My MCs As Text Posts Pt. 5 - A Mourning Warning Edition

My MCs as Text Posts Pt. 5 - A Mourning Warning Edition

Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Pt. 3, Pt. 4

Chapter 3 - A First-Rate Hogsmeade Experience | Percival

A Mourning Warning Masterlist A Mourning Warning Tag Read it on AO3, read it on Wattpad

One charmed compass spell and trek through the castle later, Percival and Idris arrived at what Percival hoped was the Transfiguration classroom. Before they went in Percival took a moment to put his ear to the door, just to make sure they weren’t about to burst in on a class. There were voices coming from within but nowhere near as many as a class would have.

Idris shrugged and opened the door, leading the way inside. On the other side of the large classroom Professor Weasley was sitting at her desk talking to Deek while a goblin loitered next to the desk. Percival raised an eyebrow and exchanged a look with Idris.

I think it’s fine, Idris communicated without a word.

I hope so, Percival replied. 

“What about the Room, Professor?” Deek suggested.

“Precisely what I was thinking,” Professor Weasley agreed. ”Perhaps you could help.”

Deek glanced over and finally spotted the twins waiting by the door.

“Oh! Excuse Deek,” Deek apologized. Before Percival could tell him there was nothing to apologize for he snapped his fingers and disappeared. 

“Ah, there you are,” Professor Weasley stood up from her desk to greet them. “I trust your first classes went well?”

“They did indeed, Professor,” Percival answered. “Idris did amazing in Defense Against the Dark Arts especially.”

“He’s glossing over him learning a charm first try and mastering it in one class,” Idris sighed and shook their head exasperatedly. “Typical.”

“There’s someone I wished for you to meet,” Weasley waved forward the goblin from next to her desk. “This is Gladik, a liaison for Gringotts. These are the Valley twins, Idris and Percival.”

“Lovely to meet you both,” Gladik nodded. “We received an owl from a Professor Fig that you were in need of funds to replace supplies. After your last visit to Gringotts, delivering them personally is the least we could do. Here you are.”

Gladik rummaged around in his pocket until he pulled out a key that looked oddly similar to the Portkey except for the Ancient Magic symbol. Though Percival couldn’t help noticing the top of the handle did still have a shape reminiscent of a flame. 

“What is it?” Percival questioned.

“The key to your vault,” Gladik answered. Percival tilted his head at the goblin while Idris’ eyebrows nearly disappeared into their curls.

“Uh, we don’t have a vault,” Idris explained. “Last night was the first time we’d ever been to Gringotts.”

“Perhaps, but it is the vault you inherited,” Gladik explained. “You are the children of Thomas Morganach, correct?”

Percival’s blood turned to ice. Did he mean Dad? Dad had a vault at Gringotts? And now it was theirs. He didn’t know which piece was worse, the fact their father’s will was being carried out so casually or the reminder of how much he’d hidden from them. Both of them felt like punches to the gut. 

“Yes,” Percival tried to answer but his voice came out a little strangled. He forcefully cleared his throat and tried again. “Yes, sir, yes we are.”

“The conditions of this vault were very specific,” Gladik told them. “You were only to receive this key upon your father’s death if you attended Hogwarts. Here you are, so here is your key.”

Idris’ hand shook as they reached out and took the key. They held it so tightly it had to be cutting into their palm. The goblin also pulled out a small pouch that jingled as he handed it to Percival.

“At Professor Weasley’s request, we also took out a small deposit in order to replace your supplies.”

“This is a small deposit?” Percival eyes widened as he opened the pouch and stared at the glittering gold, silver, and bronze coins. 

“The Morganachs are a particularly old Wizarding family,” Weasley told them. “Your family name goes back hundreds of years. Whether you take it is not a decision you need to worry about today, but it is an option should you so choose.”

Percival felt like he was going to throw up. He’d thought today would be less overwhelming, but so far it was anything but. All he had to deal with yesterday was dragons, goblins, and Portkeys. It would be easier to fight a thousand dragons than try to reconcile with the truth in all the lies they’d been told. His grip on the pouch kept tightening and tightening and in his free hand he was digging his thumbnail into another of his fingers just to give himself something to focus on other than screaming or crying or hitting something.

“Thank you Gladik,” Idris nodded to the goblin. As soon as the goblin nodded back and headed for the door Idris slid closer to Percival so their shoulders were pressed together. Percival managed to take a deep breath and though his grip on the bag didn’t loosen he was able to stop the stabbing sensation. “Professor, you mentioned a trip to Hogsmeade?”

“I did,” Professor Weasley agreed. “I’ve conferred with Deek and was informed that all of your things that could be found and saved were returned to your dorms. Many of your supplies survived however it seems your seeds, potion recipes, and spellcrafts were, ah, singed.”

“You can say ‘burned to a crisp’, Professor,” Percival replied with a dry chuckle. 

“I’m afraid that would be accurate,” Professor Weasley admitted. “There are certainly much more exciting reasons for this trip, however. For instance, finding the perfect wand. You managed your classes well with a borrowed wand. But you’ll find the magic you cast with your own wand to be far superior.”

“I’ve been looking forward to that for weeks,” Percival admitted. 

“He’s been reading about wand woods and memorizing wand cores like he’s going to be tested on them,” Idris informed her.

“And you kept asking me questions about them!” Percival retorted. “Don’t act like you’re not interested.”

“Casually yeah but you-”

“I’m sure Mr. Ollivander will be impressed with both your knowledge and your curiosity,” Weasley cut off their bickering quickly before it could escalate any further. Both the twins muttered apologies. “Professor Ronen is waiting for you in the courtyard to give you an additional assignment while I arrange for you to make your first visit to the village with a classmate or two. Help you get your bearings. Perhaps Natsai Onai and Sebastian Sallow? I was told you spent time with them in your classes today.”

