The True Halv Blood Prince

Percy had been grilled by superiors before. From childhood and early schooldays, to Camp, to the Academy, he had spent probably ninety percent of life trying to explain or justify his actions to people more important to him. So, it was safe to say that he was something of an expert on getting chewed out. At least, that had been the case until he met Abigail Freeman. As it turned out, not only did Percy not write the book on getting grilled, he hadn't even started the first chapter.

After spending an hour talking to Freeman, showing her the recording, and quintuple checking to make sure he had done everything right, the pair took a portkey to Hong Kong, the current headquarters for the leadership of the ICW. Percy then spent the next 6 hours getting his ass raked raw by every representative, diplomat, head of state, and even the odd janitor over what he had discovered. Of course, all of this was kept thoroughly under wraps and the representatives from the British delegation weren't notified in the slightest.

It was nearly five in the morning before Percy was dismissed, so that the security council could begin discussing what should be done. He wasn't too offended by that; he was not much of a big picture guy. He'd had his own taste for real leadership and authority in the past, He'd like to think it was something he'd done well, but it was also an experience that he had no desire to attempt to replicate either. However, his dismissal by the rich and powerful did not mean that he could go home and sleep. Almost as soon as Percy had been dismissed, he had been immediately cornered again, only that time by Albus Dumbledore. He politely requested, or ordered, Percy's presence at Dumbledore's office at Hogwarts.

While there were rumors, he was on the outs with Confederation, Dumbledore was still the Supreme Mugwump, and when the Supreme Mugwump asks you for a private meeting in his personal office, you're not exactly going to say no. So, after three cups of coffee, and some of the good man's candy, Percy spent another three hours talking with the leader of the magical world.

He learned some real interesting shit.

Apparently, the man had led a quasi-guerilla organization during Voldemort's last uprising.

And in Percy's opinion, they hadn't really done a good a job.

It had been apparent for a number of months that Dumbledore was a firm believer in Potter, well before Percy had begun his own investigation. What was not apparent was that almost immediately after the night of Voldemort's supposed resurrection, the good professor had reassembled the aforementioned guerilla organization and had begun planning. Which was how Percy spent the majority of his morning, listening to Dumbledore pitch his organization, and attempting to coerce Percy into joining.

Percy was tempted, although perhaps not for the reasons Dumbledore wished. The group was clearly ahead of the curve on the entire ordeal, and likely had some valuable information that would be invaluable. Additionally, it would save Percy an added step of assembling his own coalition. He was more than aware of the kind of task that was likely ahead of him, and it wouldn't be the first time he was forced to wage an underground war.

If he were assigned to the job, there would be a laundry list of tasks and assignments he would need to complete. First among which, would have been the acquisition of alliances. Having an easy in, with a group dedicated to completing his exact job, would have been a no brainer, if not for one minor hang-up.

He hadn't officially been given the job yet.

His orders prior to coming over to England, were to simply look into the rumors surrounding Potter's accusation and report back to the ICW. Percy didn't think anybody, including himself, had actually expected what Potter to be saying was true, and so he didn't have any actual orders about what was going to happen next. Aside from wait and see what the Confederation decided.

But Percy had never really been the kind of guy to wait around. And more importantly, he didn't like bullies. Everything that he had seen and studied about this side of the planet had illustrated that the wizarding world was full of them. There were simply too many people who thought that just because they could use magic, it automatically made them superior to everyone else. It had been like that back home too, at least before the war. Then there was Potter, a seemingly good kid caught in a real crappy situation.

Percy knew what that was like, and he could sympathize. Mostly because he knew that no matter what happened, the kid was going to be a target. He needed some serious help, someone to help steer him in the right direction. He wouldn't be getting that from Dumbledore. Percy respected the man for what he had accomplished and all he had done, but something about the way he had been treating this whole Voldemort situation did not sit well with Percy.

So, he decided that it would better to ask for forgiveness from his superiors rather than permission. After all, it wasn't like Percy was really all that able to decline a thinly-veiled order from the head of the ICW, even if Percy's direct superiors were the Security Council, and they were an altogether independent branch of the Confederation. So, Percy agreed to Dumbledore's request, and after a brief pit stop at his apartment to shower, change his clothes and update Potter and the general idea of what was going on, he departed once again. Before Percy had left, Dumbledore had handed his note with the address of his organization's meeting location. "Order of the Phoenix" was certainly not the kind of name he would have come up with, but who was he to criticize.

