Perseus Black

## Perseus Arcturus Black

* 1963
* 1967

"*Family can either be your greatest source of strength or your most vulnerable weakness, Percy. It takes strength to do what you do; accept loneliness instead of love in the face of injustice, especially from the ones you hold most dear to you, but you mustn't let it consume you. Forgiveness doesn't change the past, but it does enlarge the future.*"
―Silas Viridian describing Perseus' rare nature
**Perseus Arcturus Black** (born c. 1952), better known by the nickname '**Percy**', is an English pure-blood wizard. He is the first-born child of Regulus and Lyra Black, the older brother to Ophelia Black, cousin to Nova Black, and grandson to Alphard and Ophèlie Black (née Lestrange). Although he is the official heir to the House of Black, Perseus was often neglected by most members of his family— especially by his parents— in favor of his younger twin sister, Ophelia. This is largely due to the fact that unlike the other members of his family, Perseus doesn't believe in his family's notions of blood-purity; openly defying family tradition after being Sorted into Gryffindor instead of Slytherin upon his admittance into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1963.

At Hogwarts, Perseus became known as the odd one out from the Black family. While Perseus was at first reluctant to put in any effort into his education because he didn't want to live up to any further expectations from his kin, he nonetheless excelled in many of his classes and earned admiration from both teachers as well as students. Perseus became close friends with William Potter and Desmond Parker, and although he was Sorted into Gryffindor, made friends with numerous Slytherins as well, such as Nicholas Gaunt and Felizitas Crouch.

During his first year, Perseus became involved with numerous incidents that threatened the safety of the school as well, such as the mystery surrounding the Astronomy Tower and the disappearance of Professor Duneberry. Following Eleanor Paisley's death, Perseus became a part of the "The Godric Five" alongside William Potter, Desmond Parker, Adam Folwell and Olivia Harrington in his second year as members of the Circle of Godric. Next to uncovering the mystery of the Astronomy Tower, Perseus became even better known during his early years at Hogwarts by becoming the Seeker for the Gryffindor Quidditch team in 1965.

## Biography

### Early life (1952 - 1963)

#### Childhood

"*A cheerful and happy child, Perseus often ventured outdoors and played with Muggle children from his neighborhood - much to his parents' contempt. Even at a young age, Perseus was able to see past the differences between wizards and muggles, and despite all of his parents' attempts to make him adopt their stance on pure-blood supremacy, Percy would continue to play tag with his muggle friends as if he were truly one of them.*"
―A description of Perseus during his early childhood
**Perseus Arcturus Black** was born on 29 December, 1951 in the London Borough of Islington to Regulus and Lyra Black, both of whom were second cousins. His twin-sister, Ophelia Black, was born five hours later than Perseus. As Perseus' father, Regulus, was constantly occupied with his work at the British Ministry of Magic and his mother, Lyra, was constantly occupied with watching over Ophelia due to complications she suffered at birth, Perseus was neglected during the majority of his early childhood. While he received private home-schooling prior to his admittance at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and was raised to adopt the standards of pure-blood supremacy and his family, Perseus nonetheless rejected these values even from a young age. The neglect he suffered from his parents became the subsequent freedom which allowed Perseus to develop a moral compass of his own.

As the only living male heir of the House of Black, Perseus was held in great esteem by his grandfather and patriarch of the family, Alphard Black, from the moment he was born. After Ophelia was sent away following an incident with Muggles, and whispers had already spread through their family of Perseus' apparent differentiating views on the importance of blood status, Alphard took it upon himself to mentor Perseus. Although Alphard restricted Perseus from seeing his Muggle friends ever again, he did show kindness and understanding for his actions, and started acting as something of a father-figure to him.

Alphard's role in attempting to indoctrinate Perseus proved futile however, and as Perseus continued to demonstrate acceptiveness towards Muggles over-time, the relationship he had with most members of his family drastically disoriented; and he became known as the odd one out. Most notably his relationship with Ophelia, who had already started envying Percy for his close relationship with Alphard, suffered greatly due to Perseus' different views on the importance of blood-purity. The only one who Perseus still seemed to be on good terms with was his cousin, Nova Black, who had moved into 12 Grimmauld Place after her mother and Perseus' aunt, Luminosa Black, had fallen ill.