“If by spent time with them you mean kicked their as-” Percival quickly elbowed Idris to shut them up.

“Yes, Professor, we did,” Percival nodded. “They’d be perfectly welcome.”

“Glad to hear it,” Professor Weasley said. “Both Mr. Sallow and Ms. Onai are capable young wizards, and they each know the area well. They’ll keep you well clear of any of Victor Rookwood’s undesirables en route.”

“Victor Rookwood?” Percival questioned.

“A rather unsavory local,” Professor Weasley answered, a tone in her voice Percival would describe as disgusted. “Best to avoid him and his associates—including his ‘right hand’ of sorts, Theophilus Harlow—if you can.”

“Stay clear of the unsavory locals, got it,” Idris promised. Percival narrowed his eyes at them for a split second to warn them they were indeed actually staying clear of Rookwood and they had the audacity to pout as soon as Weasley looked away.

“I will have your friends meet you at the castle’s doors,” Professor Weasley told them. “In the meantime you should complete Professor Ronen’s assignment. No time to waste.”

“We’re on it,” Percival said. “And thank you Professor.”

“Happy to help,” Weasley gave that warm smile again before returning to her desk.

The twins left and sure enough found Professor Ronen playfully levitating origami birds to look as if they were flying. After a quick conversation about the assignments they’d be given to help them learn and master new spells they’d missed, Professor Ronen walked them through casting Reparo. He blasted a few statues and fixtures in the courtyard to bits and let Percival and Idris practice putting them back together. The spell was remarkable. It fixed the damage without imperfection, and the amount of damage it could fix was especially impressive.

“Oh this is definitely going to be useful,” Idris had laughed. Percival wasn’t sure if they meant about their clothes or the amount of things that seemed to break in Idris’ presence.

Once Professor Ronen was satisfied with their mastery of the charm, he sent them off. They quickly got lost and had to use the charmed compass again but eventually they made it to the front doors where Sebastian and Natty stood talking to each other. 

“It’s quite the theory,” Natty was saying as they approached.

“I’m hoping Professor Sharp will let me- ah!” Sebastian noticed them first, playfully nodding his head in a small bow. “If it isn’t our new charges.”

“Apparently you two are to keep us clear of ‘unsavory locals’,” Idris pouted.

“Victor Rookwood, I assume?” Natty said.

“That’s the name Professor Weasley told us,” Idris nodded. 

“I’m sure we can handle it,” Sebastian claimed. “Professor Weasley said you needed supplies?”

“Well when our carriage was eaten by a dragon, most of our belongings were too,” Percival pointed out. “So yes, supplies.”

“I had no idea about your belongings,” Natty put a hand to her chest. “I’m very sorry.”

“It’s okay, apparently more of our things survived than we thought,” Percival replied. “I suppose we’ll find out when we get back.”

“I’m just glad my sketchbook made it,” Idris sighed.

“Sketchbook? Are you an artist?” Natty asked.

“More sketching than art,” Idris shrugged. “I’m a bit of an amateur clothing designer.”

“Really?” Sebastian raised an eyebrow. Percival wanted to say he was impressed but Sebastian was hard to read. “You should show me sometime. I’m not much of a designer but I’ve been known to mend and make some things now and again.”

“You got it,” Idris beamed like the sun as they bounced on their toes.

“Shall we set off then?” Natty said. “I intend to make sure you have a first-rate Hogsmeade experience.

In their mad dash into the castle after sunset, the twins hadn’t gotten much of a chance to see the grounds. But now they were laid out at their feet and Percival found a grin to rival Idris’ on his face. Every time he saw something new it hit him all over again that he was actually here. He’d never admit it, but he was so grateful to Idris for changing his mind. To think he’d almost stayed at Rosewood. Now he was on his way to get his own wand, he’d spent the day learning the intricacies of magic, and had actually made friends.

“Thank you two for accompanying us by the way,” Percival said.

“I was glad Professor Weasly asked us to show you the village,” Sebastian replied. 

“You were?” Idris said. 

“Of course,” Sebastian shrugged. “Idris is the only one who’s ever bested me in a duel. The way I see it, I’d be wise to keep an eye on you.”

“You certainly should,” Natsai agreed. “If Idris’ performance in this duel was anywhere near Percival’s in charms, they may just surpass you entirely.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Sebastian laughed. “But they may get close.”

“I was happy to join you as well,” Natsai told them. “I was actually planning to extend an invitation to Hogsmeade anyway. I thought you’d enjoy the chance to explore the village, so I’m glad Weasley trusted me enough to guide you.”

“I’m still surprised a Professor would entrust me with anything,” Sebastian confessed. “Considering my detention record.”

“Spend a lot of time in detention, huh?” Idris laughed.

“Just enough to make me well-rounded,” Sebastian returned their laugh with his own.

“Well you probably won’t be alone,” Idris sighed. “I spent a lot of time in detention back home, I doubt Hogwarts will be any different.”

“Treasure free air while it lasts,” Sebastian said.

“The fresh air is quite nice,” Natty agreed. “Especially after being cooped up in Ancient Runes. Grave mistake to take it as an elective class, believe me.”

Idris immediately doubled over in laughter because they were a complete traitor and Percival considered shoving them off the bridge they were crossing. Percival had indeed signed up for Ancient Runes, along with Arithmancy, Magic Theory, and Divination. At least Idris would be with him in Divination.

“What's so funny?” Sebastian questioned. 

“Percy signed up for Ancient Runes,” Idris explained.

“I’m sure it’s only because my mother selected the class for me,” Natty attempted to reassure him. “It’s rather monotonous and involves a great understanding of languages and culture.”

“Percival looooves languages and culture,” Idris was still snickering.

“Idris Pollux I swear I will hex you,” Percy threatened.

“You don’t know any hexes.”

“I will find a way to learn hexes.”