Bob hadn't exactly been a beacon of originality.

Ultimately, the constant running around culminated in Percy sitting in a small kitchen, in what could only be described as a former evil lair, crammed between an accused serial killer and a woman who looked like she just left a Nirvana concert. People were chatting with one another as they waited for Dumbledore to arrive, and every once in a while, Percy would catch someone staring at him out of the corner of his eye. He assumed that the group had been together long enough, and was personable enough to know when there was a new guy around. That wasn't to say that they weren't nice though. There was a little round woman scurrying around the kitchen who placed the single largest, and most fantastic smelling breakfast in front of Percy. He thanked her profusely and introduced himself, she smiled warmly, the kind of smile that only mothers have and told his she was Molly Weasley. She introduced her two sons, Charlie and Bill, as well as her Husband Arthur.

When He told her his name however, she seemed to jump a little, and looked almost like she was going to break down right then and there. She all but ran away at the first opportunity, leaving Percy alone, and confused, with his breakfast, feeling equal parts confused, and like an asshole. The man next to him, who he recognized as Sirius Black, famous mass murderer of 12 no-maj a little over a decade ago, laughed and patted Percy on the back.

"Don't pay her any mind lad, it's nothing you did." Percy did his best not let the fact that confused he was over how and why the man next to him was even there, when the man was supposed to be Voldemort's right-hand show on his face.

"Then what was that all about? She looked like I killed her dog or something." The answer came not from Sirius, but rather from across the table. He thought it was the one Molly had introduced as Bill, he had longer hair of the two red-headed men at the table, and an earring of some kind of bone in one ear.

"It's our brother. His name's Percy too and well…things between him and mum have been…"

"Utter dragon shite." Finished the man next to him, who had to have been Charlie.

Bill laughed and nodded, saying, "He works for the ministry, same as dad, right? 'Cept he works for the Minister's office and the Minister has been looking for a reason to get dad sacked for ages now. So, when he gets this great new job, he come's home-"

"Like the most pompous arsehole you've ever seen" interjects Charlie

Bill nodded again, "And he and dad get into it over their work. Long and the short of it was that Percy moved out and isn't speaking to anyone from the family. Mum is right torn up about it. She didn't mean anything to you, it's just-"

"She can't help it, I get it." Percy understood, "And for what it's worth I'm sorry for all of that. Seems like a pretty bad situation."

Charlie just shrugged, "Percy's always had his head up his own arse, he'll come 'round eventually. Nothing to do about it now though."

Percy just nodded reluctantly, before his attention was demanded by the woman next him. Grabbing hold of his arm she twisted him around to face her. She was pretty, all things considered, with a soft, heart-shaped face and elegant features. But what was really eye catching was the mess of shocking pink hair sported on her hair. The woman eyed him up and down, saying,

"So, you're a Yank wizard eh? What's it like over there? You guys are a rather secluded lot. We don't hear much about goings on across the pond. Did you go to Illvermorney? What's it like? 'Betcha Hogwarts is better, nothin' can beat Hogwarts I can promise you that."

Percy's head spun slightly as he tried to comprehend the battery of questions. The damn woman talked at a mile a minute. Black let out a laugh, something that sounded much more like a bark than an actual laugh.

"Might want to tone it down a touch for the poor lad Nymphadora. I don't think the poor man can understand what you're saying, much less actually respond to it."

To Percy's surprise, the woman's, Nymphadora, hair shifted. Turning from a bright, bubblegum pink, to neon red as her face contorted in anger.

"I told you" she ground out, "Not to call his that." She then shifted her attention back to Percy, and he discretely fingered the holster of the handgun hidden on his waist. "The name's Tonks. Just Tonks. Got it?" Percy was suddenly second guessing his decisions to join the organization, the people involved seemed a touch unhinged.

He raised a hand in surrender. "Totally get it. I hate my full name too, no need to get hostile here." That seemed to pacify her, if the changing of her hair back to bubblegum pink was any indication.

