William Arthur Weasley, Bill to his friends, was having a fairly ordinary day. He had woken up on time and got in a nice cuppa before heading to the dig site. William loved his job even though his family disapproved. He was not sure what he wanted to do when he left Hogwarts. Bill knew he did not want to work with his father in the ministry. The position at Gringotts Wizarding Bank sort of fell into his lap. The goblins did not trust anyone. However, Bill bound out quickly that if you gave them respect, they would show it right back. Now Bill was one of their best diggers. He had gotten a promotion that allowed him to have his own tent.

Bill was tired and sweaty as he made his way into his tent. He wanted to take a hot shower and rest for a few hours. However, Bill knew he would probably spend more time reading one of the many books on his nightstand than actually sleeping.

"William!" the shrieking voice of his mother called through his tent, making Bill jump as he whirled around. There in his fireplace was his mother's face. Bill felt agitated as he had spoken to his mother multiple times to stop the fire calls without a heads up.

"Bill! Oh! There you are, dear!"

"Mum," Bill said dryly as he looked down at his mother. Bill didn't want to get annoyed with his mother, but it was difficult not to. "Did we not talk about the unannounced fire calls last week?"

"Yes, yes, Bill, I know. What if you had a lady over," Molly began as she rolled her eyes through the fire. "Honestly, Bill, you really need to find a wife. Maybe come back to Brittan, find a friendly witch, and settle down. One that would not care if you're own mother called her firstborn son."

Bill refrained from rolling his eyes as he bit the inside of his lip. He had an ongoing argument with his mother every time she called. It was never about Bill or how his day was going. It was her telling him what she wanted him to do.

Bill had realized early in life that he would never be good enough for Molly Weasley. He and Charlie had a conversation when they called one another to vent about one of their mother's calls. Molly Weasley wanted perfect children, but not at the same time. It was confusing and had Bill going crazy during his Hogwarts days. He thought he was doing what she had wanted of him. Bill was captain of the Quidditch team and got O's on all his OWLS and NEWTS. He earned his dream job and was doing what made him happy. However, he never got married, nor does he have children.

"I mean, how do you think this makes me feel, William? Mary Leach told me how her daughter just had their first child, and I have nothing."

Taking a deep breath, Bill plastered a smile, "Is that what you were calling me for, mother?"

Molly looked caught off guard, "well, no, I was calling to talk to you about your sister. Perci hasn't been answering any of my letters. I sent her a howler, and that even went unanswered. Ron told me that she hasn't been getting any of them."

"Mum! You're sending her howlers as school?" Bill asked, his voice raising a bit. "That's horrible. That would embarrass her and all for nothing."

"Not for nothing! Ronald and Dumbledore both wrote that she has accepted courting gifts from the Flints and dressing like those types of people." Molly's disdain was apparent through the tone of her voice as well as her face.

"Those people? Mum, that's crazy. Percilla has every right to accept any courting gift offered to her." Bill was getting tired of this conversation. Molly had given him a fuming call when Ron had written her about Percilla's first courting gift.

"No, this is not how I raised her, Bill. She began reading those books and wearing her hair up. I can't handle it. Your father won't stop her, saying it's just a phase, but it's not. How dare she practice those ideals. They are harmful."

Bill was getting tired of having this conversation with his mother. He tried to de-escalate the situation when their mother first called him, but it generally had her just leave the call in a huff.

"Ronald told me that he caught Harry talking to Percilla and that boy, and now Harry is acting different and withdrawn. That is just going too far, William." Molly scoffed as she shook her head, "Dumbledore was right. I'm coddling her too much."

"Mum, I don't think," Bill began trying to talk his mother down from her high.

"I didn't send her a sweater this year," Molly said indignantly. That cut Bill off as he stared at his mother wide-eyed.

The Weasleys were not well off, while they had income coming into the house through Authur's job. It was mundane, and Authur would pass promotions and raises to keep his job in the Muggle artifacts room. Molly Weasley would make their clothes to make up for the depleted funds. Every Yule, they would get a hand-knitted sweater. 'Made with love.'