### Life at Hogwarts

#### First year (1963 - 1964)

"*It is very curious indeed that this wand has chosen you out of all people, Percy. Unique in its combination, it will only choose a wizard or witch with a conflicted nature, but whose talent is undeniable.*"
―Garrick Ollivander to Perseus at Ollivanders in Diagon Alley, 1963
Perseus, along with his sister Ophelia and mother Lyra Black, travelled to Diagon Alley on 4 August, 1963 in order to purchase for school supplies. As they entered the Leaky Cauldron, Perseus realized how famous his family actually was in the wizarding world. They were offered free drinks by the innkeeeper and were approached by several wizards and witches, including Perseus' soon-to-be-teacher at Hogwarts, Professor Desiderius Zonko, who wanted to express their respect. Perseus didn't understand it, and after being irritated when an unnamed wizard remarked to Perseus that he would do well in Slytherin, Perseus left the Leaky Cauldron on his own.

His first act was purchasing an eagle owl pet from the Eeylops Owl Emporium, which he named Hal. It was there that he first met Zachary Lestrange, and while there was a certain tension present between them, the two didn't interact with eachother directly. On the same day, Perseus also bought his first wand at Ollivanders. The wand that had chosen Perseus was made of hawthorn and possessed a phoenix feather core; which Garrick Ollivander remarked to Perseus that only a wizard of significant talent could master it. It was later revealed that Perseus' wand was also brothers with Nicholas Gaunt's wand, as both had phoenix feathers which came from the same creature.

The following month on 1 September, 1963 Perseus boarded the Hogwarts Express via Platform-Nine-and-Three-Quarters at King's Cross Station in London. His mother, Lyra, was there to see him and Ophelia off. During the trip, Perseus and Ophelia sat together and discussed their future at Hogwarts. While there was a certain tension between them, the two did enjoy some happy moments as they recalled events from their youth. Suddenly however, a lost cat walked into their cabin, followed by a boy named Jonathan Moxley. Jonathan introduced himself to Perseus and Ophelia, and while Ophelia wanted Jonathan and his cat to leave, Perseus felt pity for the boy after noticing the poor state of Jonathan's clothes.

Perseus invited Jonathan to sit with them during the remainder of the trip, until Chloe Yaxley screamingly entered their cabin looking for someone. Chloe apologized upon realising who Perseus and Ophelia were and introduced herself before leaving with Jonathan. About an hour later, an altercation between Perseus and Ophelia ensued after Ophelia read through his diary while Perseus was looking for the Honeydukes trolley to buy some candy. Perseus left their cabin, after which he encountered William Potter and Desmond Parker. Perseus sat with them for the remainder of their trip, and a close friendship between the three was formed.

Upon arriving, the new students were escorted to the castle by Professor Alex Layton, who explained the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, as well as the rules of the House Cup. Before Layton led the new students into the Great Hall, William Potter told Perseus that Layton was the Head of Slytherin House and was, in fact, Muggle-born.

##### The Sorting Ceremony

"*And as Perseus walked through the door of the Great Hall, he couldn't believe his eyes; it was as if it was the first time he had witnessed magic all over again. The hall was lit by thousands and thousands of candles that were floating in the air across four long tables, and as he looked upward, Perseus saw a velvety black ceiling dotted with countless of stars. To him, it was hard to believe there was a ceiling there at all, and that the Great Hall didn't simply open on to heaven.*"
―Perseus' first impression of the Great Hall at HogwartsWhereas all other members of the Black family were Sorted into Slytherin, Perseus was placed in Gryffindor upon his admittance into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1963. Although Perseus was initially proud of his Sorting into Gryffindor, it subsequently increased the already existing conflict he had with his family; afterwards leading him to question whether or not he had made the right decision. During the Welcoming Feast, Perseus sat with fellow Gryffindor students William Potter, Desmond Parker, and Genesis Cox. As they introduced themselves to eachother, the topic of the conversation soon switched to families, after which Perseus started distancing himself; realising the consequences he would soon have to face for having refused to be Sorted into Slytherin. It was at that very moment that an emergency took place in the castle that forced all students to spend the night in a common hall together. Confused about what could've caused the emergency, Perseus' curiousity was almost immediately sparked.

