Chapter 2 - A Proper Hogwarts Welcome | Percival

Chapter 2 - A Proper Hogwarts Welcome | Percival

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Percival felt a bit awkward as he, Idris, and Professor Fig half walked and half ran towards the Great Hall. Thankfully they didn't pass anyone. Everyone else was already in the Great Hall for the Sorting Ceremony. So much for the first impression Idris had been so worried about. They were going to burst into the Great Hall late, in the middle of the sorting, Percival covered in his blood. Fig opened the door just enough to peek inside.

"Oh good, we haven't missed the Sorting Ceremony," Fig sighed in relief as he pulled back. He turned to them only to stop and give them a considering look. "I'm not an expert, but this seems more appropriate."

Fig gave his wand a wave and before their eyes their clothes melted away, covered by white button downs, gray vests, black ties, and black hooded robes with a small Hogwarts logo patch on their chest.

“Oh thank Merlin,” Percival sighed and reached to adjust his sleeves only to see Idris glaring at him. “What?”

“I put a lot of time into that coat,” Idris huffed. “And my outfit.”

“I’ll miss the coat, Dris,” Percy said. “I’m just glad to not meet my classmates and teachers covered in my own blood. Plus you said you couldn’t fix the coat anyway.”

“I said I couldn’t get the blood out of it, and I might have been able to with a spell. Plus my outfit was fine.”

“I assure you, none of your clothes are gone,” Fig said. “I’ve simply sent them to where the rest of the students’ things are waiting to be sent to their dorms. Now, I need to study this locket as quick as I can but first I must contact the Ministry, they need to know about George and must be informed about Ragnarok. For the moment, I ask that you keep all that’s happened this evening between-”

“Oh shit,” Idris realized. 

“What now?” Percival groaned.

“All our stuff,” Idris looked close to hyperventilating again. “It was on the back of the carriage. We literally brought everything we had and, and everything Mom and Dad left us, all the stuff Annabelle made that we kept, my sketchbook-”

“Mom and Dad’s wedding rings,” Percival could feel the tears gathering in his own eyes. With everything that had happened to them just to get to Hogwarts, this was just too much. He wasn’t much up to this Sorting Ceremony anymore.

“I’m truly sorry,” Fig sighed. “I’ll talk to the faculty, see if we can arrange sending a few house elves to search for any of your things that may have survived.”

“Thanks Professor,” Percival muttered, to be polite more than anything else. Those rings were the only things recovered from his parents’ body. The dresses Idris spent hours designing with and for Annabelle. All their pictures of them. Fig had gotten them both made Wards of the Ministry as they didn’t have guardians anymore, meaning they couldn’t go back to Rosewood. They’d had to bring everything. Now it was probably all gone. 

Fig peaked through the door again and Percival immediately pulled Idris into a hug. As he’d expected, Idris quickly wrapped their arms around Percival in return. Every time he tried to say something, anything, the words couldn’t through the tears clogging his throat. But what could he even say? That it would be okay? How could anything be okay? His heart had already been ripped out of his chest in April, and now it was like whatever piece he’d shared with Idris was gone too. 

“Phineas Nigellus Black,” Fig grumbled. He quickly hurried back over to the twins. “I’m sorry to interrupt children, but you must prepare yourselves to meet the Headmaster.”

A man stepped through the ajar door, dressed in a handsome green waistcoat with a gold chain linked to his black satin vest. He had a black beard and mustache, accenting his neatly styled black hair. Percival could feel his skin crawling already, he didn’t even need Idris’ muttered translation that Fig did not like the Headmaster. The Headmaster only gave them a single look —a look that made Percival even more grateful he wasn’t covered in blood—before glaring at Fig. Actually it wasn’t even a glare, more of a haughty sneer.

“Fig!” Black chided. “Nice of you to join us. The Sorting Ceremony is over!”

“There were…complications,” Fig tried to explain.

“Complications?!”

“It seems the goblin problem-”

“Enough!” Black scoffed. “Goblins. I’ve no time for rumors, Fig, and I’m rapidly losing whatever patience I had left.”

Black sighed and turned to the twins. Percival had to fight the urge to take a step back, maybe hide behind Idris to escape the Headmaster’s gaze.

“If you’re lucky we might be able to get you Sorted this evening,” Black huffed. 

Black walked off without a word and Idris hurried after him, making Percival realize they were supposed to follow, despite Black not saying anything to indicate so. 

Percival was lucky he didn’t run into a table. The moment he stepped into the Great Hall it wasn’t the tables covered in more food than should be possible that he noticed, the risen stage where the faculty and a three legged stool were waiting, the giant fireplaces, or the enchanting floating candles. It was the ceiling. Spread out above them was a perfect recreation of the very stars in their sky, from the stars to the color of the sky to the clouds. It wasn’t a skylight, it was as if they’d simply removed a piece and placed it above the room.

The twins followed the Headmaster toward the stage, where a red-haired woman with spectacles was holding a hat so ancient Percival was waiting for it to disintegrate in her fingers. Sorting, right. Percival braced himself, knowing he’d be called first if this was done alphabetically. “Percival” didn’t come before “Idris” but the name Percy had been born with did and that always seemed to be the one used. 

“Professor Weasley, two more to be Sorted,” Black commanded. 

“Welcome!” Professor Weasley greeted them. She already seemed much more cheery than the Headmaster. “You’re just in time. The Valley twins I presume?”

“Yes ma’am,” The twins replied in unison.

“Wonderful,” Weasley gave them a reassuring smile as she checked a list on the table next to her. “Idris, you are first. Have a seat.”

A smile flitted onto Percival’s face for a split second to match the one Idris flashed him before they ascended the stage and sat on the stool. Weasley placed the hat on Idris’ head and simply stood there and waited. Idris kept making faces like they were talking to the hat, but no word left either of their mouths. Minute after minute passed as more and more mutterings began to fill the Great Hall. Even the teachers at the faculty table behind Idris were glancing at each other in confusion. Percival couldn’t make out what anyone was saying but he swore he heard someone mention the words “hat stall”. It took six whole minutes before the hat spoke.

“Better be….GRYFFINDOR!”

The table directly to Percival’s right covered in children in red uniforms roared their approval. They began cheering like crazy and even though Percival wanted to chop his ears off he had to laugh a little as he also applauded his sibling. Oh yeah, Idris was definitely going to fit in there. Weasley waved her wand the same as Professor Fig had out in the entrance hall and Idris’ uniform transferred from a plain one to a red one, getting yet another cheer from the Gryffindor table. Idris was laughing as they gave Percival a rushed hug before finding somewhere to sit at their new table.

“Percival, your turn,” Professor Weasley said.

Percival sat down on the three headed stool and tried to sit as still as possible to put the hat on his head.

Ah, another older one. 

Percival nearly jumped out of his skin. Well that explained Idris’ conversation. He’d known the hat talked but hadn’t realized it was inside his head.

Of course I’m in your head. This is where the things that matter are. I see you’ve studied profusely with your mentor, good, good. But you’ve come with preferences and preconceptions and theories. Expectations.

I’m looking forward to my classes, Percival replied. I’ve hardly learned anything about magic compared to what I’ve seen just today. I want to know everything there is to know.

