The following weekend, Yule and Hogwarts were calm as the students who had left had not returned. Percilla's prefect duties had increased as only three stayed at the castle over the holidays. While it was not bad, it became dull. Many of the usual troublemakers were not there, so she spent most of her time speaking to the portraits or 'running' into Marcus on his own rounds.

Percilla couldn't hide the blush she felt when she thought of Marcus. She kept looking down at the ring he had given her on Yule. Percilla was excited to show her best friend Penelope Clearwater when she returned from break. Penelope was a half-blood witch from Ravenclaw. She was naturally beautiful, with honey blonde hair and clear skin. Penny always spoke of the boys back home that would fawn over her. Her mother was a witch, while her father was a muggleborn. It didn't bother Percilla what blood status Penny was. She was the first friend she made while at Hogwarts. What did bother Percilla was all the dates to Hogsmead that Penelope would go on. Penelope didn't like the boys. She wanted the attention and did not find anything wrong with being affectionate with them.

Percilla ignored her feelings, though. She was assured that they could still be best friends despite their differences. Percilla was excited to show Verena and Peony. Percilla had become close friends with the two Slytherins as well. It was exciting as she had not had many people she could call actual friends before.

"Alright, do you have everything you need?" Percilla asked Harry as they descended the staircase to meet Marcus. Today was Harry's appointment at Gringotts, which Percilla could tell he was nervous about.

"Yeah, I grabbed my cloak and my key," He answered, patting the small bag he was carrying.

"It's going to be okay," Percilla assured him as they rounded the corner, seeing Marcus's hulking shape leaning on the corner.

"About time," Marcus teased, holding his arms out.

"Oh please," Percilla began, "we're early. We had to go to Professor McGonagall." Percilla walked over to Marcus, allowing him to take her hand.

"Okay, Harry, we will walk ahead. I want your hand on mine or Marcus's cloak. No getting lost." They had been going over how they would get Harry out of the castle for his meeting. While the letter from Gringotts was a portkey. The wards of the school would not allow him to activate it. Marcus knew the appreciation point, but it was through the forbidden forest. Harry would be consoled by his cloak until we were out of sight.

"Of course."

"No matter what you see in the forbidden forest, you do not walk away," Marcus warned, his eyes narrowing. Everyone knew how rash Harry was to step into the line of danger over something stupid.

"Promise," Harry said impatiently like the twelve-year-old he was. Percilla wasn't sure what Dumbledore saw in Harry. He wasn't some soldier for the old coot to use as a savior when he was just a child.

"Okay," Percilla stated as she nodded towards Harry, "cover-up. We'll head out now."

It was fascinating to watch Harry disappear once the cloak covered him. Marcus looked over at Percilla with an apprehensive look. This was out of both their realm of rule-breaking. Marcus was a brute and got in trouble regarding stunts he pulled during quidditch, but he was head-boy and caused no problem. Percilla followed the rules to the letter. She had hoped one day it could get her to a better position in life or some recognition.

Both realized that this was worth far more than protecting their image. Harry spent his whole life only being fed partial truths and unanswered questions. Why was Dumbledore trying to hide and scheme his way to Harry?

Fresh morning snow settled on the ground, causing a crunch with each step. Percilla hoped Harry made sure to step in her already made prints as they walked down the hill towards the forest. They didn't talk to not draw attention to themselves as they slipped between the trees and into the woods. It was quiet. The only sounds were their breath that came out in a fog in front of their faces as they tried to quickly walk further into the woods.

"Why are there so many spiders?" Came Harry's voice in a whisper behind her back.

Percilla was confused as she looked around and down where a trail of spiders scurried off in a line.

"The forbidden forest house many creatures that only the ministry know half of," Marcus concluded as he continued to press on, not wanting to dally too long that they meet with something they are not ready for.

It didn't take long before the group found themselves in a clearing.

"Okay, Harry, you can remove your cloak," Percilla said once they stopped. "Take out your letter. We will hold onto you when the port key activates. It's important to please do not let go."

Harry got nervous as Percilla's explained what he needed to do. He was not the best at magical transportation. The first time he used flew powder, he ended up in Knockturn Alley. Nodding his head after he removed his cloak, Harry folded his cloak and stuffed it into his bag. Grabbing the letter, he read over the Goblins' words once more before what sounded like the tinkering of bells could be heard.

"It's getting ready to activate," Marcus said as he placed his hand on Harry's shoulder.

Percilla did the same but also grabbed Marcus's sleeve just in case. She had heard about horrid instances of people getting lost in transport.

In an instant, they were on the solid ground of the forest, then next, they were floating. The floating didn't last long before they were back standing. Percilla felt like her legs would give out, but her firm hold on Marcus's cloak sleeve kept her steady. The chittering of words and clinking of coins could be heard all around them, turning into a hum. Percilla looked over at Marcus, whose face went to its everyday bored look of indifference.

Taking a deep breath, she lowered her hand to hold Marcus' elbow, "Ready, Harry?" Percilla kept her hand on Harry as they walked toward one of the tellers.