    Rather than obeying Professor Layton's orders, Perseus, William and Desmond tried to figure out a way to sneak out. Perseus mentioned that they would need a diversion in order to get away unseen, after which William and Desmond started a fight between fellow students Appius Malfoy and Elijah Brown. As the others made their way to the door, Perseus stood still; regretting his proposal of creating a diversion after watching the brawl escalate. Perseus decided to intervene and managed to break up the fight, though was scolded by Appius' sister, Irelia Malfoy, nonetheless.

The following day, Perseus attended his first lessons. In his first ever Potions class, Perseus found out through Nicholas Gaunt that he had become one of the school's main topics of gossip, as Nicholas explained to him that many Slytherins were dissatisfied with Perseus' Sorting into Gryffindor House. Conflicted, Perseus took a look around the classroom, and noticed Lucien Nott staring disdainfully at him. Before returning to finish his Cure-for-Boils potion, Nicholas then assured Perseus that he didn't think any less of him, and instead congratulated him on making his own choices. This is what truly defined the beginning of their friendship with eachother, though unbeknownst to both Perseus and Nicholas at the time, their friendship would lead to conflict on both sides later on.

##### **Godric Gryffindor's House**

**Zachary Lestrange**: "*The noblest thing one can hope for... determination. No doubt that is why you familiarize yourself with Perseus Black.*"
**Nicholas Gaunt**: "*Mhm? What are you getting at, Lestrange?*"
**Zachary Lestrange**: "*It's natural to want to cling to those who share similar values. Perseus Black is more determined than anyone here, even if he does not show it. Defying one's family... thousand year old traditions... all for the sake of one's own beliefs.*"
**Nicholas Gaunt**: "*...He is determined, yes. But there are other things that I value in him, and why I consider him a friend.*"
**Zachary Lestrange**: "*You trust him.*"
— Zachary Lestrange and Nicholas Gaunt discussing Perseus in the Slytherin Common Room, 1963
work in progress

##### **Hallowe'en Night**

"*Today, we acknowledge a truly... terrible loss. Professor Eleanor Paisley was, as you all know, exceptionally hard-working, extremely passionate... and, most importantly, a dearly beloved friend. For over twenty years, she taught the subject of Astronomy with a fierce passion... and while I believe me not being able to tell you the cause of her death to be an insult to her memory, I am reminded of a simple truth.*"
―Professor Alex Layton during the Funeral of Eleanor Paisley
work in progress

##### **Christmas at Hogwarts**

"*PERSEUS ARCTURUS BLACK! How dare you allow yourself to be placed in Gryffindor House? You know that it has been a family tradition since the dawning of time that members of House Black are placed in SLYTHERIN. You know fully well that the Sorting Hat takes PERSONAL PREFERENCE into account. I am deeply disappointed in you, and if it were up to me, you would be removed from Hogwarts right this INSTANT! Don’t hope for a merry Christmas this year, because when you get home, you will HEAR IT!*"
―Lyra Black's howler to Perseus in the Great Hall
work in progress

##### **The Marauders**

"*It wasn't until Perseus was struck with an Immobilization spell from down below that he saw a dark mist emerging from the staircase. More over, he was struck with the realization that, for a moment while he was up there, the wind had stopped blowing in his ears and the cold he had felt hadn't been that of the upper skies; it had come from within him. The black mist expanded from the staircase and it looked as though it moved with the severity of a cunning beast, brooding on its prey.*"
―Description of Perseus as he flew to the top of the Astronomy Tower during Flying class
work in progress

##### **12 Grimmauld Place**

"*The filthy blood-traitor returns. Mistress has told Kreacher about Young Master's betrayal of the most noble House of Black, but Kreacher did not dare believe it at first.*"
―Kreacher to Perseus upon his return home from Hogwarts
work in progress