Curious…yes, I see. You love an unanswered question but hate not knowing. I know exactly what to do with you. 

“RAVENCLAW!”

Percival felt a rush of relief go through him as the other center table started clapping and cheering for him. He was sure the other houses had their merits, but none of them had ever felt quite right to him. Somehow he’d always had a feeling he’d belonged in Ravenclaw, from the day Fig told them about the Houses.

Percival got off the stool and Weasley waved her wand again, turning gray to a deep sapphire blue that was immediately calming to his mind. The grin on his face probably made him look like an idiot but he didn’t care. Everything was finally hitting him. He’d been excited for Hogwarts before but this was different. It wasn’t just something coming up on the horizon. He was here. He was a student. Better, he was a Ravenclaw.

As Percival found a seat at the end of the table, the girl next to him immediately leaned over to talk to him.

“Welcome to Hogwarts!” The girl said. “I’m Samantha Dale, I’m a fifth year too. It’s wonderful to meet you!”

“Nice to meet you too,” Percival replied.

The conversation was cut short by Professor Black stepping up to the front of the stage.

“Oh, and one more thing,” Black said. “Due to the unfortunate injury on the pitch in last spring’s final, this year’s Quidditch season has been canceled.”

Immediately Black was bombarded by boos and protests. Percival himself couldn’t care less. Fig had told them about Quidditch and Percival had no interest in it. Less, actually. But he knew Idris had been looking forward to at least watching a game, maybe even trying out for their house team, so he felt a little bad for them he supposed. 

“Enough!” Black commanded. “It’s not as though I’ve banned flying altogether. But don’t tempt me. You are here to focus on your academic futures. I’m sure you all have plenty to do before classes begin tomorrow.”

He made a motion with his hands but clearly no one understood what on Earth he was supposed to be saying because the whole hall just stared at him waiting for him to clarify. Eventually he repeated himself much more forcefully and all but shooed them away, leading the students to rush from the hall.

“You two!” Black pointed to Percival and then Idris. He gestured for them to approach and they did so hesitantly. “Professor Weasley, would you be so kind as to show our new students to their common rooms.”

“I shall see to it, sir,” Weasley agreed.

She waited for Black to walk away before she started talking to the twins with a warm smile.

“You two made quite the entrance,” Weasley chuckled. “I’m Professor Weasley. Pleased to meet you.”

“Great to meet you too, professor,” Idris replied and shook her hand, Percival following their example. 

“As Deputy Headmistress it is my distinct honor to show you to your common rooms,” Professor Weasley told them. “The Ravenclaw common room is right this way.”

Percival and Idris followed Professor Weasley as she led them through corridors and up staircases. Even with the sight of the castle from where they'd landed after Gringotts, Percival still couldn't believe how expansive Hogwarts was. Every time he thought there would be a dead end or exit of some kind there was another hall or another staircase. The star cases especially seemed endless. 

Finally, after climbing a tower, they went up a much shorter flight of stairs that led to a door blocked but a fixture of a large bronze eagle. It seemed to double as a door knocker but it was much too large to be practical in that regard. Before they could fully approach however, Weasley stopped and turned to talk to them.

"It's quite uncommon for a student to begin as a fifth year," Weasley told them. Percival could almost physically feel Idris restraining themself from commenting on how often they've heard so. "Might be a bit of a challenge, but one I'm sure you're up for."

"We are, Professor," Percival said. 

"Yeah, we aren't going to let a little thing like a challenge stop us," Idris agreed. "We're ready for this. We've been ready for this for months."

"I appreciate your confidence," Weasley chuckled. "Now, Idris, if you will retreat down the stairs for a moment, I'm afraid entry into the common rooms is a closely kept secret."

Idris nodded and nudged Percival with their shoulder.

"See you tomorrow," Idris promised. "Don't get eaten by a dragon."

Percival barked out a laugh from surprise, immediately covering his mouth until he collected himself. "I'll try my best."

Idris pulled them into one last hug before heading on down the stairs. Being separated from Idris and knowing it would be further was a strange feeling. It was just because of everything they'd been through together just that day. Not to mention they had been attached at the hip since April. Now they were wandering away and Percival was somehow both relieved and anxious as Idris disappeared.

"This is the entrance to the Ravenclaw common room," Weasley explained, pulling Percival from his thoughts. "You must solve a riddle to enter."

"A riddle?" Percival bit back a smile. 

"I'm glad it excites you," Weasley said "This sort of thing always confuses me."

Percival stepped up to the door and locked up at the knocker. He expected the beak to open like the sorting hat with its almost-mouth. Instead the voice of the eagle simply rang out into the stairwell.

Who lived longer, the ghost or the poltergeist?

Now how was he supposed to know that? He doubted the eagle would engage in a round of context questions. How long would a poltergeist have lived? That was not something he studied with Fig much.

Wait.

"Neither," Percival realized. "Neither a ghost nor poltergeist has ever lived. They aren't truly people anymore. A nonbeing can never have been."

The eagle lowered its head and folded its wings, letting the door swing inwards. Percival just caught a glimpse of white stone floors, vaulted blue ceilings, and a large stone statue of another eagle before Professor Weasley spoke again.

"Well done," Professor Weasley said. "Now, go on in and get some sleep.  Professor Fig has already made us aware of your situation, so there will be nightclothes and a spare uniform sitting on your bed."

"Thank you Professor," Percival smiled at her.

He entered the common room, the door closing on its own behind him. The stairs split in front of him, following the curve of the tower. When he got to the top he had to pause in his tracks for a moment. It was perfect. He could feel that with just a glance but he decided to wait to really look around until the morning. 

Now that he wasn't running on the adrenaline of a dragon attack, goblin attack, and the excitement from the Sorting, he could already feel his eyelids growing heavy. He was glad he wasn't forced to meet a bunch of people while exhausted, but he was now running into the problem that he had no idea where the dorms were.

"You look lost there, stranger," A thankfully familiar voice approached and Percy forced his eyes open. 

"Samantha," Percival sighed in relief. "I'm glad to see a familiar face, even if we only just met."

"I was on my way to my dorm but I noticed you hadn't arrived yet," Samantha told him. "I remember how strange and disorienting it was my first year, I can't even imagine how strange it must be to start as a fifth-year. So I decided to wait for a bit to see if you made it alright. I'm happy you did."

"I am as well," Percival smiled a little, too tired for anything more, but he could already feel a small flower of connection blooming. "Thank you for that, I certainly appreciate the gesture. I don't suppose you could also show me the dorms?"

"I'd love to," Samantha gave him a warm smile and gestured for him to follow her.

She led him to the seam separating too large circular rooms. On either side of them was a staircase leading up and down, the entrance to each side flanked by two suits of bronze or silver armor. The silver was on Percival's left while the bronze were on his right. 

"The girls and boys have separate dorms," Samantha explained. "The armor is there so they can't enter the other dorms. Your dorm, the boys, will be past the silver armor. Two flights down should be the fifth year dorms."

Wonderful, dorms separated by magic. He hadn't even thought of that, but the gendered dorms of course made sense. He should have asked Fig or even Weasley about it but it was too late now. He went to step toward the bronze armor only to pause. They'd used his name in the Sorting Ceremony, the one he picked, not the one he was born with. Maybe...