“There’s always the Restricted Section,” Sebastian suggested and Idris gasped like they’d just been horribly betrayed. “But you’ll probably want to be on good terms with Madam Scribner the librarian. I, however, am not.”

“How come?” Idris wondered.

“I suspect it’s a matter of differing opinions,” Sebastian said. “She thinks I shouldn’t be allowed in the Restricted Section, and I, on the other hand, am inclined to disagree.”

“Why are the books restricted?” Percival asked.

“Plenty of reasons,” Natty answered. “Some books are particularly rare and cannot be trusted to any student who happens to pick it up. Some are enchanted and unsafe to keep around students. Some are too advanced and inappropriate for the younger students. And some-”

“Have spells that aren’t taught at Hogwarts at all,” Sebastian finished. 

An entire section of books dedicated entirely to ‘forbidden’ knowledge. Knowledge not taught to students. The answers to questions normally avoided. Percival was silent for a few minutes as the conversation went on without him. What was in those books? How many breakthroughs and discoveries? Just the thought nearly drove him mad. He wasn’t sure how he’d convince someone to let him in but he had to try.

“Hey look! From the forest!” Idris nudged him and pointed towards the woods where a pair of magnificent beasts were flying out from the canopy. “Those are hippogriffs, right?”

“They are,” Sebastian replied. “That’s not a sight you see every day.”

“I wonder if something startled them,” Natty said.

As they approached another bridge they passed a group of students talking about the hippogriffs and a girl named Poppy, including Idris’ mortal enemy, Leander. It was obvious even to Percival that they were making fun of this Poppy girl, and he barely knew when people were teasing him. Idris scoffed as they passed.

“Oh shove a sock in it, Prewett,” Idris told him and when he started to say something Idris just raised a certain finger and kept walking without a care in the world.

“You and I are going to have a lot of fun this year,” Sebastian snickered. 

“The woods the hippogriffs came out of on the left is the Forbidden Forest,” Natty told them. “It is forbidden to all students.”

“Hence the name,” Percival nodded. 

“They think it’s too dangerous,” Sebastian explained. “I think they need to have more confidence in our defensive abilities.”

“Well, some of our defensive abilities,” Idris corrected him with a smirk.

“We get it, you’re good at defensive magic,” Percival sighed. 

“Have you had much chance to explore the castle?” Sebastian asked.

“A little,” Percival said. “It’s positively enormous.”

“I would spend all my time exploring if I could,” Natty sighed happily. “We learn a great deal in class and in the castle, but I will say much can be gleaned outside the castle walls.”

“Have you spent much time outside the castle?” Sebastian wondered. 

“As much as I possibly can,” Natty answered. “You?”

“You could say that,” Sebastian replied. “I’m from a little hamlet just on the other side of the mountain, Feldcroft.”

They all stepped to the side of the road as another thestral-drawn carriage passed them by. Just like before that cold deathly feeling washed over him, making him shiver. 

“I’ve always thought Thestrals pulling a carriage a bit grim,” Sebastian muttered. “Though I suppose most people don’t actually see them at all.”

“You sound like you can,” Percival raised an eyebrow. Sebastian hesitated, as if he was considering his words.

“Yes, I can,” Sebastian stated eventually.

“As can I,” Natty confessed.

“I guess we’ve all seen some horrible things,” Idris muttered.

Silence fell over the group and Percival tried to pretend it was the normal silence to follow a conversation, but it was much too heavy for that.

“How are you settling in?” Natty spoke up suddenly, thankfully changing the subject. “I remember the weeks following my arrival feeling quite strange.”

“Strange is…a word for it,” Percival said, mind immediately going to all it took just to get to the castle and the other things they’d surely have to deal with if Idris had a say. “But we’re getting used to it. I’d like to say we made a few friends and classes are obviously going alright.”

“It’ll definitely be easier now that we have, you know, things,” Idris added. “But I think exploring might be fun, I plan to give that a try.”

“If you ever have need of a companion I would be happy to join you,” Natty said.

“I'll keep that in mind, thank you,” Idris smiled at her.

They approached another bridge, this one covered by a wooden canopy. A painted sign hung from the archway, indicating they had indeed arrived in Hogsmeade. The first word that came to mind was cozy. It wasn't small, but it did seem very warm. There was an energy and liveliness in the air that immediately made you feel comfortable and at home. It wasn't nearly as gaudy or bright as wizards could tend to make things. In fact if not for the occasional floating instrument and the wares in shop windows, it would look a lot like any normal village. 

“Here we are!” Natty announced. “It's hard to choose where to start.”

“The Three Broomsticks is the place for butterbeer,” Sebastian told them. “Honeydukes has every sweet you can think of. Then of course there's Zonkos, and a bunch more. There's always something to do or see here.”

“I could not choose a favorite shop,” Natty agreed. “It changes with every visit.”

“So, how would you like to do this?” Sebastian asked. “Weasley mentioned you had a list of things to get—your wands and some other bits?”

“Seeds, spellcrafts, potion recipes,” Idris listed, counting on their fingers as they went. 

“I’m keen to see what you two can do with wands of your own,” Sebastian chuckled. “I just have to pop into a shop to find something for my sister. I can meet up with you all in the town circle when you’re finished.”

“Actually, with a short list you should have plenty of time to explore the village,” Natty pointed out. “You should experience the village at your own pace, and we can all meet in the town square later.”

“Sounds good to me,” Sebastian nodded and before he wandered off. Natty gave them a smile before doing the same.

“We should probably get our supplies before our wands,” Percival said and immediately got a groan from Idris. “Oh shush, I’m excited about it too, but we should be responsible.”

“Why are you no fun?” Idris pouted. “Fine, fine, let’s get the actually important things. The field guide has a map of Hogsmeade so let’s look at that.”

“Oh you’re right, I forgot about it,” Percival realized. He pulled out his Field Guide and quickly checked the index of the map which conveniently had each shop's main wares. The shop for spellcrafts was right across the street from them. “Let’s start there.”

