it been since he defended her like that? She missed it.

Then Percy leaned at the nightstand and looked at Daphne "Daph, aren't you tired?" He asked bringing her out of her thoughts. Tracey looked at him also wondering what he was doing.

"What?" Daphne asked in confusion as Percy sighed before looking up at her.

"Aren't you tired? Of shutting yourself down? Pretending to be something you're not? Be honest," Percy asked and Daphne placed a hand on her elbow while she looked away.

"Yes, but you know it doesn't matter what I think. It's just what I have to do," She said and Tracey for the first time could hear the sadness behind her words. Seems like she was going through something as well.

"Duty right?" Percy asked as Daphne nodded her head "Then what if you pretend for just a moment that duty didn't exist? What would you do in that case?" Percy asked and Daphne looked down for a moment.

What would she do indeed if duty was forgotten? Sometimes that could be a hard thought question but for her, it wasn't. It wasn't because she asked herself that question every single day "Then I would go straight to you and beg for forgiveness even though I know I don't deserve it," Daphne said as Tracey looked at her. Now she realized how much Daphne needed help. She wanted to rush and hug her right now but she knew that wasn't what she needed. She needed to put her trust in Percy.

"Daph, do you trust me?" Percy asked as both girls looked at him in confusion. Both wondered where he was going with this "Simple yes or no question do you trust me?" He asked again and Daphne looked at him for a moment.

Again she didn't have to think to much. After all they've been through the answer was clear for her "Yes," She said with conviction as Percy crossed his arms and looked at her.

"Then let me help you fix this burden of yours," Percy said and before she could say no he continued speaking "I know what it is and I know a way so please, let us help you," Percy said as Daphne's eyes grew big in slight shock. She wanted to ask him how he knew but no words came out of her. A part of her wasn't surprised he knew.

"Please let me help you. I can't keep going on like this," Percy said and now the girls realized how much being apart from Daphne was hurting him "Please, I miss my best friend," He said with emotion clear in his eyes.

Emotion so big that struck Daphne to her core and she started walking towards him slowly. She got up to him and met his eyes and both of them were trying hard to hold back their tears. She moved one hand forward and rubbed the tear that had dropped from his right eye "Could you ever forgive me for this?" She said hoping he did. She wanted her best friend back as well.

Then she winded in surprise when Percy abruptly wrapped his arms around her and brought her close to him "Always you moron," He said as she stopped fighting her tears and let them out freely.

Percy had started tearing up a bit and had a huge smile on his face but then knew something was missing. He looked up and saw Tracey tearing up but otherwise just sitting on the bed watching all of that "What are you waiting for?" He asked simply and that was all it took for Tracey to jump from the bed and crash into both of them.

"Fucking finally. I couldn't take this anymore," Tracey said as she wrapped her arms around Daphne "Don't you dare do that again Daph. My heart can't take it," She said as Daphne chuckled with teary eyes still.

"I'll try," She said as Tracey put her head into Daphne's shoulder to hide her tears. The trio were a mess of tears but at least they were glad they were all back together. They had missed each other a lot.

But their reunion moment was cut short by a knock on the door "Yo Nyx, you there? Me and Blaise wanted to speak to you," Theo said from behind the door. Percy looked up and slowly removed himself from the hug.

"I'll tell them to leave," He said but a hand stopped him in his tracks. He looked back and saw Daphne holding his wrist stopping him in place.

"Don't," Daphne said before looking at the door "After what you did the only reason they're here is to get knowledge of that power," Daphne said as Percy and Tracey could see the gears turning in her head.

"We need to play this smart. If we can get them on our side then we're a step closer to controlling Slytherin," She said to the two of them as both Tracey and Percy shared a look.

"She's back," Tracey said as Daphne blinked for a moment before looking at both of them in confusion. Then she understood what they were saying and chuckled in amusement.

"Just shut up and look here," Daphne said taking her wand out. Then she started moving it in a circular motion. Then their faces started losing their tears and became a bit more presentable "There, now go. We will follow your lead, Percy," She said as Percy gave her a confused look same as Tracey.

"Didn't we say if we ever did this that we would follow you?" Percy asked her and Daphne looked down before letting out a sigh.

"I lost that right. I can't do it anymore," Daphne said before looking at Percy and giving him a small smile "But I'll happily follow you, Percy, till the end of my days," She said and Percy blinked and tried to argue back but Tracey slapped his arm.

"Heavy is the crown my friend and it's all yours. Especially after that display outside. You'll have to tell us how you did that," She demanded and Percy chuckled and nodded. He wanted to argue more about leading but Tracey's next statement shut him up "Come on, you cannot turn two pretty girls down like that. Man up Perseus," Tracey said cheekily bringing Daphne close and the blond girl tried to mimic Tracey's smile as best she could.

"Fine," Percy said pretending to be exasperated before placing a hand on each girl's shoulder "But we need a united front. At least between us three," Percy said as both girls nodded.