He took a deep breath and stepped toward the silver armor instead. He prepared himself for it to block him but the armor didn't even twitch. He let out a breathy, relieved laugh and glanced at Samantha over his shoulder.

"Thank you, Samantha," Percival said. "Again."

"You're welcome," Samantha replied. "Again."

When Percival managed to find his dorm there was only one other boy already in there, a boy who was already unpacking his things. He seemed like he was Percival's height, with neat black hair and skin that matched the wooden accents of the common room. When he finally looked up from his trunk and spotted Percival his eyes were a rich dark brown that reminded Percy of Idris' eyes. 

The dorms themselves were everything Percival ever wanted from a dorm, and certainly much nicer than Rosewood's. The twins' room at Rosewood had two beds, one nightstand, two dressers, and that was it. But the Ravenclaw dorms had the same vaulted ceilings as the common room, all stained glass windows, wooden floors with matching accents along the walls. There were large wardrobes to Percy's left, allowing plenty of spade for storage so the bed areas wouldn't get crowded. There were of course four writing desks, this was Ravenclaw after all. The beds were bunk beds but they were built to be like their own tiny rooms, with wooden frames and curtains that could be drawn for privacy.

"Why, hello!" The boy said. "Oh, you're the new fifth year aren't you? I'm Amit. Pleasure to have you in Ravenclaw."

"Percival. I'm one of the new fifth years, yes," Percival nodded. "My twin sibling is in Gryffindor."

He glanced around and saw the bed across from Amit's didn't have any trunks ready to be unpacked, just a pair of nightclothes and an extra uniform folded neatly on the bed, just as Professor Weasley promised. He pushed the thoughts of his lost luggage aside before they could overtake him.

"Ah, I remember now," Amit nodded.

He opened a trunk which seemed to have been entirely dedicated to a telescope which he set about reconstructing. Percival found himself staring. He'd always wanted a telescope, ever since he was a toddler and his mother taught him his first constellation. But it had always slipped his grasp. Amit finished setting up his telescope but caught Percival staring. 

"Sorry," Percival shook his head like he was trying to escape a telescope-induced trance. "I just have always wanted a telescope like that."

"Would you like to take a look?" Amit offered. "You'd be surprised how much of the sky you can see from the tower at night."

The correct answer was 'absolutely fuck yes' but Percival was able to restrain himself. He let Amit finish adjusting the telescope before he went over and peaked through the lens. Immediately it was like he forgot how to breathe. 

"It's beautiful," Percival whispered. He pulled back from the telescope already grinning at Amit. "No wonder you'd set up a telescope in the dorm."

"There's another in the common room and of course plenty in the Astronomy Tower!"

"If you know the location of every telescope in this school I take it you like Astronomy?"

"Oh yes," Amit nodded enthusiastically. "So much to be learned from the stars. Also, there's something about the open air and night sky above the tower. It's invigorating."

"Finally, someone with sense," Percival sighed. "My sibling is clever in their own right, but they could never understand the appeal of the stars. I've read every book on them I could get my hands on, but honestly it wasn't many."

"You will adore Astronomy," Amit promised. "Professor Shah is incredibly knowledgeable. And don't worry, it's a required class for all fifth-years so it will definitely be on your schedule. You'll be enthralled with the Astronomy Tower. You should try to find a good quality telescope, they can show you things you never dreamed of."

"I think you and I will end up friends," Percival grinned. "It was nice to meet you, Amit."

"You as well!"

Percival changed as quickly as he could, unlacing the corset and feeling his spine immediately relax. It was a price but a very small one in his opinion. He stuffed it under his bed once he was done changing just in case and climbed into bed, his eyes falling closed before he even hit the pillow. 

He didn't get to meet his other roommates yet as by the time he woke up the dorm was empty already. Percival donned his spare uniform and hurried back up to the common room. He wasn't really sure what to do next. He didn't have a schedule yet, Fig had told them days ago there would be someone to explain their schedule and classes something about arrangements for a system to catch them up to their peers. So he supposed he just had to wait? He wasn't supposed to meet them somewhere was he? Did he just stand there? Did he mingle? He didn't see Amit anywhere, but Samantha was off to the side moving around a plant pot.

"Good morning," Samantha greeted him, then gestured to the plant. "I want him to be in the perfect place. A place he'll be happy with. But I can't seem to find it. Great golden Gobstones, I want him to thrive here."

"Golden Gobstones?" Percival cocked his head as he considered the phrase.

"My own little expression," Samantha giggled. "I brought this dittany seedling from home and I so want him to feel cosy. Dittany is amazing, isn't it? So much healing power in such a little plant."

Percival tried to rack his brain for anything he could remember about dittany. He didn't exactly have the best track record with Herbology so far.

"Dittany..." Percival hummed. "That's used in Wiggenweld potions, isn't it?"

"It is!" Samantha confirmed. "Looks like someone's been studying up on their Potion-making." 

"Quite a bit, yes," Percival said. "We studied some with Professor Fig before the term started to help us catch up. I did quite well with Potions but not so much with Herbology."

"I've got a bit of a thing for plante, as you can see," Samantha chuckled. "What was it like getting to learn directly from Fig? He's always been an enigma to me. Teaches about theory yet seems to know a lot about practical magic."

"He knows a little about a lot of things," Percival answered. "He's quite knowledgeable which was very helpful."

"I hope he taught you enough," Samantha said. "You've lots to catch up on I'm sure."

"I'm curious, is it common practice for students to grow their own ingredients?" Percival wondered. If so, he was already grieving his potions grade.

"Oh yes!" Samantha nodded. "In fact, our herbology teacher, Professor Garlick, encourages it. And I don't think Professor Sharp—our potions master—cares where you get your ingredients as long as your brews are all perfect."

"Is the new fifth year in here?" A voice echoed through the common room. "Percival Valley? Professor Weasley is waiting for you outside the common room."

"I'd better hurry," Percival said. "It was nice talking to you, Samantha. Good luck with your dittany."

"You too!" Samantha replied. "And good luck to you too on your first day!"

Percival went down the stairs he'd entered through - thankfully he remembered which ones they were - and the door swung out for him, revealing Professor Weasley with her hands clasped in front of her and an impatient Idris pacing the balcony.

"I hope you weren't waiting too long Professor," Percival apologized and prepared himself for the crushing hug Idris pulled him into.

"The Gryffindor common room is so cool!" Idris told him. "It's got this nice warm tone so it's nice and cozy and it feels really lived in and comfortable with all the warm woods and this huge fireplace."

"The Ravenclaw dorm is gorgeous too," Percival told him, already feeling his lips twitching to smile as Idris shook their hands excitedly. It was so nice to see them so excited. "I think we're keeping Professor Weasley waiting though."

"Right, sorry Professor!" Idris winced and quickly stepped away from Percival, clasping their hands behind their back.

"It's alright," Professor Weasley chuckled. "It's always gratifying to hear students' excitement over their common rooms, especially Gryffindors. Now, I trust you two are ready for your first day at Hogwarts?"

"I've been ready for the last four years," Idris answered.

"I've been dreaming of this day for months," Percival agreed. "I almost can't believe we're here." 

