Chapter two (HPOCSI1)

It was 1991 and Percy was enjoying shopping for his first year at Hogwarts... Percy had purchased all the required books, plenty of parchment and spare quills, but he went overboard on potions ingredients that he fully intended to use. Percy was chosen by an Ebony and phoenix feather wand, which was fourteen inches long, and as unyielding as himself, but he already had a wand that he used for more questionable magic and had been using for years.
Percy was just getting measured for his new robes when the Malfoy's entered and noticed Lord Arcturus waiting.
"Lord Black," Lucius greeted respectfully, maneuvering Draco in front of him to show off.
"Malfoy," Arcturus returned in distaste, disliking the fopp. Once more he wished that Narcissa had better taste in men.
"I'm surprised to see you here," Narcissa said, having noticed Percy getting measured.
"I'm getting my great-grandson and heir to House Black measured for his Hogwarts robes," Arcturus said, shocking the Malfoy's.
"But Draco," Narcissa said in surprise.
"Will never be Lord Black, let alone its heir. Even if young Perseus hadn't survived the Death Eater attack then your father and husband's attempts to poison me would have disqualified him and therefore Draco. I've spent years grooming Perseus into my ideal heir and I'm pleased to say that one day he will be more feared than even myself or Voldemort." Arcturus paused as Narcissa looked over at Lucius, seeing that Lucius had actually tried that. "Due to the actions of your husband and father; attempting to murder me and usurp the House of Black, I hereby cast out Cygnus Black the third, Narcissa Malfoy, and Draco Malfoy from the Black family."
Lucius was incensed! He had just been publicly humiliated! Lucius reached for his wand, but was met with Lord Black's wand, already glowing crimson red.
"Boy, I've killed countless great wizards. You let your sister-in-law do all the hard work, provided money for a mudblood imposter, and you hid behind his robes. If you ever attempt to draw a wand on me again then your death will be slow and humiliating and leave your pathetic house an even bigger joke. Imperious Curse my wrinkly old arse, you fucking weak coward." Everyone but the Malfoy's chuckled.
The Malfoy's opted to go to Twilfitt and Tattings, where no one had witnessed their public humiliation. They all knew that the story would spread soon though.
Soon Harriet Potter arrived.
"Hogwarts, dear?" Malkin asked, when Harriet started to speak. "Got the lot here - another young man being fitted up just now, in fact." Madam Malkin lead Harriet to the stool, right beside Percy. She slipped a long robe over her head, and began to pin it to the right length.
"Hello," Percy said, "Hogwarts, too?"
"Yes," said Harriet.
"Cool. It's my first year too." Percy said. "Any idea which House you'll be in?"
"No... what are the houses?" Harriet replied nervously.
"Gryffindor, a house known for stupidity, daring, rashness, and self-righteousness. Hufflepuff, known for justness, loyalty, and hard work. Ravenclaw, known for valuing intelligence, wit, and a love of learning. Last is the Slytherin House, known for their cunning, ambition, resourcefulness, determination, leadership, self-preservation, fraternity, and cleverness... Merlin and many other great witches and wizards were all in Slytherin and in Slytherin you get support in helping to achieve your ambitions and can build up connections. Do know which house you'll be in now?"
"I-i don't know," Harriet replied, nervously.
"Well... during your sorting you'll be advised on which house is the best for you. I don't know the specifics but the artifact knows what its doing and can know you better than you know yourself within an instant. My great grandfather just won't spoil the surprise by telling me what the artifact it is though..." Percy said, manipulating the girl hero out of boredom.
"That sounds cool," Harriet agreed.
And then Percy noticed Hagrid and though he bore him no ill will he had to prevent the idiot from becoming a teacher.
Percy made a sound of disgust while looking at Hagrid, getting a confused look from Harriet. "Sorry, Hagrid is just one of Albus Dumbledore's many pawns. I wouldn't trust the idiotic savage. He was expelled from Hogwarts... I don't know what for, but its done when another student is injured because of the perpetrator. There was even a rumor that he abducted the Girl Who Lived from the ruins of her families home... he did it before her parents blood could even cool on Dumbledore's orders." Percy noticed Harriet's shock. "Harriet Potter was put with muggles and she is probably ignorant of her magic, her heritage, and her celebrity status, all because of some old chess masters plots and manipulations." Percy said, causing Harriet to question Dumbledore's and Hagrid's motivations and even unknowingly question the Light too.