Getting the other three things was surprisingly easy. Professor Weasley had already sent word ahead to each of the shops on their list, so everything they needed was ready for them. They were in and out of each shop, but while in J. Pippins’ Percival took note the place sold potion ingredients in addition to potions and recipes. He had a feeling that would come in handy for him. Idris’ building excitement with each shop was visible and Percival had to admit he was feeling the same way, even if he didn’t show it as much. Finally Percival tucked their dittany seeds into their bags and Idris grabbed his hand and dragged him to the Ollivander’s they’d passed multiple times. 

The store was small, specifically narrow, but that was because every inch of the walls were lined with shelves, stuffed full with long narrow boxes that seemed to hold wands. As soon as they stepped over the threshold Percival felt that very familiar tugging he’d felt at Gringotts. Except…no that wasn’t it. The Ancient Magic had felt like a hook behind his ribs dragging him forward. This was different. Rather than dragging, it was like a warm hand on his shoulder guiding him to where he needed to go. He tried to follow the feeling, letting it nudge him until he was staring at a purple wand box in a locked case behind the counter. He was snapped out of it though when he heard the ringing of a bell and turned to see Idris standing at the counter rocking on their feet.

“I’ll be right with- ah!” A short man with oddly pointy gray hair popped out from around the corner holding an armful of wand boxes. “It’s you! Um, just a moment please.”

There was a concerning amount of crash from the back of the shop before the man, presumably Mr. Ollivander, came back to the counter. 

“We’re looking for-” Percival tried to say. 

“For new wands, yes,” Ollivander cut him off. “It’s about time.”

“Excuse me?” Percival said.

“Well you’re our new fifth-year students, are you not?” Ollivander raised an eyebrow at them. “Oh what am I saying, of course you are. You first, Gryffindor, come come!”

Ollivander came across the counter and used his wand to try levitating a box down for Idris to try. But before he could pull the box all the way from the shelf Idris stepped forward. As soon as they did, a box shot out of the bottom shelf behind Ollivander. It hit the ground hard enough that it bursted open, the wand falling out and landing at Idris’ feet. It was a warm color wood, though Percival couldn’t place it at a glance. He didn’t make a habit of staring at and identifying woods. It curled around itself halfway through the wand then came to a stop at a handle of what looked almost like white marble, the bottom and top trimmed with gold, with a curling teal carving under the gold. There wasn’t anything particularly special about it but Ollivander still made a curious hum as he looked between Idris and the wand.

“Let’s try that one then, shall we?” Ollivander clapped his hands excitedly. Idris glanced at Percival but leaned down and picked up the wand. As soon as they did they gasped. Percival’s anxiety spiked into pure panic at the sound but he didn’t need to act at all. Idris grinned as they lifted the wand. A blue light started from the wand and covered their whole body. He’d never seen Idris smile so brightly in his life.

“Curious, curious indeed,” Ollivander hummed. “That right there is a yew wand, a fairly rare wood, especially when paired with its thestral hair core.”

“Yew wood?” Percival remembered that one from when he was, yes, studying the wand woods. It fascinated him how different woods called to different wizards and were better for different purposes, okay? Yew wood was particularly selective, never choosing a mediocre or timid wizard, or mage in this case. More notably was that a yew wand supposedly gave the mage power over life and death. Paired with the thestral core…Percival looked at Idris just slightly more warily than before.

“Yes, quite powerful, quite the reputation,” Ollivander waved his wand and the empty box flew to the back of the shop. “Now, my fellow ravenclaw, let’s find you the perfect match, shall we?”

Ollivander started scanning the shelves, muttering to himself the whole way about woods and cores, but Percival’s eyes kept being drawn back to that purple box. 

“You might do,” Ollivander muttered and pulled out a green box. “Here, give this one a try.”

It was pretty, a reddish wood with a gold spiral around the outside, but when he swished it as instructed it only sparked for a second before leaping from his hand into the air to shoot off fireworks in every direction. 

“Perhaps you need something rare, like your sibling,” Ollivander said. He grabbed another green box from a lower shelf, once again presenting the box to Idris. 

Somehow Percival knew this wand also wouldn’t be the one. When Idris had picked up their wand the reaction was immediate, but when Percival picked up the wand he’d felt nothing. Except that guiding hand at his shoulder again, still trying to push him toward that purple box in the back. He half-heartedly swished the wand and it literally teleported out of his hand and back into the box. 

“Not that one then,” Ollivander declared, much too cheerfully in Percival’s opinion. “This is proving to be trickier than I had anticipated. How perplexing.”

Ollivander returned to the shelves once more but by now the calling had increased exponentially until he could focus on nothing else. 

“Mr. Ollivander?” Percival prompted.

“Yes?”

“What about that one?” 

Ollivander looked up at him and he gestured to the wand in the back. Ollivander froze where he stood, still half hunched over, and just looking back and forth between Percival and the wand. Percy couldn’t tell if his expression was one of fear or awe. It may have been both.

“You can feel it?” Ollivander asked.

“Uh, I feel something,” Percival attempted to clarify. “And whatever it is, it’s pulling me toward that wand.”

“Perplexing, perplexing indeed,” Ollivander whispered. 

He hesitated, staring at Percival for a very uncomfortable amount of time, then went over and unlocked the case. He held the book reverently as he presented it to Percival.

It was a dark wood, almost black. It was a tight spiral that took up the entire top half of the wand. The bottom was a dark blue decorated in golden patterns of stars, and ending with what looked oddly like an astrolabe. The feeling was all encompassing now, wrapping around him entirely. His hand as he took the wand. He felt it. It was like a static shock, only throughout his whole body. It was like it was in his veins. It was acceptance, finality, comfort. It was right. The guiding feeling was gone, because he no longer needed it. He had his wand. He swished it and…

Nothing happened.