## Personality and traits

"*... Another Black, hmm? Then naturally it'll be Slyth— oh, I see, yes — very interesting. Very interesting, indeed. You have a thirst for proving yourself, but I sense much resistance. I can see it troubles you deeply... but why? If only you would give in; you could accomplish great things, you know?*"
―The Sorting Hat looking into Perseus' mind
Perseus is described as a very compassionate and highly intelligent yet troubled young man. Although he was a sensible and kind-hearted child at first, Perseus gradually became more solemn as he grew older as a result of the problems he had with most members of his family. Despite his poor interpersonal skills growing up, Perseus unintentionally gained a lot of friends at Hogwarts, and people were noted to be naturally drawn towards him. Affable, Perseus is humble in nature and would often go out of his way to help others. Even to those he dislikes, Perseus is noted to be understanding and compassionate; in one occassion having cited that he *"pities house-elves"* despite his contempt for Kreacher. As the heir to one of the wealthiest and most prestigious pure-blood families in the world, Perseus lived a life of luxury; though did not exhibit the typical spoiled attitude of other pure-blood children such as his younger sister Ophelia or his cousin Nova. Evident in the family motto '*Toujours Pur*' (which translates to "Always Pure" in French), the House of Black strongly believed in pure-blood elitism, and although Perseus was raised and groomed in this environment, he seemed to reject these values even at a young age.

His ability to see past the differences between wizards and Muggles made Perseus stand out from many around him and, more impressively, enabled him to develop a moral compass of his own. However, Perseus' kind-hearted and selfless nature often conflicted with his desire to make his family proud, and Perseus would frequently question whether or not what he was doing was right. As his father was constantly occupied with his work at the British Ministry and Magic and his mother was occupied with watching over Ophelia, Perseus was often neglected by his family during his youth. However, his increasing loneliness came with its benefits, as it allowed Perseus to observe others from a distance without becoming emotionally or personally involved; rendering him to think and act without prejudice or preconceptions, instead evaluating things on their own merit. This also explained how Perseus was able to develop such a different view on his family beliefs at such a young age.

Perseus also possessed great instinctual and intuitive intelligence which allowed him to make impressive intellectual leaps, as he was able to decipher puzzles, mysteries and philosophies that even adults would have difficulty understanding. This seemingly innate talent made him prone to laziness however, and at first, Perseus would rarely put in effort into schoolwork as a result; deeming it unnecessary. Although this contradicted with his desire to make his family proud, it is assumed that Perseus didn't try his best at school to either gain attention from his parents or because he simply didn't want to live up to any further expectations anymore. These two extremes of his personality often clashed with eachother; leaving Perseus unable to express himself, which is one of the main reasons why he started keeping a journal.

## Physical appearance

Perseus is described as a handsome young man with long and thick dark brown hair, fair skin, and emerald green eyes. According to several wizards and witches familiar with his parents, Perseus inherited his good looks from his mother, Lyra Black. According to Professor Aberforth Huxley, Perseus looks like the spitting image of a young Sirius Black II. He is tall and well-built for his age, and has been described as having "*a slightly haughty look on his face with chiselled features*," though this vestige is an inherent attribute passed down to almost all members of the Black family. Felizitas Crouch once commented that Perseus was a "*magnet*", though Perseus was oblivious to what Felizitas meant. A painting of medieval Hogwarts teacher Professor Stump and an unnamed apparition of a ghostly Ravenclaw student exclaimed to Amelia-Reed Dubois that Perseus bore many resemblence to former Hogwarts student Gregory Davids.

His demeanor comes off as reserved and solemn. Befitting his personality, Perseus rarely speaks or expresses himself unless specifically asked or forced to do so. Where at first Perseus had been very social and open, the problems he experienced with most members of his family after speaking out against their pure-blood mania led him to try to avoid further conflict; hence explaining his current brooding yet collected persona. Perseus usually dresses himself in casual Muggle fashion: plain t-shirts and hoodies, denim jeans, and a pair of worn converse sneakers. He also wears a silver ring set with a moon crystal on the middle finger of his right hand, which was gifted to him by his parents.

## Magical abilities and skills

Perseus is a talented and determined young wizard. His magical potential was evident even prior to his admittance at Hogwarts: demonstrating immediate command of a broomstick at age nine. Garrick Ollivander also hinted towards Perseus' extraordinary magical potency, noting that the wand which was destined for him "*would only choose a wizard with a conflicted nature, but whose talent is undeniable."* While he has been noted to learn and master magical applications such as charms or transfiguration spells very quickly, Perseus disliked violence despite his apparent aptitude for duelling. Satisfying his pacifist nature, Perseus refused to sign up for the Duelling Club in his second year and instead opted to try out for the Gryffindor Quidditch Team, which he made it into as the Seeker.