"United front," Daphne said with a nod before looking at Tracey who nodded as well "Now go on before you pissed them off," She said as Percy nodded and walk up to the door.

He opened it and saw Theo and Blaise waiting there a bit annoyingly. Or at least Theo was with Blaise you could never guess "Sorry, what can I do for you fellas?" Percy said leaning on the wall on the left of the door.

"What were you doing? Snogging? Or why did you take so long?" Theo asked a bit annoyed and Percy chuckled before looking at him.

"We were resolving previous issues," Percy said cryptically "I'm guessing you wanted to know what that was right?" Percy asked and Blaise took over.

"Yes, but I'm guessing you're not gonna tell us," Blaise said and Percy looked at him appreciating how smart Blaise was.

"No I'm not," Percy said as Theo frowned a bit "Not that I don't trust you but these walls have ears. I cannot tell you while we're at Hogwarts," Percy said as Theo sighed. He wanted to know but understood Percy's hesitance.

"Fair enough. Still, can we come in? If we're to fully support you we need to talk steps," Theo said as Percy looked at them in wonder.

"Oh, you're willing to do so?" Percy asked pretending to be shocked. Best if they thought they had the upper hand.

"We might, but it's best if we don't discuss these topics out in the open," Blaise said and Percy nodded agreeing with the Italian teenager. He moved to the side and let them through.

He closed the door behind them and put magic into the silencing rune. Best if no one knew what was discussed here. Theo and Blaise saw the two girls sitting on the bed and Theo couldn't help himself.

"Guess those two were a given," Theo said to Blaise who just rolled his eyes. They watched Percy take a seat on a couch near a window while the two stood close to the bed "So what's your game?" Theo asked Percy who just looked at him in confusion.

"Yes, because these moves you're making don't make sense," Blaise said as Percy glanced at him "No offense. But befriending Granger and Potter with Malfoy watching. It is pretty bold," He said and Percy shrugged.

"Maybe boldness is our motto," Tracey chipped in from where she was as the boys looked at her "And you really care who he befriends?" Tracey asked and Blaise shrugged his shoulders.

"Not really, but like he said it's bold," Theo said before looking at Percy "Look if we're going to piss off the death eater faction we could at least use a good reason," He said as Percy looked up but Daphne answered for him.

"And what could you offer then?" She asked as Theo and Blaise looked at her "Sure your support is great and all. But other than that what else?" She asked and Theo hummed.

"Well with me you have another seat on the council. Sure my uncle could be a problem but my father still has a good hold. And Malfoy wouldn't dare go against the Nott family," Theo said and Blaise took over.

"And you can use my mother's contacts to your advantage, and the numbers matter," Blaise said as Daphne narrowed her eyes and was about to say that wasn't enough but Percy interrupted her by speaking for the first time.

"It's okay," Percy said reading Daphne's thoughts as all of them looked at him "It doesn't matter what you bring to the table what matters it's what you do once you're there," Percy said rubbing his face.

"Mind if speak freely?" Percy asked as everyone there nodded their heads "As you know, I grew up a lot different than you," Percy said looking down "After the war I ended up in a muggle orphanage. It was shit but it has it's good parts," He said as Theo and Blaise took a seat wondering where this was going to not knowing that the girls were confused as well.

"One of the good things is that this orphanage had a massive library, not like the one Hogwarts but it was massive still," Percy said reminiscing for a bit "And for a child with no friends it was paradise. So I grew up reading all these fantasy books like Narnia, the Hobbit, that sort of stuff," Percy said glancing up knowing full well they wouldn't know what those books are.

"Books full of powerful characters and magical creatures. It was my escape from reality," Percy said chuckling a bit "So imagine my excitement when I learned that this world existed. A magical world where everything I imagined was real. Dragons, magic, elves, huge magical landscapes. All of it was suddenly real. But that excitement didn't last long, because after all this world held a secret," Percy said leaning forward and pinching his nose in the process.

"It was not long till I realized that this world was pathetic," Percy said looking at all of them "I was hoping for a world of freedom and exploration, and instead I got bigotry, racism, and plain boredom. Made me want to burn it all," Percy said as Theo grew curious instead of afraid.

"So you plan to burn the world? Sounds too cliché don't you think?" He asked a bit amused and Percy snorted.

"No, that would take too long, and like you said it's too cliché," He said dropping back to the couch outside the window, the clouds were starting to move past the moon "I want to build a new world," Percy said surprising everyone there.

"What?" Daphne asked realizing that in all their talks he had never revealed his goals for the future "Why would you want to do something like that?" She asked as everyone there was wondering the same question.

Then as the clouds let the moon breathe and shine its light a ray hit Percy's spot illuminating him and he had his eyes closed when it hit him. Then he slowly opened his eyes revealing his red iris in each as well as his black sclera and his pointy ears. Everyone there was so shocked and frightened by his sudden change of appearance that they almost missed his final statement.

"I just want a world where everyone is free,"

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End of Chapter 5