Literally nothing. There wasn’t even a bad reaction, just completely nothing. He may as well have been holding a regular stick.

“I don’t understand,” Percival muttered. 

“It’s alright, sometimes these things happen,” Ollivander sighed, as if he was also disappointed. “Let’s find you the right wand then.”

Percival put the wand back in the box and Ollivander turned away to take the box back to the case. But when he tried to close the box on the wand something started happening. Percival could hear the box shaking. Then something shot at him at breakneck speed. He wasn’t sure how he knew what to do but he did. He held out his hand and the thing flew into his grip perfectly. The wand. A grin broke across his face like the sunrise on the horizon. Finally, something that felt right.

“Well I’ll be…” Ollivander muttered. “I was beginning to think no one would match with that wand.”

“What is it?” Percival wondered, still studying the wand. 

“Phoenix feather core,” Ollivander said. “And Elder wood.”

Percival’s head whipped up to stare at the wand maker. No wonder it was locked up. Elder wands were powerful, but extremely picky. Other wands could be used secondhand or borrowed but an Elder wand would work for no one but its master. It was the rarest wand wood in the world. Partly because it was so hard to match with a mage, but also because of its horrible reputation. The pickiness of an elder wand meant if its master stopped performing to the wand’s standards it would betray them, sometimes with deadly consequences.

“No pressure?” Idris tried but it came out as a question.

They paid for their wands and left, both silent for once as they tried to reconcile with what just happened in the wand shop. 

“Why do I feel like that’s going to come back to bite us?” Idris sighed.

“Because at this point everything does,” Percival groaned. “We both got death wands, how could that not come back to bite us?”

“Maybe we’re going to finally kill each other,” Idris snickered, shocking a laugh out of Percival. “Oh come on I know you’ve thought about it.”

“Only once or twice,” Percival replied. “A week. My whole life.”

“Aw, you’re the best brother ever.”

“I better be, keeping you alive is not an easy job.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I am very responsible.”

“Yeah you’re responsible in the same universe where I’m a Gryffindor.”

“I think you’d make a great Gryffindor.”

“If I didn’t kill the whole house. Or jump out the tower.”

“....yeah okay you got me there.”

Percival held out his arm and Idris put their hand in the crook of Percival’s elbow, just like their Mom had drilled into them both when they were kids. Their mom had had a lot to learn when it came to manners in English society so she’d made sure Idris and Percival knew everything they could ever possibly need, and that included walking together in public. Ironically, it was Idris escorting Percival when they first learned, until they got older and revealed who they really were and their poor mother had to scramble to re-teach them things. 

They made it to the town square with slightly cheerier spirits, or at least lighter ones, and saw Natty and Sebastian already waiting for them.

“We officially have all our supplies,” Idris declared. “Did you both get everything you needed?”

“We did,” Sebastian replied.

“We should walk around a bit more,” Natty said. “We have plenty of time before we should head back to the castle. Perhaps the Three Broomsticks? I think you would enjoy butterbeer.”

“Three Broomsticks it is” Percival agreed.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

All four of them exchanged glances with each other as the thunderous sounds got closer. The ground shook beneath them hard enough Percy had to shift his weight to not be knocked over. Even the buildings were shaking. Most chilling was the shriek of fear in the distance. 

The cacophony crescendoed and around a building came a hulking beast that looked as though a chunk of a mountain had come to life. It was hideous, there was no other word to describe it. It roared and brandished the club in its hand. It wore armor, armor glowing the same red as Ranrok back at Gringotts and the collar of the dragon.

“Idris,” Percival whispered.

“I know,” They replied, hand clutching their wand.

Percival quickly pulled his out too as the residents of Hogsmeade sent spells flying. The creature stormed at a witch standing on the sidelines and Idris casted Stupefy at the troll to grab its attention which was simply great because now they had a very angry troll after them.

Before the troll could charge them another spell came from behind it, the caster being a woman in some sort of law enforcement uniform. Aurors, Percival thought they were called. 

“Lead it away from the buildings!” The auror cried to the witches next to her. “Away from the village!”

The witches ran off away from the four of them, pelting the troll with spells to keep it angry and following them. They got the troll away from the square and for a second things were quiet. Then another roar and an explosion rang out behind them. They turned around just in time to witness the trolls smashing through a building. 

“What do we do?!” Percival cried.

“We can’t let it destroy the village!” Natty exclaimed. 

She threw the first spell out, immediately angering the troll and drawing its attention. What was it with Gryffindors and pissing off monsters? The troll roared and lifted its club, shaking the village once more.

“Incoming!” Sebastian yelled. “Scatter!”

They all dove in different directions in the nick of time, avoiding the club that smashed down right where they were all standing only moments ago. Percival ripped off his robes and tossed it aside so the thing wouldn’t get in his way. Idris came up from their roll already on their feet and casting spells with deadly accuracy. Every single one hit its mark but the troll only got more pissed. If anything it seemed to target Idris. The other three tried to get its attention with spells, yelling, insults—mainly from Sebastian—but nothing worked. 

“Are we even weakening it?!” Percival said.

“We just have to wear it down!” Natty declared

Every near miss from the troll’s club and feet made Percival’s heart rate spike. Then, his worst nightmare. In their fervent dance with the troll Idris must have lost track of where they were. They ended up trapped in a corner against a stone wall just too high for them to jump. The troll roared and raised its club and this time Idris had nowhere to run.

“IDRIS!” Percival screamed as the troll swung.

“PROTEGO!” Idris yelled. It was nothing more than a desperate cry. All of them knew there was no way a simple shield charm would withstand such a powerful attack. But not only did the charm hold, it sent the troll flying backwards with an explosion of energy. The energy swirled around Idris as they flung out their wand and yanked forward, sending a giant boulder from the rubble of the building right at the troll with enough force the stone shattered.