The goblin looked down at them with a sneer, "and what can I help you with?"

"I, I have a meeting with my account manager," Harry stuttered a bit as he held the letter he received towards the teller.

After one quick glance, the goblin rose, "follow me."

Percilla kept a hand on Harry as the three followed behind the Goblin. It wasn't a long walk as they were led into an office-type room. It was full of books and artifacts that were placed around. It was fascinating to Percilla as she was sure these were the artifacts that Bill always discussed in his letters.

"Hello, Lord Potter," a gruff voice said as another goblin walked into the room, "I am Griphook, the Potter account manager."

Percilla looked over at where Harry stood. He looked nervous as he twiddled his thumbs up and down.

"Um, Hi, Griphook," Harry whispered, his voice low and scared.

"And you both are?" The goblin asked once he sat down.

Taking a seat, Percilla opened her mouth to speak, but Marcus's deep voice commanded attention.

"Heir Marcus Flint, of the Victorious and Most Ancient House of Flint, and Miss Percilla Weasley, of the Affable and Most Ancient House of Weasley. We are friends of Lord Potter and were requested by him to be present."

Griphook seemed to grumble something in Gobligook.

"Very well," Griphook stated as he began pulling items out of his desk.

Percilla watched with amazement as he placed a bowl, a blade, potions, a quill, and parchment on the table.

"Lord Potter, I need you to drink this vile and cut your palm."

Percilla felt her breath catch in her throat at the request. She knew why Harry needed to cut himself. However, the idea of the twelve-year-old cutting himself worried her.

"It's okay, Harry, just do what he said," Marcus said, his eyes never leaving the Goblin.

Harry leaned forward and grabbed the potion to uncork it. Percilla could guess by the face Harry made that it tasted awful. Percilla couldn't watch as Harry cut his palm. She had always been squeamish about blood.

"Excellent, Lord Potter," the goblin stated, "place three drops of your blood in this bowl. Good, now grasp the quill and place it in the bowl."

Percilla raised her eyes to see Harry complete the task before sitting back in his seat. Quietly Marcus reached over to take Harry's bleeding hand. He whispered a healing charm under his breath which caused the wound to close.

The quill began to glow, catching everyone's attention as it moved. Flying itself over to the parchment, it began to write and write.

Percilla bit her bottom lip as she watched the quill move. Percilla had read over the process of an inheritance test. She had never had to do such an act as her parents were very much alive and had no money.

Like a lightbulb, the gold surrounding the quill died as it fell to the paper with a smack.

The goblin didn't seem to be phased by the act. Griphook grumbled before reaching over to take the papers. "Well, Lord Potter. It seems you are who you say you are."

Percilla's brows furrowed. The goblin handed the stack of papers to Harry, who just looked up at Percilla for guidance. Percilla's heart ached slightly at how his green eyes looked so lost. Scooting closer, she looked over his shoulder at the papers.

'Name: Harrington Jameson Potter

Date of birth: July 31, 1980

Mother: Lilliana Eirene Potter Nee: Evans (Muggle Adoption)

Age:19

Status: Witch

Death: October 31, 1981

Father: Jameson Charlus Potter

Age:19

Status: Wizard

Death October 31, 1981

Percilla read over the words, "This is your certificate of birth. Your full legal name, date of birth, and parents." Percilla spoke calmly as she took the parchment and moved it to the next page.

Inheritance

Harrington Jameson Potter

Half-Blood

Titles earned by Paternal

Lord of The Honorable and Most Ancient House of Potter

Lord of The Ingenious and Most Ancient House of Peverell

Titles earned by Maternal

Heir of the Zealous and Most Ancient House of Gaunt

Heir of the Covetous and Most Ancient House of Slytherin

Titles Given by Godfather Lord Sirius Orion Black

Heir to The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black

Percilla felt her breath hold in her throat as it suffocated her. It did not make sense. "This is your inheritance test," Percilla said slowly, "it, uh, shows you what titles your parents have passed onto you." Taking the piece of parchment, she held it out to Marcus, who watched her with confused eyes.

Raising her head up, Percilla looked directly at Griphook. "Lady Potter, it says that she passed the titles of Gaunt and Slytherin. How could that be?"

Griphook gave a dull look to the witch before snapping his fingers. A parchment scroll landed on the desk. "the late Lady Potter's test."

Percilla unrolled it for Harry as she held it up for both of them, "oh, Merlin."

Morfin Gaunt |(wed.)| Melinoe Gaunt (nee Weasley)

Birth:May 1900 Birth: October 1910

Death: July 1976 Death:June, 1963

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Aelin Gaunt

Birth: August 1928

Death:August 1928

Rionach Gaunt

Birth: September 1930

Death: December 1930

Eirene Gaunt |(bond.)| Lycus Fawley

Birth: April 1926 Birth: June 1927

Death:February 1961 Death:February 1961

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Thorin Fawley

Birth: March 1944

Death: February 1961

Lucereta Fawley |(bond.)| Theoden Padgett

Birth: January 1946 Birth: November 1943

Death: February 1961 Death: February 1961

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Lilliana Padgett |(bond.)| Jameson Potter

Birth: January 1960 Birth: March 1960

Death: October 1981 Death: October 1981

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Harrison Jameson Potter

Birth: July 1980

Death:

Percilla couldn't believe her eyes as her eyes trailed over the family tree. Percilla felt tears burn as she held them back.

