Through The Looking Glass
September 14th 1989
Harry-
A now nine year old Harry Potter was up in the attic. It most certainly wasn't by his choice. Aunt Petunia had told him to clean and sort items up here. He sneezed as the dust tickled his nose. At the very least his 'family' wouldn't bother him. Looking around he groaned at how huge the space was. There was no way he was going to be finish before dinner. Which meant that the odds of getting food tonight weren't good. And Uncle Vernon was seldom in a good mood after work. If he was lucky his Aunt might actually give him scraps anyway. His stomach gave an ominous gurgle as he knelt down.
He grabbed little tufts of insulation tossing them in a rubbish bag. Lugging two empty plastic containers up the almost too steep stairs. He stopped to catch his breath as Harry waited for the dizziness to subside. Slowly, he grabbed a smaller box and started sorting the contents. Aunt Petunia wanted it clean with less boxes. Some items to be kept and other to be trashed. Nothing in that box was salvageable at all. It was yet more of Dudley's broken toys and too small clothes. Emptying the contents he ripped the tape off of the bottom to flatten the box.
Harry slide a large and heavy box closer to the empty bins. Sorting through some old books he deemed half of them in good enough condition. While the worse for wear ones he stacked to the side. The Dursley's would throw anything away and simply buy new no matter what. But Harry was used to having nothing new. He also knew that if they would be angry if they knew he was keeping things. Apparently freaks weren't allowed to be happy. And books made Harry happy especially the fantasy ones. The library was the only place Dudley and his friends wouldn't go. It had started a love that Harry protected from view. They would take away his books if they found them. And the punishment would be bad... Vernon wouldn't tolerate him keeping 'trash'...and Harry did everything to avoid an angry Vernon.
On the top of another stack of books was a large box and an old yellowed giftbag. Opening the box revealed a silky white dress that could only be a wedding dress. Not wanting to get it dirty he placed the lid back on. After placing it in a plastic bin Harry grabbed the yellow bag. He coughed and sneezed as moving the wrapping paper sent dust up. At the bottom was some kind of silver box. His curiosity peaked Harry picked up the little box. On the top of the lid was a carved rose with raised petals. Each petal was smooth and pretty even. Opening it up he saw a black velvet lined bottom. On the inside of the lid was a small ornate mirror. Little rose vines filigreed the edges of the mirror. Harry gasped as he pulled his finger back from the bottom. He sucked on his finger to stop the bleeding. He left the lid open but turned it to see the underside. Strange symbols were etched roughhewn into the silver.
Harry turned it back over too fast to notice the glowing symbols. He went to shut the lid and stopped startled as the mirror started to glow. Transfixed Harry peered into the mirror curiously. Suddenly a face not his own appeared in the mirror.
"Gahh!!"
Harry dropped the box in surprise scooting away from it quickly.
"Boy you had better not be screwing around up there!" Petunia shouted.
Oh, god had he broken it? How angry would they be if he had? But then again they never seemed to need a reason to hurt him.
"Please come back!!I didn't mean to scare you!"
The voice was coming from the box on the floor. Harry cautiously moved closer to the box. He picked it up mindful of the rough spots on the bottom. Inside the mirror a dark haired man was looking back at him. He looked like what Aunt Petunia would describe as 'proper' and 'well to do'. The coat he was wearing looked really expensive. But what drew his attention the most was his eyes. They were a dark brown...that almost looked black when he shifted the box around. Maybe it was the poor lighting in the room that merely made them seem darker.
"Who are you?" The man asked.
Harry snorted, he was the strange guy in a box.
"Who am I, who are you I live here?" Harry asked.
"Sorry my name is Percival Graves. Who are you?" Percival asked.
"I'm Harry Potter, how are you stuck in this box?" Harry asked.
It shouldn't be possible...Harry was nine not stupid. He knew this was weird and shouldn't be happening. But here he was talking to a strange man in a mirror. And Harry knew he wasn't asleep so it wasn't a dream.
"A very bad man stuck me in this box with magic." Percival replied.
Harry studied the man trying to see if he was fibbing with him.
"No, Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia say magic doesn't exist." Harry said, biting his lip.