* **Flying**: The first magical skill Perseus was confirmed to have an aptitude for. He had quick reflexes, and despite using an outdated broom, could keep up with newer and faster models. His talent for flying was apparently well-known, as fellow student Desmond Parker went out of his way to defend Perseus' case against older student Trevor Harrower, who was the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team in 1963.
* **Defense Against the Dark Arts**: Although Perseus had trouble with conjuring charms during his first year, he seemingly possessed a natural talent for spells relating to the Dark Arts. His investigation surrounding the mystery of the Astronomy Tower allowed him to observe Professor Alex Layton casting the Wand-Lighting Charm, which Perseus was able to mimick almost perfectly during his next class. Furthermore, Perseus was also able to master its counter-charm, the Wand-Extinguishing Charm. Additionally during his first year, Perseus mastered the Periculum spell.
* **Charms**: Although Perseus was initially unable to cast any spells properly due to a lack of concentration and clear mind, he was nonetheless able to master the Levitation Charm in only a few hours of practice after class. Evident to his magical aptitude, Perseus mastered the Box Blasting Spell, Opening Charm, Unlocking Charm, and Locking Spell during his first year as well. In his second year, Perseus was taught the Mending Charm by Nicholas Gaunt after having missed out on class.
* **Transfiguration**: Perseus accomplished the Match to Needle Spell in 1963, and demonstrated keen knowledge of the subject. Although Perseus' first attempt at the spell was futile, his second one was able to impress even Nicholas Gaunt, who remarked that Perseus' needle was almost perfect. Perseus was also able to perform the Beetle-into-Button Spell.
* **Potions**: During his first ever Potions class, Perseus was able to brew a perfect version of the Cure for Boils elixir without any prior experience in the subject, as well as the Wiggenweld Potion, the Sleeping Draught and the Herbicide Potion. Upon finishing the Herbicide Potion, Professor Imogen Mordecai told Perseus that it was his best creation yet. In his second year, Perseus was also invited to become a member of the Potions Club, though was kicked out after abruptly leaving one of the club's sessions upon learning that William Potter had awoken from his coma.

## Relationships

Due to his upbringing, Perseus had few connections in his early years. The only ones he truly interacted with were the members of his family, and the subsequent conflict he had with them led him to become a very repressed and withdrawn individual. With his introduction to Hogwarts however, Perseus' interpersonal skills greatly improved, and he seemed to befriend many students, even outside of Gryffindor, as well as teachers.

#### House of Black

##### **Alphard Black**

Of all the members of his family, Perseus seemed to connect with his grandfather, Alphard Black, the most. As the heir of the House of Black and the only person capable of continuing the family's male bloodline, Perseus was held in high esteem by Alphard; even after Perseus was sorted into Gryffindor instead of Slytherin. Due to the neglect he suffered from his parents, Perseus started looking up to Alphard as something of a father-figure.

##### **Regulus Black**

Perseus' relationship with his father has been described as "*non-existent.*" Perseus blames Regulus in particular for the falling-out between himself and Ophelia, believing Regulus to have brainwashed her into adopting his disdain for Muggles. Additionally, Perseus also resents his father for having been absent during the majority of his early childhood as Regulus was constantly occupied with his work and had little time to be there for his family; reinforcing Perseus' belief that this only strengthened Ophelia's desire to seek out their father's validation even more. Perseus' disliking of Regulus can even be interpreted as hatred, as Perseus deeply resents Regulus for leaving his mother alone most of the time.

##### **Lyra Black**

Perseus loves and cares deeply for his mother. He noticed that Lyra isn't as devoted to their family's stance on pure-blood supremacy like the others, which is why he feels the most comfortable and safe around her. Nonetheless, Perseus also resents her for having neglected him during the majority of his early childhood, though understands that this wasn't entirely her fault; as Ophelia needed more attention and extra care than himself. After being Sorted into Gryffindor however, the relationship between Perseus and his mother drastically disoriented; over the summer holidays, Lyra didn't say one word to him.