"Well you are here," Professor Weasley smiled. "Make the most of it. You only have one first day at Hogwarts. Now, in light of your unique situation, joining us as a 5th year, you'll need to catch up with your classmates, and not fall behind. Especially as you'll be expected to complete your O.W.L.s at the end of the year."

"Owls?" Idris' eyebrows scrunched up a bit in confusion.

"Yes, your Ordinary Wizarding Level exams," Professor Weasley explained. "They will determine what type of career you can have when you leave here. After much discussion with the Headmaster and the Department of Magical Education at the ministry, we;ve devised a few ways to ensure your success."

"The first of these is your classes," Weasley continued. "To begin you will only be attending Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, and Herbology. Other classes such as Beasts, Astronomy, and the electives you selected with Professor Fig will be added to your schedule as you progress so as to not overwhelm you too early in the term. The second is this."

Professor Weasley held out her hands and two large leather bound books fell into them. She handed one to each of them. Percival tried to open his but it burst open all on its own, Idris' just behind it. Pages flew from the books shrouded in golden light. They swirled through the air, weaving through each other and the pages from Percival's book, until they all filed back into the book and into Percy's hands again.

"What is it?" Percival wondered.

"It is a wizard's field guide," Weasley answered. "It will help you to keep track of what you're learning so that you master all that's expected of a fifth year. You would be wise to take advantage of this exceptionally valuable resource."

Professor Weasley spent a few minutes explaining the Field Guide to them. Pages were in the book and scattered around the world for them to learn Wizarding lore, there were challenges listed in the book to help track their milestones, a map, and a place where they could take notes of their own. She also took the time to show them the floo flame system, leading to them descending the staircase in the Central Hall, an absolute monolith of a room with a fountain of stone mermaids, a chiseled dragon mural, an overhang leading to the library, and what looked like the entrance to a greenhouse.

"You can get almost anywhere in the castle quickly from Central Hall," Weasley told them. "Always something happening here. It's the heart of the hive. Our 'Kings Cross Station,' so to speak."

Professor Weasley stopped at the bottom of the stairs, giving them a moment to gaze around the wall. Idris was staring right at the dragon effigy with rapt attention. They seemed entranced by it but was pulled back when Weasley spoke again.

"What should be all for now," Weasley said. "You'll be expected to attend both Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts classes today."

Professor Weasley made a motion like plucking something out of the air, conjuring two pieces of paper. She waved her wand and handed them to the twins.

"These are your schedules for now," Weasley explained. "The other classes will appear as the Headmaster, Professor Fig, and I approve your progress."

While Percival was a little disappointed he wouldn't get to attend Astronomy yet, and he imagined Idris was disappointed they would be missing Beasts class, but he also understood the reasoning behind it and was grateful for it.

"I'd also like to speak with you about your belongings," Weasley said. That got their attention. "Deek!"

A creature Percival only recognized as a house-elf from pictures appeared next to Professor Weasley.

"Children, this is Deek, a house elf here at Hogwarts," Weasley introduced the elf. "Deek, these are the students you were told about. Deek and a few other house-elves were asked to search for and salvage as many of your things as you can."

"Deek and his friends are still searching," Deek said shyly. "It is taking longer than Deek expected, but all your things are being delivered to your rooms as they are found. But Deek found this and thought Idris would like to have it back. Deek tried to repair it as best as Deek could."

"I'm Idris, what is it?" Idris asked, words coming out in a breathless rush.

Deek made the same motion Professor Weasley had to summon their field guides, but what fell into his hand was a different leatherbound book. This was much smaller and simple, held closed with a brass latch and with a rose carved into the leather of the front cover. It was certainly more worn and dirty than Percival remembered, but there was no doubt what it was.

"My sketchbook!" Idris gasped and quickly took the book. They started flipping through it faster than Percival would have been able to, eyes darting around and taking in information that mystified Percival but apparently brought Idris so much relief there were tears in their eyes. "You said you fixed it, Deek?"

"Deek hopes the drawings are alright," Deek wrung his hands a little but Idris just laughed.

"They're amazing," Idris assured him. "Thank you so much, Deek."

"Some things did not survive," Professor Weasley informed them. "Namely many of your school supplies. As such, I'd like to be sure you get to Hogsmeade as soon as possible to replace them."

"Hogsmeade?" Percival asked.

"Hogsmeade is the only all-wizarding village in Britain, and is home to an array of shops and pubs," Professor Weasley said. "You should be able to find all of the supplies you need, along with anything else you may want, even wands of your own."

"Thank you for explaining all this, Professor Weasley," Percival replied.

"A lot to absorb on your first day, I know," Weasley said. "And you have much to learn. Happily, your professors have agreed to create additional assignments for you outside of class. You’ll be up to speed in no time. Judging by your adept use of revelio earlier, I'd say Professor Fig succeeded in at least showing you the basics.”

“Very much so,” Percival confirmed. “We didn’t quite have time to go over all the spells he wanted to teach us, but we have plenty to build up with, both in spellcasting and in subjects like Potions and Herbology.”

“Wonderful,” Weasley nodded. “While we’re on the subject, Professor Fig has been terribly vague about the events preceding your arrival, specifically about what happened after that awful dragon attack. My suspicion is that there’s more to the story than a fruitless search for belonging and an extended trip up to the castle.”

Percival frowned a little. He vaguely remembered Fig asking them to keep the story to themselves but he would think that meant their fellow students, and perhaps Professors like the Headmaster. Professor Weasley was very unlike Black. Besides, she was a teacher, and had on repeated occasions shown concern and care for their well being in the last twelve hours alone. Percival opened his mouth to speak but Idris did so first.

“I’m afraid there isn’t,” Idris said. “I’m sorry Professor, but that’s really all there is to it.”

Percival seriously considered interrupting them but as much as he disagreed with them, he didn’t want to get them in trouble for lying before they even got to their first class. So, he remained silent but internally made a note to speak with Fig about this at length after classes.

“Hmm, almost precisely what Professor Fig said,” Weasley hummed. 

As if he’d been summoned, the man himself approached from Percival’s left.

“Speak of the devil,” Weasley said. “Professor Fig. Your ears must have been burning.”

“Oh?” Fig replied.

“Yes. You seem to have provided our new fifth-years with a solid foundation in the basics of spell-casting.”

“Ah, I’m afraid I can’t take all the credit there, Professor. They’ve a rare aptitude for magic it seems.”

“Hmm,” Professor Weasley hummed again, which Percival was pretty sure meant she did not believe them at all. “Well, I’m just glad you all arrived in one piece. Perfectly good boats and carriages to Hogwarts and you chose to fly in the path of a dragon.”

“I wouldn’t say I chose the dragon’s path professor,” Fig pointed out. “Rather, unfortunately, it would seem that it chose us.”

“Very well,” Weasley sighed. “Enough chit-chat. I need to get to class myself. Might I rely on you, Professor Fig, to explain the details of the Field Guide’s compass?”

“Of course.”

Professor Weasley turned back to the twins.

“Good luck today,” Professor Weasley told them. “And remember to use your Field Guide. It will be invaluable to you. And, invaluable to me as I’ll be using it to keep up to date on your progress. Come and find me in my classroom after you’ve attended both your classes today, and I’ll explain more about those assignments I mentioned. And we’ll see if we can’t get you to Hogsmeade for those supplies.”