"Why would Dumbledore or Hagrid do that?" Harriet asked, unsubtly fishing for information.
"Hagrid did it because old Dumbles said so... everyone worships the old man for beating Lord Grindelwald back in 1945. Dumbledore probably wants more powerful pawns... Lily and James Potter were in Dumbledore's secret attack team, but the group wasn't actually that useful. Many died, including the two Potters, because Dumbledore wasn't using lethal force and he convinced others not too either. They stunned, their enemies revived their allies, and then their enemies just came back more angry and more aware of what the order members could do in battle." Sensing an opportunity, Percy continued.
"Dumbledore couldn't even run a school properly... Hogwarts has an overhyped reputation. A ghost teaches History of Magic and puts people to sleep; you might want to self-study and possibly try to test out of it, and the Defence Against the Dark Arts position is rumored to be cursed. Muggle Studies is greatly out-of-date in curriculum. Divination is taught by a fraud and they waste time and money on extra-curriculars like Muggle Art and Muggle Music... its a school of magic for crying out loud. They could be educating people on our own traditions, etiquette, and comportment... most need that because muggle-borns and muggle-raised are all deemed to be rude, ignorant, and uncultured for not knowing. Potions is taught by a servant of Voldemort," the people in the shop gasped, "and 75% less people get OWLs and 90% less people pass their NEWTs."
Harriet, and even Malkin and her assistants were being persuaded... and even if half of that was true then Harriet couldn't trust Dumbledore or Hagrid at all.
"How come no one has stepped in and fixed all the damage?"
"Because Dumbledore is Headmaster, he's been a kindly grandfather figure for most of the current parents and has a great reputation from past victories, and most self-study so despite the complaints the problems remain. Dumbledore basically defeated the magical version of Adolf Hitler in a duel, so you can imagine the level of fame that grants him. I suspect that only Harriet Potter's own fame could match that and get any changes made at Hogwarts, but she'll probably be kept ignorant and compliant." Percy paused. "Sorry, I'm prone too ranting or preaching about matters that I feel strongly about."
"That's okay," Harriet replied. "Everyone should hear about this."
"That's you done, my dear," Madam Malkin informed Harriet.
Percy conveniently forgot to state his name or get Harriet's, but he had achieved his goal and Harriet was now doubting Dumbledore, Hagrid, and Dumbledore's people.
----
"Well done turning a child against Dumbledore," Arcturus commented in amusement once they returned home.
"Thank you," Percy replied. "I felt it a wise choice despite the fact that she'll eventually realize who I am and possibly be angry. It was worth it considering who I believe she is."
"Oh? Who do you believe she is?"
"Based upon the lightning bolt scar, I believe that was Harriet Potter. Isolating her from Dumbledore and his supporters and the followers of Voldy is important. Hopefully, Potter will disregard all of the key traits of Gryffindor House as worthwhile and be sorted elsewhere and cultivate traits that will allow her to question fathers lack of trial and the suspicious circumstances around him and perhaps father can be freed, get custody of her, and Potter can continue distrusting Dumbles along with Sirius." Arcturus was impressed by Perseus' forethought. If Harriet Potter asked for Sirius to have a trial then Sirius should get one.
"Have you changed your mind about casting out Sirius if he remains loyal to the Light and Dumbledore?" Arcturus asked.
"No, I haven't. If he remains to them loyal after that then he is mentally unfit to be my father or a member of House Black." Arcturus sighed, understanding his heirs position but wanting Sirius in House Black. Still, any division within House Black would weaken it and Perseus' actions would remove that, albeit at a great cost.
"I approve of your plans, Perseus, but please give Sirius a chance and make your expectations clear."
"I will," Percy replied.