##### **Ophelia Black**

Despite Perseus and Ophelia being twins and deemed almost inseperable during their early childhood, their relationship turned somewhat antagonistic following Perseus' Sorting into Gryffindor House instead of Slytherin. Even prior to this, a rivalry between them ensued as Alphard Black took more of a liking towards Perseus, whom Ophelia greatly looked up to as her role model. As Perseus started openly disagreeing with their family beliefs, the conflict between the two siblings only increased, but it never made Perseus any less loving or protective over Ophelia. This was never more evident than during their time at Hogwarts, where despite the many times the two siblings stood opposite of eachother, Perseus looked out for her regardless. It was his forgiving nature that allowed Ophelia to manipulate Perseus and subsequently take advantage of him on numerous occassions, though as time passed by, Perseus would slowly start seeing through her dubious acts; distancing himself further from her and the rest of their family.

##### **Nova Black**

While Nova was closer with Ophelia than she was with Perseus during their early childhood, Perseus still loved her dearly. Out of all the members of the Black family, Perseus felt safest with her because she didn't resent him for his different views. At Hogwarts, their relationship greatly improved as Nova had also broken tradition by being Sorted into Ravenclaw instead of Slytherin, and she often provided him with consolement and support whenever Perseus struggled with the other members of their family. Following the summer of 1964, Perseus started thinking very highly of Nova and often confided in her, which Nova also did with him.

##### **Kreacher**

The male house-elf of the House of Black, Kreacher is extremely devoted to all members of the family, including Perseus, though the bond between Perseus and Kreacher was arguably the weakest of them all. Kreacher mimicked and adopted the family's pure-blood supremacist values, believing he should only serve pure-blood wizards; as such, he often accused Perseus of being a blood-traitor. Perseus resented Kreacher for this, but understood that he was only the product of what his family wanted him to be. Regardless, Perseus treated Kreacher with more kindness than any of the other Black family members, which in turn earned him Kreacher's silent admiration.

#### The Marauders

##### **William Potter**

One of Perseus' companions in Gryffindor House, Perseus regards William to be one of his closest friends. They first met eachother at Diagon Alley briefly before the start of their first year at Hogwarts, and also sat with eachother during the trip on the Hogwarts Express. Perseus thinks highly of William, though is often conflicted on his approach to certain situations, as seen when Perseus decided to intervene and break up a fight between Appius Malfoy and Elijah Brown, which was started by both William and Desmond Parker. Perseus trusts William deeply and would go to great lengths to protect him, as seen when William suffered a seizure after receiving a vision. For over a month, Perseus sat by William's bed in the hospital wing every day and took care of him alongside Desmond Parker and Adam Folwell.

##### **Desmond Parker**

Another of Perseus' companions in Gryffindor, Perseus counts Desmond amongst his closest friends. As both lived relatively close to eachother in London, it became clear ever since their first meeting that they shared many similarities. Their friendship developed accordingly, and it didn't take long before a certain brotherhood was formed between them. While Perseus often spoke out against Desmond for his disliking of Nicholas Gaunt, Perseus arguably trusted Desmond more than anyone despite their frequent disagreements.

##### **Olivia Harrington**

Though Perseus doesn't know Olivia well, he does seem to trust her. After she paved the way for him and the other Marauders to enter the Gryffindor common room unseen and kept their secret of having stolen brooms from Professor Harkness during their first year, Perseus started regarding Olivia as a friend.

##### **Adam Folwell**

Because Perseus saw Desmond Parker as one of his closest friends, Perseus accepted Adam into the Marauders without question after Desmond proposed him for membership. Though this indicated some level of trust for Adam, Perseus didn't start viewing Adam as a friend until their second year at Hogwarts when Adam proved himself to him by sticking up for Perseus after his falling-out with William Potter.

#### Friends

##### **Nicholas Gaunt**

Even though Perseus was Sorted into Gryffindor and Nicholas was Sorted into Slytherin, Nicholas was one of the first and only friends Perseus made at Hogwarts. The two first met eachother at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley in the summer of 1963, and it became clear to both that they shared many similarities with eachother. The connection Perseus had with Nicholas only strenghtened over-time, and it didn't take long before the two were almost deemed inseparable.