Bill felt the anger flood inside his chest, so now that his sister was following her own wants, their mother decided she was unworthy of that?

"You've gone mad," Bill called, shaking his head, "Percilla is still your daughter regardless of who she is courting. What is wrong with you?"

"Dumbledore said," Molly began but was cut off by Bill's shout of,' Fuck Dumbledore!'

"William!" Molly shrieked, "Perci needs to learn."

"Percilla!" Bill countered, "You know how much she hates to be called Perci. You even named her after that old coot."

"I can't talk to you when you are like this, Bill," Molly said, shaking her head disapprovingly; that pissed Bill off more. "I'll talk to you when you have calmed down and become more reasonable."

Bill stayed looking into the extinguished fire after his mother had ended the call. Bill was trying to wrap his head around the problems that were going on in his own home. Bill rose to his feet as he replayed his interaction with his mother.

Shaking his head, Bill grabbed his coat. Bill had been holding off, not wanting to disrupt his own life. However, he now realized how selfish that was. He couldn't rightfully stand by and allow this to happen anymore.

______________________________________

Marcus knew his father was going to kill him. He had walked out of Gringotts, the magical legal guardian of Harry Potter, the boy who lived. It was not something Marcus had ever thought he would do as he was not the most 'friendly' to Potter. However, it was something that Percilla wanted, and Marcus would make happen whatever Percilla wanted.

They had not run into any problems coming back to the castle that night. Percilla had told him a few days later that the only person who questioned Harry had been her brother Ron and Hermonie. Apparently, the two had gone and demanded Harry's whereabouts from their head of the house. Marcus was surprised that McGonagall allowed two second years to order anything from her. The harsh woman would not mind setting any child from another house in their place.

McGonagall's bias towards the other houses and her precious Gryffindors was apparent. All the other house heads could see. While Professor Snape was biased, he held general hate for all children.

Walking down the great hall, Marcus made his way towards the library for his regular Wednesday meeting with Percilla. It was something that they did not need, but it gave them a scheduled time to hang out. Marcus was surprised at how much Percilla had changed his life by allowing him to be himself. Percilla accepted Marcus as the terrifying brute he was in everyday life but allowed him to be open if he chose to. Marcus was a very private person. Even his mates from childhood didn't know half of his secrets. However, Marcus could feel that Percilla could. He would do anything for her. It was terrifying but exciting at the same time.

"Harry! Harry!" Marcus stopped when he heard someone yell. "Harry, where are you going?"

Marcus could tell the voice of the bushy-haired second year. Marcus did not know her name; she was the muggleborn that Draco always teased, Harry's friend. She yelled at Harry, which did not sit right with Marcus as he changed his direction. Marcus was sure that Percilla would be more furious if Marcus did not help Harry than being late.

"Wherever I want to go, Hermonie. I already told you guys I am going to see my friend."

"But we are your friends," came a male voice that Marcus recognized as Percilla's youngest brother. "You've been acting weird, mate, since the bathroom issue. Then you snuck off that day and didn't tell us where you were."

"Don't think for a minute you were getting tutoring lessons like McGonagall said you were." Marcus was starting to get annoyed with the mudblood's tone of voice. It was arrogant and condescending that rubbed Marcus the wrong way.

"What? But I," Harry was starting to get frustrated. Marcus could hear it in his voice as he tried to get away from the bossy two.

Turning the corner, Marcus narrowed his eyes as he stared at the three-second years. Marcus stood straight, crossing his arms, allowing him to tower over the three more.

"Harry, there you are," Marcus said, his tone absorbing a bored air. "Percilla told me to come to fetch you. You are late to your study session, and you know how she gets when someone is late."

Marcus had hoped that Harry would pick up on the queue as Marcus offered him an out.

"I know," Harry said in a frustrated voice as he gave the two a glare before meeting Marcus' eye again. "I'm trying to get to the library."

"I'll take you to come on," Marcus stepped out of the way, giving Harry a gesture for him to follow. That didn't last before the redhead stepped out.