As Weasley walked away Fig stared after her. The moment she turned a corner and was out of sight, Fig stepped close enough to the twins he could drop his voice to a whisper.

“Did I hear you masterfully evade Professor Weasley’s interrogation regarding our late arrival?” Fig questioned.

“Yes you did, Professor,” Idris answered with a grin, practically glowing with pride.

“Though I’m not sure we should have,” Percival spoke up. “I don’t like the idea of keeping secrets like this, and certainly not lying about them. Perhaps we should tell someone, Professor Weasley especially. I’m fairly certain she already suspects we aren’t being entirely forthcoming. She may be able to help us. She seems to be quite the capable witch.”

“She is a brilliant and astute witch,” Fig agreed. “But it was right to keep the details to yourselves for now. We don’t know where this path we’ve embarked on will lead. It may require a bit more…flexibility with your time than she would approve of. And she may feel obliged to share details with the headmaster that would be better left between us.”

Percival had to admit hiding it from Professor Black seemed a good idea. The Headmaster had seemed flippant at best about his students and neglectful at most. But what he kept coming back to was the fact they shouldn’t be on this path at all. If Fig wanted to continue to investigate, that was his right. Percival would even be willing to help in certain situations, but this was not his or Idris’ responsibility. They’d already countered dragons, Ranrok, deadly suits of armor, and the colossus that fought Ranrok and nearly killed the three of them too. No children should be involved with that.

“Professor, I don’t-”

“Understood, Professor,” Idris interrupted him again. Percival made another note to argue with Idris later as well. 

“Good,” Professor Fig said. “Now. As capable as the two of you are, I believe the ability you possess obliges you to be well-trained. Happily, you have the benefit of an exceptionally skilled team of witches and wizards to guide you.”

Percival barely caught sight of Idr’s eyebrows scrunching up a little but they didn’t say anything as Fig continued on to explain the Charmed Compass in the Field Guide, which would certainly come in handy. A map of the castle was handy but Percival could hardly decipher the thing. There were too many random corridors and staircases and oddly placed doors to easily track your path. 

“Now, sounds like you’ve quite a day ahead what with classes and a trip to Hogsmeade,” Professor Fig commented. “Including your wands, which I know you are particularly excited for. You’ll enjoy Mr. Ollivander. He’s an exceptional craftsman and a good friend. For now, focus on your glasses. I shall reach out when I have more information about our mysterious locket.”

“See you soon Professor,” Idris waved to Fig as he stepped away. 

Idris pulled out their field guide and copied the wand motion Fig had shown them. A golden page burst out of the book and flew out up the stairs, thankfully leaving a golden trail of light behind for them to follow.

“Guess Charms is that way,” Idris snickered.

Percivla was silent as they followed the compass the page left behind, too busy engaging in a debate with himself to try and start any sort of conversation. Idris obviously had no qualms about this Ancient Magic path, while Percival had more than a few reservations. But what really grinded his gears was the way Idris had kept talking over him during the conversation with Fig. It was a habit Idris had and normally Percival could tolerate it, but that didn't feel like habit. It seemed more purposeful, to keep Percy from saying anything against what Fig and Idris thought best. 

“Hey Perce?” Idris said. Apparently they were having a conversation after all. Percival hummed in acknowledgment. “Am I a witch or a wizard?”

“What?”

“Sometimes I’m more of a man or a woman, but not all the time,” Idris reminded him. “Most of the time I’m not really either. I guess sometimes I’m both, but that’s not helpful here. So would I be a witch or a wizard?”

“Huh,” Percival tilted his head as he considered it. The debate could wait, this was something important to Idris. Besides, it was an interesting question. “I suppose neither.”

“What am I then?”

“You could make up your own word,” Percival suggested. “Or choose a different one.”

“Have you seen any in those old legends you read?” Idris wondered.

“Plenty,” Percival answered. “Sorcerer could be neutral, as could warlock, mage, sometimes I’ve seen the word shaman-”

“I like mage,” Idris grinned, bouncing on their toes a little now as they walked. “Mage feels good.”

“I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful mage,” Percival laughed and Idris made a little noise of excitement as they approached the end of the compass’ trail, which presumably meant they’d found their charms class.

The Charms classroom was like no classroom Percival had ever seen. It reminded him of an amphitheater, now that he thought about it. A lower floor through the center of arcing tiers, each with a long table with three chairs. At the opposite end was a platform like a viewing box with what Percival assumed was the Professor’s desk. Already their classmates were waving to each other and finding seats, leaving Percival and Idris to stand there aimlessly.

“Where do you want to sit?” Percival asked.

“No idea,” Idris sighed.

“Here!” A girl’s voice came from their right. On the top tier was a girl in a Gryffindor uniform and Idris immediately smiled. “There are open seats here.”

“Up there, come on,” Idris decided. They grabbed Percival’s hand and dragged him up, like he wasn’t perfectly capable of following on his own. They steered Percival to the seat on the end and they sat in the middle, between Percival and the girl.

“Percy, this is Natsai, or Natty,” Idris explained. “We met in our common room this morning and she’s freaking awesome. Natty, this is my brother I told you about, Percival.”

“I remember!” Natty replied. “They told me quite a bit about you. It’s nice to meet you Percival. Have you met Professor Ronen yet-”

She was interrupted by a man clearing his throat on the other side of the classroom. At the top of a curved staircase their professor appeared, dressed in purple and green and looking far too cheerful for such an early morning. 

“Shall we begin?” Professor Ronen exclaimed. “Welcome to year five of Charms Now, this will be a crucial year in your education on the art of Charmwork, but I am confident that we will take hold with the passion and rigor requisite of such a challenge.”

“He talks like you,” Idris snickered into Percival’s ear and Percy elbowed them.

“Right, now everyone, please open your textbooks to page five one seven,” Ronen ordered.

“Do you think he’ll take ‘a dragon ate my homework’ as an excuse,” Idris winced.

“It’s just the one class, we’re getting new books this afternoon,” Percival reminded them. “But…yeah, this could get annoying fast if we need books in Defense Against the Dark Arts too.”

“We can share mine,” Natty offered and slid her textbook over to Idris since they were in the middle.

“Told you she was awesome,” Idris commented as they opened the textbook.

“Buuut, before we begin,” Ronen cut them off before they could find the page. “Can anyone tell me the difference between the incantations of the Colour Change and Growth Charm?”

Percival immediately threw his hand in the hair, having studied this exact thing so he didn’t get the extremely similar incantations confused. Apparently no one else had done the same as no one else raised their hands.

“Only one?” Ronen clicked his tongue disappointedly. “Mr. Valley I believe?”

“Yes sir,” Percival nodded. “The growth charm begins with cres, rather than colo, but both incantations end the same.”

“Well done Mr. Valley, ten points to Ravenclaw!” Ronen clapped his hands. “As for the rest of you, the summer months must have really taken a toll on you. By the looks of it, you all spent your holidays practicing obliviate on each other!”

Professor Ronen laughed to himself as he considered his students.

“Do you even remember how to perform a basic summoning charm?” Ronen wondered.