##### **Jonathan Moxley**

Perseus first met Jonathan during the train ride on the Hogwarts Express in 1963. Although Perseus was aware of the circumstances regarding Jonathan's past and the incident with the Moxley family, Perseus never expressed any preconceptions or prejudice against Jonathan and treated him with kindness. Although there was a certain tension present between them during the beginning of their careers at Hogwarts, Perseus started considering Jonathan a friend and appreciated his honesty and willingness to work together in order to solve the mystery surrounding the Astronomy Tower.

##### **Amelia-Reed Dubois**

Despite knowing very little about Amelia and having only truly interacted with her once during their first year, Perseus started to feel somewhat comfortable around her after Amelia stood up for him in the Great Hall after Perseus was being harrassed by his sister Ophelia Black for being Sorted into Gryffindor instead of Slytherin. While not directly showing it most of the times, Perseus feels shy and out of place around her due to her unnatural beauty. This unexplainable feeling only heightened over-time, and while Perseus was aware of his apparent affectionate feelings for Amelia, he never acted on them; constantly trying to uphold his reserved and solemn demeanor towards her. Perseus secretly views her as the brightest witch he has ever met, and is not only captivated by her flawless beauty but by her selflessness and kind-hearted nature as well.

##### **Robin Blayney**

Perseus first met Robin during their second year after Perseus had become Professor Jacob Harkness' assistent in the Flying Club. Robin asked Perseus for help with improving his flying skills to which Perseus agreed. During their training sessions together, it became clear that the two shared many similarities with eachother, after which Perseus started viewing Robin as a friend.

#### Gryffindor House

##### **Genesis Cox**

Upon being Sorted into Gryffindor, Genesis was one of the first friends Perseus made at Hogwarts. Perseus appreciates her sense of humour and enjoys her company. When Perseus' mother, Lyra Black, sent a howler to him in his first year, Genesis provided Perseus with support and spent many nights staying up with him in the Gryffindor common room. Perseus deeply appreciated her for doing so as he didn't want to be all alone, and returned the favour by helping Genesis get through the nightmares she suffered during her dreams.

##### **Faylinn Grey**

Alongside the Marauders, Faylinn is one of Perseus' closest friends in Gryffindor House. The two spent many moments together during their first and second years at Hogwarts, after which Perseus started thinking very highly of her. Perseus appreciates Faylinn for her gentle soul and her trust in him, as Faylinn confided her family history to Perseus. During their second year however, Perseus learned from Desmond Parker that Faylinn had apparently developed feelings for Perseus after Desmond was told so by Genesis Cox. Because Perseus hasn't confronted Faylinn about this yet, it hasn't affected their friendship so far.

##### Bartram Sharp

Perseus met Bartram during his first year. Though the two were on friendly terms whenever they saw eachother, Perseus didn't start viewing Bartram as a friend until their second year. Through their mutual passion for Quidditch, a friendship was formed between them and the two were often seen hanging out together after class.

#### Others

##### **Zachary Lestrange**

Briefly before the start of his first year at Hogwarts, Perseus met Zachary at the Eeylops Owl Emporium in Diagon Alley as he was purchasing for school supplies. Although the two didn't interact with eachother, there seemed to be a certain tension between them. Unbeknownst to Perseus however, Zachary had secretly sworn an Unbreakable Vow to Alphard Black that would force him to prioritize the lives of Perseus and his sister Ophelia above his own.

##### **Irelia Malfoy**

Irelia's outspoken prejudice for Muggles, Muggle-born, Squibs and blood-traitors led Perseus to dislike her ever since their first meeting. Perseus' perception of Irelia remained the same throughout their first year at Hogwarts, though this seemingly changed in their second year. After learning about Irelia's newfound friendship with Genesis Cox and talking to her about it as Irelia became one of the school's main topics of gossip following an article written by the Hogwarts Chronicles, Perseus' perception of Irelia changed and he became indifferent towards her; neither liking nor disliking her. When Irelia later apologised to Perseus for her comments on Muggles in their first year, Perseus started thinking in a more positive light about her.

##### **Elijah Selwyn**

Although Elijah was Sorted into Ravenclaw, Perseus was acquainted with him even prior to their first meeting at Hogwarts. While they are not close with eachother, Perseus nonetheless showed kindness towards Elijah by helping him brew the Wiggenweld Potion without expecting anything in return. The two became somewhat closer with eachother after Elijah expressed admiration for Perseus by helping him overcome his fear of flying.