"I reviewed your planned investments and have agreed with them. I believe that diversifying our investments into the muggle world will give us a lot of room for expansion and allow us to regain our place as the most wealthy noble house. Besides, you're only investing two million Galleons, which, while a large sum, leaves us with over eight million Galleons remaining." Arcturus spoke and Percy was pleased that he could use his future knowledge to his financial advantage unopposed.
Arcturus intended to let Percy work his plans to advance House Black's power and influence without any interference from him... Arcturus knew that he didn't have very long left and that Percy would need some independence in preparation.
----
It was September 1st and Percy was happily squared away on the Hogwarts Express in his lightly warded compartment. Percy had his minions and discreetly placed eavesdropping charms near the entrance to Platform 9 3/4s to let him know when Molly Weasley endangered the Statute of Secrecy to lure in Harriet Potter... Percy also had several Hogwarts graduates placed nearby as security to report any broken laws too, all under oaths of secrecy.
Why? Molly Weasley's actions were entirely too suspicious for Percy's tastes.
Eventually Percy heard Molly Weasley break the Statute and his smile was pure evil... Percy wanted some leverage to bring the Ancient House of Weasley into vassalage to counter their future resurgence.
Percy sent off the evidence to the DMLE and the Daily Prophet.
Percy was disturbed the first time by Hermione Granger, looking for Neville Longbottom's toad. Percy wasn't impressed by her and was in fact extremely disappointed.
Percy simply informed her that he hadn't seen a toad and coldly rebuffed her attempts at conversation and making friends... he never liked her personality while reading the books in his first life and it would be cruel to give her false hope by being welcoming.
Bored, Percy began using Magic Sense to locate victims to drain.
Dean Thomas was of above-average magical power for his age. Percy drained him of half of it.
Seamus Finnigan was slightly above-average. Percy drained him of half his power.
Justin Finch-Fletchley was average and was drained.
Ronald Weasley was above-average and was drained by over half.
Harriet Potter... she was well above-average and drained of half her power.
Percy could have drained more, but had already taken a lot and the more he did it the more likely he was too get caught. Their powers would replenish before they arrived at Hogwarts and Percy's actions would go undetected.
----
It was finally the time for the Sorting, an event that Percy had looked forward too for several years, and he would be sorted into either Ravenclaw or Slytherin...
And after Terry Boot was called, Percy was called up to the stool with whispers in the background about his surname. It was now publicly known that he was Sirius Black's son and he was groomed as House Black's heir and trained by the aging Arcturus Black as his chosen successor. Percy was quite amused by Draco Malfoy's glares, he was filled with jealousy, anger, hatred, and entitlement. There was nothing that they could do to reinstate Draco as an heir.
"Ah, such intelligence and ambition, yet you have all of the houses traits to excellent degrees and with few real flaws. But your ambition... the desire to surpass Merlin and Morgana and to be the absolute best there ever was and you actually demonstrating the will to achieve it and investing the effort... there is only one house for you and it's the one that you want.. my Lord. Ravenclaw!" The Sorting Hat said, shocking those who knew his house of birth. Only Ravenclaw applauded and they did so without any real enthusiasm.
Percy rose from the stool and went to join his new house, indifferent to the feelings of his inferiors.
Percy watched the rest of the sorting with disinterest. Percy was kind of saddened that Harriet Potter still went into Gryffindor. Dumbledore rose to his feet. He beamed at all of the students, his arms opened wide, like he wanted to hug everyone and knowing Dumbledore he probably would have actually done that if he was asked.
"Welcome!" he said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!" Dumbledore sat back down. Most clapped or cheered, but Percy merely gave Dumbledore a look of disdain. Percy began loading his plate with sausages, steak, fries, and ketchup.
"So, Black," Anthony Goldstein began nervously. "How are you related to the Black family? Most of them have died."
"Or are in Azkaban, yes," Percy replied, finishing his unspoken thought. "As for my father, he's Sirius Black. And yes I'm aware of his reputation."
"I thought Dark Wizards go into Slytherin," Michael Corner said stupidly.