"Why should Harry go with you? You're a Slytherin. No witch or wizard has not gone bad that was in Slytherin," Ron stated, his face getting as red as his hair was.

Marcus furrowed his brow as he took a step closer, dwarfing the younger, making him shrink back a bit, "yeah, no. I'm taking Potter to Percilla, and if you have a problem with that, take it up with your head of the house. I do not feel like even Professor McGonagall would be okay with two of her students trying to gang one up in an empty corridor and not let him go."

Seeing the younger shrink back all the way his tail hung between his legs should not be as satisfying as it was. All the air of confidence that was once in his body crashed down at Marcus' words.

"Thought so," Marcus ruffed out before turning back to Harry. "Follow me."

Leaving the corridor, the pair made haste towards the Library where Percilla would be waiting. Marcus smirked when he caught a glimpse of the red braid of his betrothed. Nodding towards Harry, he made his way to the table, sitting in his usual chair.

"You're late," Percilla voiced, her eyes never rising from the page of 'A History of Magic.'

"Yes, but I had to save a certain someone from being third degreed by his so-called friends," Marcus stated and snorted when her head jerked up at the mention of Harry.

"Are you alright?" Percilla asked, narrowing her eyes as they roamed around, seeing any signs of injury.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I was coming to find you both when they followed after me," Harry explained as he pulled his bag up and began to pull items out and on the table. "Griphook sent me a letter and parcels; apparently, they found a few things in my family vaults, and I wasn't really sure what it all was."

Harry placed several small journals on the table, which caught Percilla's eye. Leaning closer, she pulled one of the stacks to see that it had an engraving attached. 'LEP, ' Percilla moved her head to the side as she noticed a similar engraving on each one with a monogram.

"These are diaries," Percilla said softly as she picked up one that read, 'MIW." "Would you mind if I read these, Harry?" Percilla asked, wanting nothing more than to understand what had occurred long before.

"Of course!" Harry agreed readily, "I was hoping you would, and maybe explain to me what happened. Marcus, they sent me bank statements and withdrawals when my vaults were sealed. Could you help me understand them?"

Marcus took the parchment as he began to pour over the documents. Many of the vaults that Harry gained were family vaults. While he only handled a few main house accounts, he had several of his ancestor's trust accounts. What confused Marcus was the large amounts removed from certain charges when an heir had never been made present of those accounts.

Using a quill and some ink, Marcus began to circle and write out questions by each transaction. When a family name dies, the gold in those vaults sits waiting for an heir with their blood to open them. The fact that gold was missing was concerning.

"We'll send correspondence to the Goblins about these transactions since you did not authorize them and see who and where they were sent. Generally, the Goblins see this as a massive intrusion and will stop at nothing to get said gold back."

Percilla placed the diaries in her bag to read later as she took the late Lady Potters diary out. She began to lay out some extra books and notes around them as if they were studying.

"I also think it would be best if you began to learn etiquette courses and pureblood policies," Marcus states, not giving Harry much room to argue. "Many pureblood with titles are taught these at a young age. But I'm sure you can get up to speed with some assistance. We can hire you, someone, to come help over the summer."

Marcus began to plan for the letter he would send to his mother. He had already sent the one out that informed his parents of his decision to become Harry's guardian. However, the help he would need under the Flint family care was another.

"Over the Summer?" Harry was confused as he shook his head, "No, I can't. My aunt and uncle don't like magic and to have someone come to their house."

Marcus just snorted, shaking his head, "the idea that I am going to make you go back to those muggles is laughable at best." The bored tone didn't let up as his eyes met the second year, "don't think I forgot about the whole fry pan statement you let slip. I will not let my ward go off to get abused by some muggles that are not even of their own blood. You should not have been made to live with them regardless."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, confused but curious.

"Your Godfather is Sirius Black. While he is in Azkaban, that doesn't defeat the fact that he is your Godfather. You could have gone to live with one of his family members. Not to mention that Alice Longbottom is your Godmother, which like the first, you would have been placed with a close relative who would have been Dowanger Longbottom, Neville's grandmother." Marcus said, shrugging his shoulders, "I am surprised Neville had not mentioned your Godbrother status beforehand. But never the less, you will be staying at Flint Manor with me until you turn seventeen and become of legal age."