It wasn’t that Percival had forgotten , rather that he’d never learned how. The summoning charm had been on the list of spells Fig had not gotten around to teaching them, leaving Percival to look just as oblivious as the students who should have learned it in fourth year. “Hm. Well, it seems we are in dire need of review.”

Professor Ronen directed them all to stand on opposite sides of the classroom, Percival across from Natty and Idris across from a tall Gryffindor boy with short ginger. Ronen made sure each pair had a book and instructed them to take turns summoning them from each others’ hands. Thankfully he took the time to quickly teach the twins the wand movement and incantation for the spell so they could participate in the exercise. 

Idris’ first attempt at the charm only gave the book in their partner’s hand a small yank, but when Percival tried the charm Natty’s textbook flew from her grip and into Percival’s hand so fast it almost hit him in the face.

“That is certainly not bad,” Natty chuckled. 

“You are a swift learner!” Ronen praised him. “I see a lot of potential. But remember, potential is nothing without practice! Keep at it, you might just rival Miss Onai here!”

A few minutes passed of the students summoning the books back and forth. It looked like Idris and their partner made a sort of game out of it, even though they couldn’t speak to each other from opposite sides of the classroom. Idris managed to get the spell down too which Percival was proud of them for.

“Well!” Professor Ronen grabbed their attention again. “As you all seem to have the basics down, and it is an exceptionally lovely day, I was thinking we might have ourselves a little excursion outside for a spot of fresh air. After me!”

Percival and Idris shared a glance of confusion before following their professor down through the castle and onto the lawn. 

“I’ve always found that fun goes hand-in-hand with mastery, as I’m sure the quidditch players amongst us would agree,” Professor Ronen chuckled. “So, what better than a bit of sport to put our prowess with the Summoning Charm to the test?”

Professor Ronen waved his wand through the air and the class watched as colorful planks of wood constructed themselves into two platforms, one with numbers at each color and the other with stairs. Large blue spheres like marbles dropped onto the far platform as Ronen waved Percival up the stairs.

“So, why don’t we have one of our new students start us off?”

Ronen quickly explained the game to him, which was called Summoner’s Court. Apparently the goal was to use the summoning charm on the balls and pull them towards you, but time the release of your charm so they landed as close to the edge as possible without falling off. Charms and timing. Percival could definitely handle this. And sure enough, he came out of it with a near perfect score, having ended with only one sphere outside the final zone.

“Excellently done!” Ronen cheered. Percival expected him to switch Percival out for another student, but instead three more balls dropped onto the court, this time red.

This time Percival had to play against Natty. He would normally deny it but Natsai won very easily. He hadn’t even thought of the fact they could knock each other’s marbles off the court, docking their opponents’ points significantly. 

So next round, even with the moving boxes Ronen decided to add, Percival was ready. Not only did Percival win this time, but he won with a perfect score and beat Natty by fifty points.

“Very good both you, well done,” Ronen complimented them both as they descended from the platform.

He matched up a few more students but soon they were headed back inside to the Charms classroom to retrieve their things as Ronen dismissed class.

“Good game back there Percival,” Natty chuckled. “I must admit, I think I underestimated you. Took weeks for me to get proficient in accio. Took weeks for me to get anything right when I transferred here. It gets easier, I promise.”

“I’m glad someone understands,” Percival said. “It’s a lot to take in all at once.” 

“To put it lightly!” Natty agreed.

“At least we’re holding our own so far,” Idris pointed out. “Especially Percival over here. Already mastering a charm we didn’t even get to glance at.”

“Charms are easy,” Percival shrugged.

“Maybe for you .”

“You’re good at other things,” Percival argued.

“I know, I just wanted to hear you say it,” Idris grinned. “Natty, did you say you transferred to Hogwarts too?”

“Yes, I transferred here from Uagadou just before my fourth year,” Natty answered. “My mother received an offer to teach divination here. Before I knew it we had left Uganda and were halfway around the world at a new school in a new country.”

“Is Uagadou another wizarding school?” Percival asked.

“Yes, Uagadou School of Magic is the largest Wizarding school in the world,” Natty giggled. “But it never felt intimidating. It only felt like home.”

“You know, we could have ended up at Uagadou,” Idris realized. “Remember, we almost ended up staying in Gauteng because that’s where mom’s family was from and they couldn’t find Dad’s, which suddenly makes a lot of sense. If we’d stayed there we probably would have ended up at Uagadou instead of Hogwarts.”

“I didn’t even think about that,” Percival hummed. “But you’re right. Wow. That’s strange to think about. Now I’m even more curious.”

“I’d be happy to talk about Uagadou,” Natty said. 

“This might seem an odd question, but is magic the same there as it is here?” Percival wondered. 

“Mostly yes,” Natty hummed. “But I did have to learn how to use a wand when I arrived here. Hardly anyone at Uagadou uses one.”

“Oh yeah, Professor Fig mentioned wandless magic,” Idris remembered. “It’s instinctive, right?”

“You’d know wouldn’t you?” Percival teased.

“I don’t follow,” Natty said.

“This?” Percival gestured to their hair. “Their fault. They accidentally turned it purple when we were little and no one’s been able to change it back. I’d certainly call that instinctive magic.”

“Or perhaps a jinx,” Natsai chuckled.

“Mr. and Mx. Valley, a moment if you please?” Ronen called out as the last few students filed out of the classroom. 

“See you later Natty!” Idris waved.

“Yeah, what they said,” Percival laughed. “I look forward to seeing you around, and continuing to make you work for your Charms reputation.”

“I look forward to seeing you try,” Natsai laughed too before leaving.

Professor Ronen congratulated Percival again on his success and praised Idris for how quickly they learned the charm. Then he reminded them of the extra assignments Professor Weasley had mentioned which Percival would admit he had forgotten about. Ronen told them to expect one from him in the near future and sent them off to Defense Against the Dark Arts.

“Well that was definitely a class,” Idris laughed as they followed the compass again, this time from Percival’s Field Guide.

“What do you think this one will entail?” Percival wondered. “Didn’t Fig say you seemed to have an aptitude for these spells?”

“Hell yeah he did,” Idris said. “Did you see me fighting the armor at Gringotts? I was kicking metal butt.” 

“Well as long as you’re humble about it.”

“Maybe we’ll fight a dragon and you’ll get bit again.”

“Shut up Idris.” 

Idris was still laughing as they entered the classroom, only to curse as they jumped to the left to avoid a purple spell that nearly hit them. 

“Oh great, this guy,” Idris rolled their eyes.

The Gryffindor boy Idris had gotten paired up with in charms was trading spells and shields with a Slytherin with shaggy brown hair and covered in freckles. 

“What did he do to you?” Percival questioned. 

“His name’s Leander Prewett,” Idris rolled their eyes and crossed their arms. “An arrogant prick if you ask me.”

“Is that all you’ve got?” The Slytherin taunted Leander. “ Bombarda !”

Leander threw up a shield just in time to deflect the spell, but unfortunately for him it went straight up, knocking off the head of a giant dragon skeleton suspended from the ceiling. Leander ducked and covered his head with his arms but at the last second they heard a cry of “ Levioso!” and the skull stopped in mid air, hovering just a few centimeters above Leander’s head.

“Professor Hecat!” A girl exclaimed.