“How…how did you do that?!” Percival demanded, but Idris looked just as confused as he was.

“Who cares, just do it again!” Sebastian laughed with glee.

Percival dove to the side to avoid a particularly haphazard swing and ended up next to Idris.

“I think I used…the thing,” Idris told him quietly, glancing at Sebastian and Natty to make sure they were occupied with the troll. They suddenly looked much more tired than before, panting heavily and holding the shoulder of their wand hand. “There was this tug on my hand and I felt something snap into place then I just threw it. I bet you can do it too if you try.”

Percival closed his eyes and searched for that hooking feeling in his chest. It immediately found his attention like it had been waiting for him. He forced the hook to his wand instead of his ribs. Something tugged his arm up and just like Idris said it was like the rope went taught. Percival pulled his wand over his shoulder like he was throwing it at the troll and a large crate soared over his head and hit the troll in the chest, knocking it over.

“Hell yeah!” Idris cheered. 

Apparently the troll did not appreciate their tricks as it picked up a boulder of its own. Idris threw up another shield charm, this time around them both. As soon as the boulder hit it Idris repeated the actions with the very bould the troll threw.

“How long is this thing going to keep standing?” Idris groaned.

“We can’t do this forever,” Sebastian agreed. 

He switched his wand to his other hand so he could shake out his wand hand. A bruise was forming across his cheek and his arm seemed sore if not also injured. Poor Natty was breathing hard and limping just slightly. Idris was hurt too, and Percival’s dragon bite injury was not appreciating this fight.

But there was something else around the pain. The connection was still there. This time it was like it was between his chest and his hand. Something in his chest and something in his wand had connected and were screaming for his attention.

“Okay,” Percival muttered and rolled his neck. “Let’s try this.”

He stepped forward and pulled his wand back, letting the energy in his center flow down and out. It wanted to explode out of him but instead gathered in his hands. He pulled his hand to his wand, forcing the magic in the wand and in his body to combine. Then when he threw his wand forward the magic exploded, swarming the troll and literally turning it to ashes.

“Woah…” Idris whispered into the now empty street.

“That was brilliant!” Natty cheered as she ran over to Percival. “Are you alright?”

“Yes I’m, I’m fine,” Percival assured her. He suddenly felt sapped of his energy and despite the breakfast a house elf had brought him that morning before he left his dorm, he felt like he hadn’t eaten in days. Idris looked like they had an interrogation’s worth of questions before they could ask them the witches from earlier returned, the woman in the officer’s uniform approaching them immediately.

“Goodness! A second troll?” The officer gasped. “Did you four take on a fully grown troll by yourselves?”

“I suppose we did,” Sebastian shrugged. 

“It wasn’t too bad,” Idris assured her. “Just some bumps and bruises. We just…outnumbered it I guess.”

“Merlin’s beard,” The officer shook her head. “Well, I appreciate the help, though help may be a bit of an understatement. Nerve like that? The makings of some future aurors if you ask me. Officer Ruth Singer.”

She held out her hand and each of them shook it, repeating the favor by introducing themselves.

“You’re sure nothing strange happened?” Singer checked and Percival nodded. He noticed Idris inching closer to him but couldn’t possibly fathom why. “Very well. Why don’t you kids get yourselves somewhere with less rubble, and preferably try to avoid fighting any more trolls in the future.”

They all murmured their promises and wandered off. As the adrenaline faded Percival could feel his energy level lowering with the sun on the horizon. The Ancient Magic feeling had disappeared, leaving just with a very angry dragon bite that may have reopened and a really sore wand arm. He really hoped the thing hadn’t reopened, or at least that it hadn’t gotten on his corset. Idris hadn’t gotten the chance to make him a second one yet so he wouldn’t have it until they could.

Percival rolled his shoulder as he walked and hissed in pain as the motion tugged at the bite. He tried to get a glance at the wound but it was too far on the back of his shoulder.

“Dris I didn’t reopen it did I?” Percival asked. Idris moved to walk behind him and looked over his shoulder.

“Can’t tell for sure but I don’t think so,” Idris told him.

“Well that’s one stroke of good luck,” Percival supposed. “Where should we-”

“In here!” Someone called from inside a large purple building with mannequins in the window. The sign said ‘Gladrags Wizardwear’. “I have something for you!”

“We are so going,” Idris decided and quickly disappeared into the shop.

“I suppose we should see what he wants,” Natty chuckled. 

They stepped inside and found a cozy little shop with multiple mannequins and displays, each sporting some sort of wizarding fashion, which Percival was still getting used to. There was a counter a few meters away and another a few steps down on their right, which looked to mainly be for tailoring and custom orders considering the various sewing equipment around it. There wasn’t anyone there but there was a man with pointed hair in a smart red suit at the cash register who Idris was already chatting with excitedly. 

“Ah, there you are!” The man said as they came in. “Allow me to introduce myself: Augustus Hill, clothier extraordinaire.”

“He knows all sorts of things I didn’t know!” Idris was grinning again as they bounced. “There’s so much more you can do with magic, stuff I didn’t even think of!”

“Your sibling is quite talented,” Mr. Hill told them. Idris’ sketchbook was resting open on the counter as Mr. Hill flipped through it. “Their sketches are fascinating.”

“Thank you sir,” Idris was now biting his lip, in a way that indicated they were trying not to screech.

“I should also like to thank you four for your remarkable bravery in fighting those trolls,” Mr. Hill said. 

“We were happy to help,” Idris replied. Percival slightly disagreed but he let it slide. 

“Frankly, every one of you deserves an Order of Merlin!” Hill declared. Percival made a mental note to ask someone what that was.”But I can offer you something much more useful.”

He futzed behind the counter for a moment before pulling out four sets of Hogwarts robes, one Ravenclaw, two Gryffindor, and one Slytherin.