It was true Harry could feel the phantom ache from the last time he'd heard the 'm' word. Harry himself hadn't asked about it or done anything wrong really. But Vernon always seemed to find a reason. But Dudley had one of his friends over a few days ago. They started watching a show on the telly. It was about a girl, her dog, a scarecrow, a lion, and a tin man. Dudley started debating with his friend about it being magic. Otherwise why would it all be so real? It couldn't all have been the girl's strange dream. Harry had been dusting and sneaking peeks at the screen. He wasn't allowed to watch it, so this was as close as he'd ever get. Vernon had of course come home and heard them talking.
He'd been enraged immediately upon hearing any mention of the 'm' word. Of course he'd asked who had started all this magic nonsense. Of course Dudley had shushed his friend and blamed Harry. He was Dudley's favorite scapegoat, why get in trouble when he could just blame Harry. Of course the hand around his throat was the scariest thing that had ever happened. The punch to the shoulder and the backhand weren't pleasant either. Harry had actually thought his Uncle might kill him. His shoulder still ached every time Harry moved it. So Harry wasn't going to sneak anymore peeks at the telly. It simply wasn't worth the possible punishment. As for the 'm' word Harry promised to never utter it within the house.
"Then how do you explain me talking to you?" Percival asked.
Percival-
Percival watched the child struggle to think of a reason. He took that moment to study the young child carefully. He was wearing clothes that were obviously too large for him. Harry was wearing broken glasses. His hair was messy and sticking up at all directions. He also seemed painfully small for a nine year old. Harry's arm was just as skinny as a broomstick. He had a bruise on his right cheek. But the worst one was a blackened bruise in the shape of a hand on the child's neck. The dark bruise extended and disappeared under the collar of his shirt. It was disturbing seeing as Harry's neck looked as skinny and delicate as the rest of him. And the bruise almost went around it entirely. Or at least what Percival could see from the poor lighting.
"I...I don't know." Harry said, softly.
"That's okay Harry. Are you in any pain?" Percival asked.
The bruise was livid and decidedly vicious looking. One would think Harry's throat was hurting. How the child could speak so clearly was a mystery.
"Only a little bit...it's not as bad as last time." Harry said.
He ducked his head looking anywhere but at Percival. Oh, this poor child...not as bad as last time? How bad was last time? Bile threatened to creep up his throat at the thought. Percival wanted Harry out as soon as possible. Clearly it wasn't safe here...maybe he could... All of the people who had possessed his box before had no magic. Harry had been the first and the only one to activate the runes. But if he could teach Harry a small amount of magic...maybe he could help both of them escape.
"Harry what if I told you that you could do magic?" Percival said.
Startling green eyes widened.
"I can do magic?" Harry gasped.
"Yes, you wouldn't be talking to me if you didn't have magic. I want to try to teach you some...I want to help you leave this place forever." Percival said.
Harry looked at him suspiciously...then wonder...finally the smallest flicker of hope.
"Forever?" Harry asked, shyly.
"Yes, Harry forever. But first we have to do a lot of things. You need to try to finish this attic lest they become angry with you. Hide my box away in your clothes and when everyone's asleep we'll talk again." Percival said.
Harry nodded at him quickly understanding. Percival had to restrain himself from shouting at Harry to not go. He was terrified that he wouldn't see Harry again. Not just because Percival would still be in the box. But also because of the monsters the poor boy lived with. The child was obviously abused and why nobody has done anything to help Harry. Harry was of school age. How could anyone look at Harry and not immediately come to the same conclusion. Were the people here blind or just plain cruel?
If he got Harry away from these people he'd be safe. He might even be able to lead Harry to a magical adult. An adult who would surely help a suffering child. An adult who would have a better chance of helping Percival. Although, Percival had no idea what kind of damage Grindelwald had done to his life. What had that vile man done while wearing Percival's face? Was Percival a wanted criminal because of Grindelwald? Percival could be listed as a fugitive rather than a missing person. Percival had too many questions and no answers.
Maybe just getting Harry to a nearby Gringotts would suffice? That way if Percival was a criminal because of Grindelwald they wouldn't turn him in. Plus, the goblins might know how to free him. Of course the goblins would probably do it for a price. If Harry's parents were magical maybe they left him money. He could pay Harry back after he was free. Percival would just have to be patient a little while longer. Hopefully Harry believed him and hadn't been scared away.
Sometime later that night...