“Perhaps you’d be good enough to blast each other to pieces on your own time,” Hecat scolded them. “I get new students every year but I only have one Hebridean Black skull. It was a token from the Great Poacher Raid of 1878. No doubt you’ve heard of it.”

Professor Hecat lifted her wand and the skull floated up back into place.

“Now, you may be asking yourself how an old woman like me single-handedly took out the largest poacher ring in eastern Wales and lived to boast about it,” Hecat said. “Knowledge.”

“To the wise, age matters very little,” Hecat continued. “Today we will review a spell that has saved me from death at the hands of Dark wizards more times than I can remember: Levioso .”

“ Levioso ?” Leander scoffed. “A levitation charm?”

Hecat whipped around and casted that exact charm on Leander, making him fly into the air and hover, barely able to hold onto his bearings. 

“A surprised opponent is a weak opponent,” Hecat said. “Care to defend yourself, master Prewett? No?

“Oh this is the best class ever,” Idris decided and Percival snickered as a crowd formed around Hecat. They’d ended up next to the Slytherin boy Leander had been dueling with and he snickered at Idris’s comment too. 

“One thing I’ve learned as an Unspeakable is the value of simplicity,” Hecat explained as she lowered Leander back down. “Especially in the heat of battle. Now, let’s practice what we’ve just learned, starting with something small. Mx. Valley, join me please.”

Idris approached Hecat who summoned a wooden dummy to stand in front of them. She conjured a shield charm around it but rather than the normal purple it was a golden yellow. She had Idris try a basic cast which was immediately deflected and almost hit poor Samantha. Then she taught them Levioso and had them cast that. The charm broke the shield and Idris was able to quickly follow up Levioso with a few basic casts, knocking over the dummy and even leaving a few marks on it.

“Well done,” Professor Hecat nodded. “But the best way to practice is by dueling. We’ll start with you and Mr. Sebastian Sallow. Duellists, take your marks!”

“Time for a proper Hogwarts welcome,” Sebastian, the Slytherin boy from earlier, drawled as he passed Idris and Percival considered tripping him. 

To their credit Idris just rolled their eyes and went to their mark on the floor. The floor immediately rose, leaving a platform they could try to knock each other off of. 

“Now I want a fair duel,” Hecat warned them. “Only use Levioso , Basic Cast, and Protego . You may begin.”

As it turned out, Fig saying Idris was “proficient” in defensive magic had been an understatement. As soon as Hecat said the word both duellists Idris was casting, levitating Sebastian into the air and following it up with a burst of Basic Casts. Sebastian was clearly a gifted duellist, that much had been obvious when they first walked in. But Idris was destroying him. He didn’t even have time to cast Protego with how often Idris was throwing spells at him. It took only seconds before Sebastian was on the ground looking up at Idris with wide eyes while Idris smirked down at him.

“Thanks for the welcome, Sebastian,” Idris snickered. 

Idris climbed down from the platform and offered Sebastian a hand which he surprisingly took with a laugh. Percival was immediately at Idris’ side just in case.

“Not bad for a beginner,” Sebastian chuckled. “You give as good as you get.” 

Sebastian walked off and Professor Hecat approached them. 

“I put you on the spot and you rose to the challenge,” Hecat said appreciatively. “Points to Gryffindor.”

“Thank you, Professor Hecat,” Idris nodded. “I was just glad to finally practice these spells.”

“If what I’ve seen today is any indication, we can expect great things from you,” Hecat hummed. “I demand excellence from my students. They are capable of it and they must achieve it. A classroom duel is one thing, but battling dark wizards—or, as ever more likely, goblins—is a different kettle of Grindylows entirely.”

“I can assure you we have no intention of finding Dark wizards,” Percival promised. “But we understand all the same.”

“So, I’d advise you to keep practicing whenever you can,” Hecat suggested. “Perhaps Mr. Sallow will have some ideas for you. Again, well done today. I shall reach out soon with additional assignments.”

Hecat dismissed class and as the twins prepared to leave Sebastian stopped them.

“Nice work,” Sebastian said.

“Thank you,” Idris replied. “I enjoyed that.”

“That duel was quite something,” Sebastian agreed. “Everyone’ll be talking about it.”

“It was certainly good practice,” Idris said. 

“Practice?” Sebastian raised his eyebrows. “It felt more like I was dueling an expert. Didn’t expect a new student to be so deft with a wand. Then again, perhaps this wasn’t your first duel.”

“In fact it was,” Idris replied, which Percival supposed technically wasn’t a lie. They’d certainly fought with their wand before but not another wizard.

“Perhaps you have a knack for it,” Percival shrugged.

“Be coy if you like, but I know better,” Sebastian smirked. “Magic requires intention and talent. You know, you might be a perfect fit for a certain exclusive, unsanctioned dueling organization.”

“Exclusive and unsanctioned?” Idris grinned. “Count me in.”

Percival sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Excellent, I knew I was right about you,” Sebastian said. “If you want to get the most out of your time at Hogwarts, you’re going to need to break the rules now and then.”

“Oh I know,” Idris snickered and narrowed their eyes at Percival who just rolled his eyes again. “I’ll keep that in mind though thank you.”

“Good,” Sebastian nodded. “I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”

Sebastian left and Percival kicked Idris in the shin.

“A secret dueling club? Really Dris?” Percival sighed. 

“If you don’t like it you don’t have to come,” Idris huffed and stuck their tongue out at him. “Now come on, we're supposed to meet Professor Weasley. I’m way too excited to see Hogsmeade.”

Oooo thank you for the tag! This will be fun >:)

Percival Valley

Percival's worst fear is Ancient Magic, specifically the consequences of it and what it might do them. So for him it looks like Idris' dead body in the middle of one of those circles of Ancient Magic. When he casts Riddikulus the boggart turns into a some sort of muggle magic trick, like a deck of cards or a dove or a top hat with a rabbit in it.

Idris Valley

Idris has the most complicated boggart. It isn't just a simple thing. The whole room goes dark. They're standing in Hogsmeade which was razed to the ground and is infested with shadows, Hogwarts in the distance falling apart, and Idris' wand broken at their feet. When they manage to cast riddikulus it turns into a little diorama or doll house type of thing in front of them instead of a real thing.

Ambrose Varyn

Ambrose is a particularly hard gut punch. Him. At first it just seems like him, in the legendary armor and such. Until you notice the manacles on his wrist and collar around his neck, made with the same ancient magic infused goblin metal Ranrok uses to control things like dragons and trolls. When he casts the spell at it, it turns into his little brother sticking is tongue out and pretending to be Ambrose

Odysseus Carrow

His father's corpse, rotted and broken, telling Odysseus how disappointed he was and how much he regrets dying for him, demanding to know why Odysseus didnt help him or even tell anyone he could see what was happening. He casts riddikulus and it turns into just a hand puppet with a little hat on it and a comical angry face

Everyone and their mother has already done this, i dont know if there's anyone left for me to tag lmao

A N O T H E R M C Q U E S T I O N:

Good morning, Class!

Professor Lupin is here and he has a Question for you beloved MCs! The Professor wants to now your biggest fear.... No quills needed, just your wands and imagination.

So, time to face the fear....Attention Class...

1. Show us what's your Boggart Form!

but don't be afraid, if the boggart shows you - and us - your worst nightmare.