"Okay," Harry knew he sounded eager, but he wanted out of Dursley's. Living with them constantly insulting, hurting, and screaming at Harry for everything was hard.

"There he is, Professor! Harry!" The annoying voice of Hermonie granger had Percilla raise her head up, ready to tell the young girl to not yell in the library. However, she stopped when Percilla noticed that it wasn't just Hermonie and Ron but Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Snape.

Percilla slid her notes over the diary hiding it from the site before the group came towards their table. While it was Harry's property, something seemed off in Hogwarts. Looking over, she noticed that Marcus had done the same with the documents they had been reading, now looking like they had been studying 'History of Magic,' as well.

"Excuse me, this is a library," Percilla stated, looking at the two second years who had stopped first at their table, "students are studying here. Yelling is rude and inconsiderate."

Ignoring Percilla's words, Ron turned to the three professors. Pointing like a child, he stomped his foot, "They've stolen Harry against his will."

"That is some serious accusations, Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall said, her lips pinched in a tight line.

"This must be just a misunderstanding, Harry, my boy," Dumbledore said in his carefree grandfatherly voice. It was something that always unsettled Percilla as it always seemed to be a fake cheerfulness that didn't seem real.

"I'm studying," Harry said like it was the most obvious thing. "I told you, Marcus told you."

"He's Marcus now?" Ron countered, not hearing what Harry was saying.

"You don't study. I study. I'm the one that puts in the work," Hermonie's voice seemed irate and confused.

"Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall began cutting off the two blundering second years. "Are you being held here against your will?"

"No!" Harry shook his head, "I asked Percilla if she could help me with my History of Magic homework. Professor Binn's not the best at explaining anything but the Goblin wars."

"And Mr. Flint?" the Headmaster asked in a not unfriendly tone.

"Excuse me, Headmaster. However, Heir Flint is at the top of his year in History of Magic. Professor Snape butted in, not appreciating the insinuation that was being formed on one of his students. "Not to mention, Heir Flint is courting Miss Weasley. Tradition states she is not allowed alone with another wizard of age or not. Unless you want an honor duel in your library."

"Now Severus," The good-natured tone was back. Percilla didn't know why but it was starting to make her skin crawl. "I don't think that is necessary."

Dumbledore turned his eyes to Harry, "my boy, are you sure you want to be here? It's your decision." His voice was soft, but it felt like something more like he was trying to talk Harry into what he wanted.

"Yes," Harry said, exacerbated. He was tired of being talked to him like he was a child. He couldn't help but feel like all his choices were being taken from him even when he was offered to make a choice. It was always under the disguise that someone else thought it was a good idea.

"Harry asked for assistance. I provided it. I informed Professor McGonagall about my tutoring sessions in advance, so I am confused about why we are getting questioned over an accusation?" The annoyance could be heard through her words as she looked at the three authority figures, never once looking them in the eye.

"Well," The Gryffindor head of house said tightly, "it would seem like you sent us on a while goose chase Mr. Weasley Ms. Granger. 5 points from Gryffindor from each of you."

Percilla was sure that Professor McGonagall was embarrassed as she briskly walked away.

"Come along, you two," Professor Snape stated as he followed behind McGonagall.

Percilla nor Marcus took their eyes off Dumbledore until he left the library. It was strange how attached the old man seemed to be to Harry. The Headmaster was supposed to be an impartial figure to each child. However, he seemed to be fixated on Harry since he started school.

"Something is up with him," Marcus stated, the tone of mistrust apparent in his voice. "We'll need to keep an eye out. Do not go alone with him, Harry. Regardless, take a friend."

"Speaking of friends, it seems like I'll need new ones," Harry's voice was a little over a whisper as he stared down at his books. "I'm not the best at making friends."

"Just look at who is friendly to be around," Percilla gave a small smile towards the sad boy, "maybe around to the other houses too."