"Good man." Then her eyes narrowed again, "But you seem to be avoiding my questions."

Percy just rolled his eyes as he spooned another little piece of heaven into his mouth. Molly could run away from him all she wanted if it meant he could enjoy stuff like this. When he finished his chewing, he swallowed and responded.

"In order, I think anyway. No, I am not a wizard. Same as here, I guess? You got bad people, good people, and people in the middle. No, I didn't go to Ilver-whatever the hell you called it, and don't know and for that matter I couldn't care less."

Tonks seemed shocked by the statement. So too were the rest of the occupants if the sudden stunned silence was anything to go by. "What the hell do you mean you're not a wizard?"

Percy rolled his eyes. "Pretty sure it means I can't do magic. You know, the definition of being a wizard. Or, at least not magic as you understand it,"

"So…what. You're like a squib or something?" She asked,

"Nope," He replied, "no magic in his or anyone in my family, to my knowledge anyway."

"You're a muggle?" someone in the room asked, sounding utterly incredulous.

"The hell's a muggle?" And why did the man's tone make that sound so damn degrading?

A tall, wiry man, with almost sickly pale skin and large circles under his eyes responded with the air of a man who had once been in education. "A muggle is simply someone who does not have magic. I believe in your part of the world, you use the term, no-maj."

Percy frowned, because that wasn't entirely an accurate description, it also sounded painfully racist. "Not exactly accurate. I can't use a wand, and frankly have no desire to, but I wouldn't exactly say I'm a no-mag,"

"Why's that then?" asked a hunched looking man over in the corner. "If it looks like a muggle, talks like a muggle, and can't do magic, then it's a thrice damned muggle." By the end of his little rant, the little man was almost shouting. Percy had no idea where that kind of aggression was coming from, but he was not exactly thrilled with the man's tone. He had something of an axe to grind, and Percy was going to have none of it. It was time for a powerplay.

"Call me that, one more time." Percy said slowly, rising out my chair. "And see what happens."

The little man just smirked and shared a look with the guy on his right, or at least tried to, the man sitting next to him was doing his best not to look him square in the eye. "Like I'm going to be scared of some muggle, what are you gonna-"

Before he could get another word out, Percy flashed a hand outward. Cutting across the front of his chest in a horizontal manner. Channeling his power with the movement, the water in the man's goblet rose out of the cup, and shot towards the man's face. As it flew, Percy rapidly cooled the water. The water landed in a splash around the man's mouth, before freezing completely, shutting the man up.

His eyes widened, as he desperately clawed at his face with his hands, in a fruitless attempt to clear of the ice, he scrambled for a wand, but Percy was too fast. Kicking out with one foot, he shot a small gust of wind from the tip of his boot, which knocked the man out of his chair. He collided harshly with the back wall, and would have fallen to the floor, had Percy not caught him. The second the gust of wind had left his foot, Percy had vapor travelled through the table. An unnecessary use of power for such a menial task, but he was trying to make a point.

Catching the man by the front of his shirt, Percy channeled some of the mist into his eyes, making them appear as though they were clouded white and pupiless. Wrapping one hand around the man's frozen mouth, Percy leaned in close,

"It's men like you, why I hate you magicals. You're gifted with a miniscule amount of power, and you think it makes you the gods' gift to humanity. Allow me to set the pecking order," Reaching out with one hand, Percy summoned a circling whirlpool of water in his hand,

"Want to see what happens if I shove this in your ear?" He asked, rhetorically.

The man shook his head wildly, his screams and wails of fear muffled by the frozen wall around his lips. Scoffing, Percy shoved the man back against the wall,

"I was told this group was about enacting real, positive change. If you'd rather lord over your abilities over others, that's the other camp. I suggest you remember that, next time you want to say something stupid," Without another word, Percy turned his back, and walked back towards his seat. Waving his hand nonchalantly over his shoulder as he did so. The water around the man's lips disappeared, and he spluttered shakily, and collapsed down the wall.

"Hell of a way to make an entrance." Black muttered to him as a pair of individuals led the man away from the table, "Then again maybe it was a long time coming. Old Sturgis has been getting a wee bit big for his own britches lately. The name's Sirius, by the way, Sirius Black." He extended a hand which, after a second Percy shook.