"That's a common misconception. Morgan le Fay and Godelot were Ravenclaws. Emeric the Evil, Egbert the Egregious, and Barnabas Deverill were all Gryffindor's." Percy replied.
The rest of dinner and desert passed with pleasant conversation with everyone making the other first years feel welcome.
The feast ended and Dumbledore rose from his seat.
"Ahem - just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you. First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well." Dumbledore's twinkling eyes flashed in the direction of the Weasley twins.
"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridor."
"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch."
"And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death." Percy just raised an eyebrow as he felt a sudden urge to steal it for himself and render the Flamel's mortal.
"And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" Dumbledore cried. Dumbledore gave his wand a little flick and long golden ribbon flew out of it, which rose high above the tables and twisted itself, snakelike, into words. "Everyone pick their favorite tune, and off we go!"
Percy absolutely refused to sing and instead lip synced, once that was over he followed the Ravenclaw Prefect, Penelope Clearwater with the other first years.
Once they were inside they began to get settled in... Percy was thinking about his new plot.
He could easily get to the mirror with his abilities, but he needed a way to know if it was guarded. And that meant that he needed the Marauder's Map.
Percy began strategizing his theft and he decided to also copy the map and improve it... glad that members of the Ravenclaw house had private one person rooms.
----
Percy waited an hour before disillusioning, silencing, and masking his scent and then exiting his room while using Mage Sight and Magic Sense to locate any spells or enchantment that could do undo him.
Walking to Gryffindor Tower took Percy thirty minutes, entering was easy enough due to him knowing the password and being a Metamorphagus, and Percy was soon inside Fred, George's, Lee Jordan's, and Oliver Wood's room. Percy drew his unregistered wands and placed them into an even deeper sleep and then he began searching through Fred and George's mind for leads... quickly learning where the Marauder's Map was.
Once Percy retrieved the map he Obliviated the twins and Lee Jordan of all knowledge of it and the secret passages and then stole their Dungbombs and Stink Pellets and placed them all around Gryffindor Tower and even McGonagall's office and magically detonated them all from afar with a time delay spell before leaving.
Poor Gryffindorks, Percy mused before escaping.
Percy was pleased with his success and his new toy.
Percy would return to his dorm and sleep like a baby.
The next morning...
After eating his fill and being given his schedule by Professor Flitwick, Percy was notified that Headmaster Dumbledore wished to meet with him after breakfast. Percy had no problem with that, but he requested that Flitwick be there in accordance with the Hogwarts Charter.
"Ah, Mister Black," Dumbledore greeted, flanked by McGonagall and Snape.
"Headmaster," Percy returned.
"I've approved your requests to be exempt from classes where you've completed your OWLs and NEWTs, but your great grandfather didn't elaborate on why." Dumbledore said.
"Oh good. I'm always happy to insult people with their own tacit approval. You truly are a kind man." Percy replied. "History of Magic is essentially a waste of time. Binns puts his students to sleep and he has a 20% success rate where OWLs are concerned and 5% for NEWTs. I self-studied to free up wasted time and I have my OWLs and NEWTs in the subject. Defense Against the Dark Arts is rumored to be cursed and no expenditures have been made to have it uncursed. Instruction in it is inconsistent but is largely below average."
"And Potions?" Albus asked.
"Potions has 65% less people getting OWLs and 90% less people passing their NEWTs. It's the worst class offered here and I was under no illusions of getting treated like any other student by a victim of my fathers bullying when said victim has been mistreating students and being shamefully unprofessional for years." Snape moved to object, quite rudely, before Dumbledore quickly cut him off. "Hogwarts Board of Governors has received numerous complaints which you have been informed of and have done nothing about. Hogwarts is ranked 8th compared to the other big schools like it, but no changes have been made."
"Hogwarts is the best school in the world," McGonagall said seriously, causing Percy to explode into laughter.
"You actually think that? The problems with History of Magic and Defense Against the Dark Arts are more than enough to invalidate that claim, but when you factor in Potions and Divination the facts should be more than obvious. You can request the rankings like anyone else from the ICW."