“As the owner of Gladrags Wizardwear, I am proud to tell you about part of the inventory,” Hill said. “These unique items afford certain protections as it were. Life-saving protections.”

“You can weave spells into fabric,” Idris gasped. “I need to learn how to do that yesterday.”

“I’d like to offer each of you a set of robes in thanks for what you did today,” Hill offered. “In case this turns out to not be your last dangerous encounter.”

“Thank you for the generous gifts Mr. Hill but we could not possibly-” Natty tried to say but Idris cut her off.

“We’ll take them, thank you so much!” Idris grabbed the robes off the counter and passed them out to their matching students.

Percival sighed and rolled his eyes but knew there was no changing his sibling’s mind so he shrugged the robes on, knowing his old ones were lost somewhere by now. The other three with still intact robes folded them and gave them to Mr. Hill in exchange who happily took them and waved as they left.

“Well, I’d say we earned ourselves a butterbeer or two,” Sebastian said. 

“And food,” Percival groaned. 

“We can find both at the three broomsticks,” Natty assured him. “This way.”

Natty and Sebastian lead the way, under an archway and down more of Hogsmeade’s cobbled streets. Percival was rolling his shoulder again only for Sebastian to curse and yank Percival behind a building by his good arm.

“Ow!” Percival protested but got immediately shushed by Sebastian and even Natty who was on the other side of an alleyway crouching with Idris.

“Why are we whispering?” Idris asked, lowering their voice to match their friends’.

“Rookwood,” Natty explained. “That is him down the alley.”

Sebastian shifted so Percival could peek around the corner. He had to cover his own mouth with his hand to keep from gasping. Rookwood must have been the man in the long coat and top hat. But he wasn’t the only one down that alley.

“You said you could get to the children when they came to Hogsmeade,” Ranrok grumbled. “That all you needed was a distraction. I gave you a distraction!”

“I just watched a student take down your ‘distraction’,” Rookwood argued. Ranrok’s face shifted and Rookwood caught it, though Percival wasn’t sure what he saw. “Who are these children? What are you not telling me?”

“All you need to know is that if you cannot get to the twins, then you have no value to me,” Ranrok growled. Idris and Percival exchanged glances of alarm. When they turned back Ranrok was glancing up the stairs right at them.

“Go!” Percival whispered. 

They all dashed down the street, not slowing down until they were over a block away.

“Did they see us?” Sebastian panted.

“I don’t think so,” Percival shook his head.

“Why is Ranrok working with Rookwood?!” Idris hissed.

“Ranrok?” Natty realized. “The goblin from the Daily Prophet?”

Sebastian grabbed Idris by the arm as he spotted something over their shoulder. Percival glanced up the stairs and saw Rookwood emerging from the alley.

“Quickly, let’s get inside the Three Broomsticks,” Sebastian suggested.

They all ducked inside the pub, trying to not look like they were running from something. They didn’t exactly succeed seeing as they were all panting and kept glancing over their shoulders. Waiting for Rookwood to appear. Thankfully he didn’t. Natty guided them over to the bar of the cozy and warm pub where a woman in an apron was talking to a goblin.

“It’s a treat to see you, Lodgok,” The woman said. “I shall let you know if I hear anything.”

“Thank you, Sirona,” The goblin replied.

“You be well.”

The four Hogwarts students each claimed a stool at the bar, Natty on the far left, Percival next to her, then Idris, then Sebastian. Sirona brushed off her hands and came over to them.

“Now, what can I- oh,” Sirona cut herself off. “There are two faces I haven’t seen before.”

“It’s our first time,” Idris chuckled while Percival was still watching the door.

“Welcome!” Sirona greeted them and took out her wand, giving it a twirl. “Butterbeer on me.”

“Thank you,” Sebastian replied as four mugs of butterbeer floated in front of them. Percival tried it and was honestly pleasantly surprised. It reminded him of a warm apple cider but more sweet, like caramel. 

“Heard about the attack,” Sirona sighed. “I shall be looking in on the other shopkeepers and residents shortly. Glad to see you four seem alright.”

“Thanks to these two,” Sebastian tilted his head towards the twins.

“I don’t know about that,” Percival shook his head.

“Sebastian is right,” Natty disagreed. “You single handedly took down a troll! Or I suppose double handedly.”

“Is that right? Well done,” Sirona said. I will say, trolls? In hogsmeade? That’s never happened before. Something’s not right. The only brutes we usually have to deal with.”

The door flew open behind them and Percival cursed as Rookwood sauntered in, flanked by a rather stocky man who looked even meaner than Rookwood. Presumably Theophilus Harlow, the other man Professor Weasley had mentioned. Percival reached for Idris and found his twin already doing the same. For now they tried to simply seem inconspicuous. Sebastian reached for his wand but Idris grabbed his hand before he could pull it out. 

“How timely,” Sirona hummed. 

Sirona rounded the bar to stand firmly between the two men and the four students. She wasn’t aggressive but she certainly seemed determined not to give an inch to Rookwood.

“Was that Lodgok I saw leaving just now?” Rookwood sneered. Your clientele’s not what it used to be, Sirona.”

“Not to worry Victor,” Sirona chuckled. “Once the two of you leave, the calibre of my clientele will greatly improve.”

Harlow grabbed for his wand but Sirona just sighed.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Theophilus” Sirona warned.

“Come now, no need for theatrics,” Rookwood drawled. “I’m only here for these two anyway.”

Rookwood pointed right at them and Percival’s grip on Idris’ hand tightened. Natty got to her feet between the twins and Rookwood and the three of them quickly followed. No one grabbed for their wands yet but it was obvious they were prepared to.

“My friend is enjoying a well-earned Butterbeer,” Sirona informed him.

“Only want a quick word,” Rookwood waved her off. 