"Look" Percy asked, rather awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck, "I gotta ask"

"It wasn't me." He said simply, knowing exactly what it was Percy was about to ask. "It was a man by the name of Peter Pettigrew. He betrayed James and Lily and tracked him down for it. I cornered him, he blew up a street block and killed all those people, not his." Percy nodded; he didn't need to hear any more.

"If these people trust you than I do too." He nodded noncommittally at that.

"How is he? How's Harry? How's he handling everything?" At Percy's look he answered, "I'm his godfather." While that raised a lot more questions, namely what the hell the man was doing chasing traitors rather than raising his godson, it did answer a few.

Percy finished another mouthful of food in his mouth before he responded, "He's been taking it in stride. He's at my safe house right now. Hopefully watching some TV and eating poorly and more importantly, not doing his homework." Black barked out a laugh and a large grin threatened to split his face in two.

"You know, I reckon I could come to like you" he said cheekily. Percy winked conspiratorially at him in response and from Black's side the pink haired woman groaned.

"Bloody hell there are two of them now."

"No need to sound so upset little Dorie" Black said cheekily, "I'm simply making nice with our newest friend."

"All you ought to be making nice with is business end of my wand you tosser."

The bickering stopped abruptly as the door to the kitchen opened and two figures entered the dining room. Percy knew the first one to enter, Dumbledore's stature and unusual dress always stood out even among wizards. The second man to enter, however, was an unknown.

All noise in the room effectively died the moment the two men walked into the room. All eyes rounded to watch the two as they made their way around the table. Dumbledore taking the place at the head of the table.

As soon as Dumbledore was seated, Molly materialized, seemingly out of nowhere, with a plate of food in her hands.

"Wonderful as always Molly" Dumbledore said kindly, his eyes twinkling. Molly immediately reddened out of embarrassment. Mumbling a humbled thank you in response, she bustled over to the other side of the table and took her place next to her husband. Instead of diving right into his home however, Dumbledore just steeple his hands together and addressed the room at large.

"As most of you are likely aware, earlier last night young Harry was attacked by a pair of dementors, only a few blocks away from his relatives." Nobody responded to the news, it was why most of them believed that they were meeting in the first place. "Luckily, young Harry was able to ward off the creatures, thanks to the help of our newest member, Perseus Jackson." He said, pointing in Percy's direction. "Please join his in welcoming him." There was brief, and hesitant applause from those present. It was awkward and he could feel a slight warmth on his cheeks.

"Mr. Jackson," said Dumbledore, ignoring his obvious discomfort, "Come's to us from the United States. He was here working on behalf of the ICW. He performed an interview with Mr. Potter late last night and earlier this morning was interviewed by the entirety of the ICW grand council about what he had discovered." Everyone in the room now was listening with baited breath. It was beyond rare for the Grand Council to convene as one body. More than that, if the ICW was taking the accusations of Dumbledore and Harry seriously then there was hope that they could actually win the war.

Dumbledore continued, "After several hours of intense discussion, the council came to several decisions. Firstly, there will be no official declaration by the Confederation recognizing Voldemort's return" There was an outcry at that by nearly everyone in the room. Bill, Charlie, Tonks, and Black were all on their feet shouting incoherently. The only ones remaining quiet, were Percy, Dumbledore, and the scarred one-eyed man hiding in the corner.

Percy had been honestly expecting the announcement. By acknowledging Voldemort's return, the ICW sacrificed any advantages it might have for no gain. By allowing Voldemort to maintain his secrecy, it kept things quiet. If Voldemort thought he had the advantage then he would do everything to keep it that way. Furthermore, Percy knew that Dumbledore knew what Voldemort's plans were, meaning right now he was predictable. Meanwhile, because Voldemort didn't know that the Confederation knew he was back, meant that he wouldn't be pushing the ICW or pursuing Percy and his team. They could operate essentially in secret, striking him when he least suspected it. Furthermore, if he thought he had the advantage, it meant that he wasn't actively killing people, which was always a good thing in Percy's book.

Dumbledore allowed for the ruckus to continue for another few moments before he raised his hands for silence. Immediately silence fell around the room and not for the first time Percy was struck by just how referential people were around Dumbledore. In a lot of respects, it was rather terrifying. To have this kind of blind devotion from people was enough to be more than a little unsettling.