"Who are the Padgett? I'm confused. I thought my mum was a muggleborn." Harry looked over at Percilla before looking at Marcus, who raised a brow.

"It says an adopted name, Lily Evans. She was born to a different family, plus the death dates show that all her family died when he was one." Percilla explained as she pointed to the numbers on the parchment.

"Who's Melinoe Weasley?" Harry asked. The question hung in the air, heavy and tight.

"My fourth great Aunt," Percilla said, "they don't talk about her, but my Aunt Muriel said once that she ran away from her duties." Percilla tried to explain, "she had a bonding contract with the Malfoy Heir and was due to get married, and then all of a sudden, one day she was gone. The Malfoy family was mad and wanted answers. Rumors got around, and before too long, the Malfoy family declared a blood feud with the Weasley family."

"Blood feud?" Harry was so confused. He felt like he was being read a story in a different language.

"It's like a family feud, but it runs deeper. Any family house affiliated with yours cuts off all ties during the feud. It is olde-magic and can bleed out a house. It did the Weasleys." Marcus explained. It was no secret that the Malfoy's ensured the Weasley family knew the punishment for breaking the promise.

"Is that why Malfoy doesn't like you?"

"Yes, loyalty runs high, and a blood feud doesn't fade until an amends is made."

"Alright, Lord Potter," Griphook stated as he gained the group's focus, "Oh, page three of your test, you can show your faults. You are one of the wealthiest men in the Wizarding world. I can get you banknotes for each vault. That way, if you need to buy something while you are at Hogwarts, you have the option. Although I am surprised that your Magical Guardian had not explained this to you beforehand."

"Magical Guardian?" Harry hated feeling stupid, and that was all he felt during this meeting.

"It's a witch or Wizard that takes care of a magical child if their parents have passed. God-Fathers or God-Mothers are generally first in line, then it is any family member closest," Marcus explained.

Percilla moved the parchments around that showed Harry who his godparents and magical guardian were.

"My Godmother is Alice Longbottom, and my Godfather is Sirius Black. If they are my Godparents, where are they? I spent this whole time with those horrid Dursleys sleeping under the stairs, and my Godparents were just."

"Harry," Percilla began. Harry's outburst caught her off guard as she stared at him wide-eyed.

"Lady Alice Longbottom is currently at the Saint Mungo's Mind Ward. She is not mentally competent. Lord Sirius Black is presently doing a life sentence at Azkaban Prison. He is not physically competent.," Griphook said, bored as he ran a sharp fingernail across the edge of his desk.

The Goblin's voice stopped Harry's rant, but his words still floated in Marcus's head.

"What do you mean under the stairs?" Marcus's voice was deep. He was starting to get mad at the idea of Harry being mistreated by the muggles he was placed with.

"Oh um," Harry had not meant to let that slip. The only people who knew were Ron and Hermonie, who told him he would be fine. Harry tried to ignore Marcus by turning his eyes to Griphook, "who is my Magical Guardian if they are not available?"

"I am not showing one has been appointed?" Percilla said as she went through the papers, shaking her head. "Can he choose one for himself?"

Griphook nodded, "wizarding law states that in the case of events that parental appointed Godparents are not able to fulfill their duties and are unable to nominate a substitute, the minor can make a straightforward and uncoerced decision for themselves."

Percilla sat back, taking the parchments with her as she reread the test. Harry needed to take in the information that Griphook was giving him, and it was not something Percilla could talk to him about.

"Perci, could you?" Harry began to ask as he turned his eyes over towards her.

This caught Percilla off guard as her eyes widened, "I'm sorry, Harry, I won't be seventeen until March." Percilla felt her heart crumble as she looked at the young boy seeing a way out. Out of the chaos and the abuse.

Harry's face fell as he bit his bottom lip with anxiety and wrung his hands, "oh." Harry tried hard not to cry. Crying got him nothing but a beating from Uncle Vernon or an extra smack from Aunt Petunia with her skillet.

Turning his body around, he looked at Marcus. His green eyes widened as he looked at the older boy, "Marcus? Your seventeen."

Marcus ignored the question at first. This was a significant commitment to take on being a magical guardian. Marcus should not be anyone's choice as a magical guardian, but here the younger was looking at him. "Is this what you want, Cilla?" Marcus's voice broke through the two's guilt-filled minds.

Percilla raised her wet blue eyes to meet his dark ones, "yeah," she whispered before her eyes flickered down at Harry. She smiled brokenly as she raised a hand to wipe a tear that escaped down his cheek.

"I'll do it," Marcus stated, ignoring any of the self-deprecating thoughts that flooded his mind. Harry needed someone to care about him and his well-being. "What do I sign?"