##### Isa Shafiq

Perseus looks up to Isa and admires him for his academic pursuits as well as his talent in flying. He appreciates Isa's kindness and understanding nature and generally considers him to be a friend, but because Perseus has never actually interacted with Isa personally, Perseus sees him more as an acquaintance.

##### Lucien Nott

While Perseus didn't think very highly of Lucien at first because of his fight with Nicholas Gaunt, Perseus' perception of Lucien started changing after noticing that he, in fact, shared many similarities with him: both were outsiders of their respective Houses at Hogwarts and both rebelled against their family's doctrines. Though he has never properly interacted with Lucien directly, Perseus deeply respects him for standing up for his principles.

## Possessions

As the heir of one of the wealthiest pure-blood wizarding families in Britain, Perseus lived a life of luxury; though did not exhibit the typical spoiled attitude known to others from his environment. Alphard Black personally set up a vault at the Gringotts Wizarding Bank in Perseus' name, which Perseus used to accodomodate for his daily life during his time at Hogwarts. Desmond Parker, who accompanied Perseus to Gringotts briefly before the start of their first year, noted that Perseus' vault was "*loaded with gold.*" Evident to his humble nature, Perseus preferred the outdated and used Silver Arrow broomstick over the newer and more luxurious Cleansweep models, which he could easily afford. As the eldest child of Regulus and Lyra Black, and the only male descendant of Alphard Black, Perseus was the first in line to inherit the Grimmauld Place and the subsequent family fortune.

### Magical possessions

* **Perseus' Wand**: 10¾" long, Perseus' first wand is made of Hawthorn wood and contains a Phoenix feather core. It was manifactured at Ollivanders, which Perseus purchased briefly before the start of his first year at Hogwarts. The wand is described as being naturally adept at curses, suitable for healing magic, and capable of the greatest range of magic. Perseus' wand was also ''brothers'' with Nicholas Gaunt's wand, as both had cores with feathers from the same Phoenix.
* **Silver Arrow**: a broomstick produced by broom-maker Leonard Jewkes during the 1920s, it is the forerunner of the Cleansweep racing brooms. Although it is regarded to be an outdated model in current times, Perseus has commented that "*it is perfect for both speed and balance.*" Coincidentally, the model shared the same name as the first Muggle-made racing cars by Mercedes-Benz.

### Personal belongings

* **P.A. Black's Diary**: a simple journal in which Perseus started to write down his feelings and thoughts after he became unable to express himself with his family following the conflicts he had with them by rejecting their beliefs in blood-purity.
* **Lapis Lazuli Ring**: also known as a Moonring, is one of two identical rings which was given to Perseus by his parents; the other to his sister, Ophelia. Made out of silver, the ring is set with a moon crystal that often appears to radiate a white light.

### Pets

* **Hal**: Perseus' eagle owl pet, which he purchased at the Eeylops Owl Emporium in Diagon Alley briefly before the start of his first year at Hogwarts in 1963. Hal is recognisable by her large size, jet-black feathers, piercing yellow eyes and black beak.

## Etymology

Like all Black family members, Perseus was traditionally named after a constellation. The name derives from the mythological Greek hero Perseus (*Περσεύς*), who shares many similarities with Perseus himself. The name Perseus comes from the Greek verb '*πέρθειν*', which according to Homeric epithets, translates to either "*ravage*" or "*destroy*". The constellation is located in the Northern Celestial Hemisphere, where Perseus' middle-name, *Arcturus*, also derives from. Arcturus was the brightest star in the constellation Boötes. The combination of the two names is an oxymoron of sorts, as it relates to "*the light*" within the "*void*"; an allusion to Perseus' rebellion against the Black family.

## Trivia

* During his early childhood, Perseus wanted to become a professional Quidditch player for the English National Quidditch Team.
* Perseus' favourite magical creature is the Pegasus, whom he relates to because of the association with his namesake.

## Gallery

— A capture of Perseus Black and William Potter, taken during their third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.— A capture of the Marauders visiting William Potter in the hospital wing, 1964.