"I know that it seems as though we are being abandoned, but I assure you, that this is the correct action." Again no one said anything, and nobody questioned the man. However, to Percy's surprise Dumbledore went on to explain the rationale behind it. "The ICW also decided to indefinitely enlist the services of Mr. Jackson. He will be instrumental in our efforts to defeat Lord Voldemort and his forces. He has more experience than anyone in this room, including himself, leading military campaigns. I hope you all will do your best to listen to him and help him adjust."

Again, nobody seemed to respond to that. His demonstration earlier was still seemingly fresh in their minds. "I will also be stepping down effective immediately as Chief Mugwump." This declaration was hist with another round of uproars. Again, Dumbledore allowed the rumblings to last for a few minutes before raising his hands, and demanding silence once again. "This is what must be done. I cannot properly lead this organization, be headmaster, and Supreme Mugwump all at once. Beyond these reasons, Voldemort will think that he is getting everything he wishes for. The more we throw him off balance the easier we will be able to do what must be done."

At this point, Percy finally felt the need to raise his hand and ask a question that had been on his mind for some time.

"Yes Mr. Jackson." Dumbledore said,

He shifted a little uncomfortably in his seat as all eyes in the room turned to look at him. "Yeah, so I was just wondering. What exactly, have you guys been doing to, you know, actually fight back.? Are you following his supporters? Planning raids? Do you know who their financers are or how they're affording to pay for an a himself?" Percy had more questions but for whatever reason, he felt compelled to stop at that.

Dumbledore paused for a moment as he collected his thoughts. "We are doing what we can to garner support. Remus," he gestured to the pale man towards the end of the table. "Is working on courting the werewolves to our side and we have another pair on our side working on garnering support with the giants." At the mention of giant's Percy felt his blood freeze as his mind went numb. It took several seconds for him to control himself. As he did, he realized that Dumbledore was still talking, "We are focusing the majority of our efforts however, on protecting something hidden deep within the Department of Mysteries in the Ministry." Percy waited for Dumbledore to say more on the subject, but he didn't.

Percy looked around, waiting for someone else to jump in and say something, but nobody did. "Is that it?" He asked hesitantly. Unable to belief by how little the group seemed to actually be doing.

Dumbledore chuckled softly at him, and looked at Percy almost pityingly. "My boy, what else would you have us do? We know exactly what he wants and why. We have it protected and we are pursuing alliances. What else could we possibly need to be doing?"

"Wow," Percy said before he could stop himself, "No wonder you guys lost the last war."

You could have heard a pin drop in the silence that followed. Molly Weasley was the first to recover from her shock, and in a shaky voice asked, "How dare you?" She was visibly shaking and Arthur had to put his hands on her shoulders to keep her from rising out her chair, Percy saw that her hand was on her wand. She paid her husband no mind, "How dare you say that, after what I lost in the last war. After what we had to do. How dare you!" Her voice was rising rapidly as she spoke. Percy began running his hand over the wristband on his wrist, in preparation for conflict. However, before the situation could escalate further Dumbledore rose to his feet.

"Let us all calm down. Molly, Perseus simply does not yet understand the way in which we do things over here. He does not understand and I'm sure he meant no offense." He looked meaningfully at Percy but he didn't say anything, instead he crossed his arms over his chest and refused to break eye contact with Molly. Percy knew that what he had said might be considered out of line but that didn't mean that it wasn't right. With how little they were doing to proactively fight back, it was no wonder Dumbledore's little army had lost.

"Perhaps" Dumbledore said slowly, "We should adjourn for the evening. It has been a very long night and we are all clearly tired. We will meet next week at a more agreeable time." And without any more being said, Dumbledore stood up and floated out the room. Having read the room, Percy followed closely after. He needed to report in and see about doing something about this…whatever this was. Making eye contact with Black on his way out, he felt reassured. The man nodded at Percy, clearly, he was feeling similarly but was in no position to say anything. It gave Percy a glimmer of hope that he might be able to actually salvage the situation. Getting in his car he ran his hands over his face.

It had been a very long night, and it was going to get longer still.