2. Just use Riddikulus and make it look something funny!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Clear Instruction: Reblog this or write a comment, where you talk about your MCs Fear/Boggart form and especially how it would look after MC uses Riddikulus. Have fun.

For Ambrose's story I don't think I'm going to sit and write a full long fic, I think I'm gonna make little arcs, like a series of oneshots for significant story beats that are different from the Canon or particularly significant, that way I don't have to write the same things over and over again. For instance, I'm gonna have a series of one shots (3-5 parts) about Ambrose, Ominis, and NPC Odysseus

Just a reminder to all the HL creators

I’m still terribly obsessed with all of your work 🤍

Prologue | Percival

A Mourning Warning Masterlist A Mourning Warning Tag AO3 Link, Wattpad Link

"Percival wait!" Idris cried. Percival sighed and begrudgingly stopped walking a few blocks from Rosewood Orphanage, allowing his twin to catch up with him. "Why would you storm off like that? That Professor guy-"

"Right, yes, the wizard professor," Percival said. "From the wizard school. Who told us we're wizards. And that Dad was a wizard. Why would I possibly run away?"

"I mean…are you really surprised?" Idris asked. Percival really wanted to say 'yes' because this was a completely insane notion to wrap his head around. But he couldn't. He knew he couldn't, and he knew Idris knew it too.

"No," Percival muttered. He sat down on the curb and Idris sat down next to him immediately. He ran a hand through his bright purple hair, the main reason he couldn't claim they weren't wizards. One fight when they were 6 where Idris pulled his hair and he'd had purple hair since. He didn't mind it but that wasn't the kind of thing that just happened. And there was what Dad did. "It's just…a lot."

"Are you also wondering why Dad didn't tell us?" Idris said. Percival nodded. Of course he was. It was all he could think about. "Do you think Mom knew?"

"I don't know," Percival replied. "We didn't know, not until he made that, that…"

"The glowing dolphin?" Idris snickered. "Everything else sucked but you have to admit it's kind of funny. Dad hid he was a wizard our whole lives and we found out because he made a glowing dolphin."

"Yeah yeah," Percival rolled his eyes. "But what if those things, whatever they were, are the reason Dad didn't tell us? What if he was trying to keep us safe?"

"Surely entire families being attacked by shadow monsters in black cloaks isn't common," Idris reasoned.

"It still happened."

"I know," Idris muttered. They leaned over and rested their head on Percival's shoulder and Percival wrapped his arm around them without a thought. "But I don't think Mom and Dad would want us to spend the rest of our childhood alone in an orphanage. And you know Annabelle would've leapt at this."

"I don't think they'd want us dead either," Percival replied. "Dad didn't tell us to 'go explore' or 'look for magic' he said…"

"Protect each other!" Dad yelled, shoving five year olf Annabelle into Percival's arms. "Go for the road, and stay out of the shadows! Keep each other safe!"

"Dad!" Idris sobbed.

The claw marks on their face were bleeding, covering their chin and neck in blood. It was all Percival could do not to stare at it. Annabelle was screaming and crying in Percival's arms and his own tears were falling onto his bloody sweater. Blood covered one of his eyes from the wound on his forehead but with the way Dad was looking at him he didn't hesitate any more. Percival shifted Annabelle to one arm and grabbed Idris with the other. He took off in the direction of the road and Idris pleaded that they had to go back and help dad and find mom but at least they were running.

The siblings had to leap over and weave around the bodies of everyone they'd ever loved; Uncle Simon, their little cousin Msizi, Idris tripped over their ugogo's leg and Percival had to haul them up before they puked.

They dodged the shadows as best they could but the remaining path to the sunny road was covered in trees. Not a single shaft of light broke through the trees but they had no other choice. The ran through but before they could make it the shadows moved and one of those things appeared in front of them.

It was like a shadow was wearing a cloak. It was made of swirling black vapor that shaped itself into horrible claws wearing bracelets made of glowing red metal. Under its "hood" there was no face. Or at least, no eyes or nose. It had a mouth. It was too wide, too filled with teeth the color of obsidian.

Annabelle screamed and Percival tried to shield her as Idris leaped between them and the monster. It raised its clawed hand, ready to strike but before it could they all heard the last words they ever expected.

"EXPECTO PATRONUM!"

As dad yelled the strange words a silvery dolphin swam through the air right at the monster. The monster shrieked and sank back into the darkness. Dad appeared next to them and the glowing dolphin continued to dance around them.

"What the hell…?" Percival breathed. Dad ran off again, back towards the screaming of their family in the distance. One of them sounded like Mom.

Please don't be Mom.

This time Idris was the one to grab Percival, dragging him forward again until his feet caught up to his brain. They made it to the gravel road, the sun shining down on their faces feeling crueler than it ever had. Both twins' were panting as Annabelle just cried and cried in Percival's arms.

"It's okay Annie, it's okay," Percival tried to reassure her. "It's gonne be okay, I've got you. We're gonna protect you, just like dad said, okay?"

"Okay," Annabelle sniffled.

She hid her face against Percival's shoulder just in time for Percival to see movement out of the corner of his eye. He followed it and saw Dad and Mom, bloody and bruised but alive. They were still in the shadows but they were running towards them and Percival laughed in relief.

"Come on, hurry!" Idris yelled.

Then Percival blinked and blood flooded the grass. Idris screamed, an absolutely gut wrenching sound as they watched the creatures descend on the bodies of their parents, already torn apart and soaked in their own blood. Percival couldn't make a sound, all he could do was stumble backwards clutch Annabelle against him so she couldn't see what had happened.

Maybe he would've seen it if he hadn't been dazed from the horrifice scene before him. Maybe if it hadn't been the side where blood forced his eye shut. Maybe if he noticed how far he'd stumbled. But before he realized any of this, claws lashed out from the darkness next to him. Percival only knew because he saw them emerge from Annabelle's chest.

Before he could even scream, the world became awash in a blinding white light and when faded, Percival and Idris were on the ground, their skin stained with the blood of their family and their little sister's corpse in Percival's arms.

"I know what Dad said," Idris replied. "But what happens if those things find us again? The only thing that even scared them was that thing Dad made. We can't do that! If they find us again we're dead."

"They won't be coming after us," Percival argued. "It was a random attack, I'm sure of it. Besides the attack was back at mom's home, on a different continent. I'm sure we're fine."

"Maybe you are," Idris scoffed and sat up. "But I'm not sitting around here. Believe in magic if you want, stay in this orphanage if you want. But I'm going to learn how to protect us, and I'm going to actually be someone instead of being stuck as the kid with no family."

As Idris stormed off, a mirror of Percival himself earlier, Percival bit his lip. All he could think about now was the blood, how heavy and cold Annabelle's body had been when the light faded. He remembered how terrified he'd been seeing Idris on the ground and how relieved he was when Idris woke up. Idris was all he had left. Now they were walking away. They obviously saw an opportunity to escape the god awful hand the two of them had been dealt. How could Percival ask him to give that up? Worse, how could he make Idris do it alone!

"Okay okay!" Percival groaned. He hurried to his feet and followed after Idris. "Let's talk to this 'Professor Fig'. I am curious about Hogwarts."

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