He stepped forward and tried to grab Percival but Natty jumped in front of him, whipping her wand out. At the same time, every patron in the three Broomsticks followed her lead, standing and pulling out their wands, each pointed at Rookwood and Harlow. Harlow pulled out his wand too but Rookwood hesitated.

“Perhaps you didn’t hear me,” Sirona chirped. “I said my friend is busy.”

“ONe would think you’d all had enough bloodshed for one day,” Rookwood grumbled. “Come Theophilus. The Three Broomsticks isn’t what it used to be. Let’s take our Galleons elsewhere.”

With one last glare at the twins, he and Harlow begrudgingly left the Three Broomsticks. Sirona followed them a few steps but came back over to the students once she was sure the men were gone. 

“Seems you made an unfortunate enemy,” Sirone warned them. “Watch your back. Rookwood and Harlow are worse than any troll you might encounter.”

“Trolls, Ranrok, and Rookwood?” Sebastian shook his head. “What are you not telling us?”

“We’ll tell you everything I promise,” Idris replied as they glanced around, on the same thought train as Percy. 

“But not here,” Percival finished.

Sebastian looked like he wanted to argue but Natty spoke up before he could.

“I understand,” Natty replied. “Perhaps we should head back to the castle. I’m certain Professor Weasley would have heard about the troll attack by now. She will want to check on you.”

The twins followed their friends to the nearest floo flames and quickly ended up in Hogwarts Central Hall. Sure enough, Professor Weasley was waiting by the fountain despite the empty hall.

“Ah! There you are,” Weasley sighed in relief. “I’m grateful you’re alright. I heard of the troll attack, were any of you hurt?”

“We’re going to be sore in the morning,” Sebastian answered. “But we’re alright I think.”

“Thank you for waiting up for us, Professor,” Percival said. 

“You are my students, therefore it is my responsibility to keep you safe,” Weasley replied. “But it seems you’ve kept each other safe instead. Well done. Ten points for each of you.”

“So unfair,” Sebastian mumbled as Idris and Natty high fived.

“Now get to bed, all of you, it’s late,” Professor Weasley shooed them off.

They responded with a chorus of ‘Yes Professor’ and Sebastian split off for the Slytherin dorms. But when they got to the stairs of Ravenclaw tower Idris grabbed Percy’s hand to stop him.

“Natty you go ahead,” Idris said. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Is everything alright?” Natty checked. Percy was so glad Idris had befriended her. 

“Yeah, I just want to talk to Percy,” Idris promised. Natty hesitated but eventually nodded and left down the corridor. Once she was around the corner Idris pulled Percival into a nearby alcove. “How did you do that?”

“How did I do what?” Percival tilted his head. There were a lot of new things he’d done that day.

“How did you disintegrate a troll?!”

“I don’t know! I threw the crate like you told me how to do, then the feeling just stayed so I channeled it into my wand. It did the disintegration thing on its own.”

“What feeling?”

“You know, the Ancient Magic feeling. In your ribs? The pulling?”

“I don’t get a feeling.”

“What?”

“I can’t feel Ancient Magic. I just felt a connection to something like with accio but stronger. What do you mean you can feel it in your chest.”

“Whenever there’s ancient magic I can feel it, like a hook in my ribs pulling me to it. You can’t feel it?”

Idris leaned against the wall and ran a hand through their hair.

“No, I can’t,” Idris muttered. “So I probably can’t do that, that thing. I can’t use the Ancient Magic.”

“Yet, maybe it’s like charms and it’ll just take you a minute,” Percival tried to assure them.

“Yeah, because I can always do the things you can,” Idris rolled their eyes. Percival halted.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Percival asked slowly but Idris just shook their head. 

“Nothing,” Idris said. “Good night Percival.”

And on that happy note Idris rushed down the corridor before Percival could stop them, leaving them with nothing to do other than head to his dorm and try to sleep.

"rarepairs are rare for a reason (derogatory)" just say you hate fun

The Legacy of Hogwarts

Aka I have a bunch of future generations of my MCs spread through the eras because of time fuckery and I wanna talk about them

Ender Blake/Varyn-Sallow (they/them)

Child of Ambrose Varyn-Sallow, Ominis Varyn- Sallow, and Sebastian Varyn-Sallow. After their parents die defending the Repository from Grindelwald's Dark Wizards, the blast of Ancient Magic sends a toddler Ender (Anneliese at the time) and their Uncles Everett and Jesse into the future. For their protection, Everett obliviates them and leaves them with a muggle family, the Blakes. They don't discover their adoption until 5th year and don't learn who their parents are until Deathly Hallows

Leonidas Thakkar (he/him)

Son of Idris Valley-Thakkar and Amit Thakkar. Idris went to Hogwarts in the early 1900s where he befriended Newt Scamander. Him and Newt, while still writing letters to each other, didn't see each other much after graduating Hogwarts seeing as Newt started expploring the world in search of magical creatures and Leon was studying to be and then travelling as a curse-breaker. But when Newt realized how many creatures had gotten out of the case he begged his friend to come to New York and help, especially since Leonidas was one of the few who knew of his case and was trusted by the creatures within.

Jasper Valley (he/him)

Son of Percival Valley and Garreth Weasley, who survived quite a bit longer than they should have due to repeated exposure to the Repository and a certain...situation at the Department of Mysteries. Jasper attended Hogwarts in the 1970s and befriended the Marauders, even becoming one himself under the Pseudonym "Midnight" seeing as his animagus form was that of a Panther.

Rowena Weasley (she/her)

Daughter and younger child of Percival Valley and Garreth Weasley. She also befreiended the Marauders but from a distance, not becoming an animagus until joining the Order of the Phoenix when her Animagus form turned out to be a dove.

Pink ballgown, c.1890

the best thing about people in this fandom is you can always tell which oc is their favourite /pos

like it’s very very obvious (i think) that jamie is my favourite with auri as a close second. i love seeing how much people love their ocs ❤️