"Then why hasn't anyone published this?" Flitwick asked.
"Because of him," Percy said, pointing lazily at Dumbledore. "The Defeater of Grindelwald, the only man who Voldemort ever feared, the Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Not many people would be willing to defame his name even when using the truth, facts, and evidence because few would believe their accusations purely due to who he is."
"You've given me a lot to think about," Dumbledore said, realizing that Percy's claims were likely the truth given the facts that he cited and the case against lacking classes. "Anyway you are exempt from Potions, History of Magic, and Defence Against the Dark Arts and are free to schedule mastery studies around the classes that you will be attending as requested by Lord Black." Percy nodded in reply. "Do you have any idea which Mastery you will pursue next?" Albus was quite surprised that Perseus Black was a Potions Master by age eleven and even more so by the praise heaped upon him by a proud Horace Slughorn.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts," Percy replied. "I want to master it to the highest possible degree."
Dumbledore nodded, thinking over something. Black wasn't truly Dark. Grey, yes, but not Dark. Perseus was extremely powerful for an eleven year old though and no doubt extremely ruthless, but there was hope that he could avoid going the way of his father, Bellatrix, or Tom. Perseus just needed guidance and some protection...
"Mister Black, how would you like to be my apprentice?" Dumbledore asked, shocking Snape, McGonagall, and Flitwick.
"I'd want to keep the rights to the theories, knowledge, and creations contained within my journals in regards to the Dark Arts and their counters," Percy returned, seeing Dumbledore's intent, and Dumbledore nodded in agreement.
"Headmaster are you really about to give another Black special treatment?" Severus asked in distaste.
"He has higher grades on his Defense Against the Dark Arts OWLs and NEWTs than myself, you, or even Voldemort," Dumbledore replied. "And there are very few people left who can teach him at the mastery level."
"It also gives the Headmaster a chance to watch me and know what I'm actually capable of," Percy pointed out, having read Dumbledore's intentions. Dumbledore was only mildly surprised that Percy discerned his intentions.
"Please," Snape drawled with a sneer. "You are no threat to him or any adult wizard."
"Please keep thinking that and feel free to spread that opinion around," Percy replied, seeing the value in the idiots underestimating him. If Snape wanted to underestimate him then that was fine... Percy could kill him far more easily.
"That will do Severus, you may go prepare for your classes," Dumbledore intervened when Snape was about to start an argument. Once Snape was out of the office, Dumbledore spoke. "Why do you have a problem with Professor Snape?"
"I have Eidetic Memory and I remember his voice from the attack on my family," Percy spat. "Would you like to know what he said that was so very memorable?" Dumbledore nodded. "He said 'There's Black's little bastard! Avada Ked-' yes, your supposed pet was willing to murder a toddler because of who his father was. Luckily he was stunned and I was rescued by a house-elf. I can provide a pensieve memory, if you'd like."
"I would like to see it, yes, but I can't allow you to kill him in revenge," Dumbledore said.
"Don't worry. My plans are all far more creative and entirely legal... besides, living with his sins is far more horrible. He stupidly caused the death of the woman that he was obsessed with and even believed that he loved... why would I free him from that suffering? He's trapped in a hell of his very own design and all I have to do is watch." Percy actually intended to undermine Snape's credibility and reputation and paint him as a weak coward who used his connections and manipulations to get positions and academic prestige that he didn't deserve.
After providing the memory, arranging for an apprenticeship contract to be drawn up, scheduling the testing of his abilities, and using Magic Sense on Albus Dumbledore, Percy left for his classes.
Dumbledore was extremely powerful.
Percy would need to be extra careful around Dumbledore and not fight him at Hogwarts or until after the Triwizard Tournament when his reputation took a major hit. Still, Percy now had an extremely valuable opportunity to learn from him and earn Dumbledore's trust, even if it was only limited.
Dumbledore would soon view the memory that Percy gave him and he would be horrified by the callous disregard that Snape had for the life of an innocent child. That act of cruelty would see Snape briefly compared to Voldemort by Dumbledore for his horribly cruel attempt at revenge.