Harry was exhausted after sorting through all those boxes. His shoulder ached and it still hurt to talk and swallow. At the end of it all Harry had only finished a corner of the attic. Luckily, his Aunt only swatted at his head for his failure. She gave him a thinly veiled threat about finishing tomorrow. He didn't get food tonight but he did get a glass of water. It soothed his throat. At least his Uncle didn't get involved. His Aunt rarely touched him in a harmful manner. No, she left that to Vernon...discipline she called it. And yet nothing ever happened to Dudley. So why did they hurt him?
He laid on his cot gingerly while his Aunt secured the cupboard door. As much as he wanted to talk to Percival again. He didn't want to risk it until he was sure his Uncle was asleep. After a time he heard the telly turn off, the lighter steps of his Aunt went up the stairs. The sliver of light from the hallway light turned off. His Uncle's heavier steps went upstairs. Harry waited a little longer just to be sure. Harry slipped the little box out of Dudley's huge pocket. Listening once more to be sure he finally opened the lid to a sound of surprise.
Percival-
Percival was confused the box had opened but there was still darkness. Had Harry simply left the light off? Was Harry even allowed to have one? That thought brought anger to the surface. Who does this to a child?
"Harry are you there? I can't see anything." Percival said.
A soft intake of breath was heard nearby.
"I don't want to turn it on...if they see...Besides Uncle Vernon says freaks don't deserve electricity." Harry whispered.
Percival did everything he could to keep his face straight. Even though it was dark...Percival didn't want Harry to think he was angry with him.
"Harry you aren't a freak there is nothing wrong with you. Nor do you deserve to be called one. You don't deserve any of what they've done to you." Percival said, gently.
Silence greeted his statement and for a moment he thought Harry fell asleep. A barely audible sob broke the silence followed by a gurgle.
"Harry was that your stomach?" Percival asked.
"Yeah, Aunt Petunia said cause I didn't finish my chores I couldn't eat. But I have school tomorrow so I can eat then." Harry said.
Rage hot and smothering boiled in his veins. How dare these people do this?
"Harry do you remember what I told you about magic? Do you want to try tonight?" Percival asked.
There was a pause that lasted close to a minute.
"Uncle Vernon won't find out will he?" Harry asked, tentatively.
"No, not unless you tell him yourself. It'll be our little secret just the two of us." Percival replied.
Even knowing Harry couldn't see him Percival smiled reassuringly.
"How do we start?" Harry asked.
"Well, first I have to help you find your magical core. Most children your age do a lot of accidental magic or wish magic. I myself have always thought that if we taught children sooner than eleven. That it might increase the possibility for wandless magic. But that's nothing but my own speculation. I want you to close your eyes and think of nothing. Make you mind empty or blank. Not a single thought just empty. Listen to my voice..." Percival broke off.
A few minutes of quiet passed.
"Percival this is really hard to do." Harry said.
"I know but just try Harry. The sooner you learn this the sooner we can leave for good. I promise you I will show you the magical world...your world. Your birthright and heritage Harry. We might even be able to find out things about your parents. But we can't do any of that until your magic breaks us out of here." Percival said.
Percival couldn't cast any magic wandless or otherwise in his prison. Harry's magic was the only chance they had. After a few minutes of quiet breathing Harry spoke again.
"I feel really funny..."
Percival was going to ask him what kind of funny. When thudding steps sounded from overhead. Harry let out a little frightened squeak.
"It's okay Harry you need your rest. We'll try another time okay." Percival said, reassuringly.
He couldn't blame the child for being afraid.
"Goo...night Per...val." Harry slurred.
The lid shut cutting off the sound of Harry's breathing. This was for the best really, he hadn't expected much for Harry's first try. After all the work Harry had done today plus having no food. Harry had to be exhausted plus Harry had school in the morning.
September 21st 1989
Percival-
Things continued on slowly for a week or so more. Time was a hard thing to gauge from within the box. Percival had been shocked when Harry told him what the date was. Percival would've guessed maybe a few days to a year. Since he'd been dumped inside the trinket box. No, it had been sixty-three years since his imprisonment. Percival had lost sixty-three years and it had felt like nothing. Sometimes even though he knew time had passed. Percival would feel like only moments had passed since Harry visited with him. Instead of the hours Percival knew were in-between.
Even if Percival escaped what would he do? His personal property was probably gone by now. His apartment was probably cleared out and resold. And that's if his apartment building was even still standing. A lot could happen in sixty-three years...a lot can change. His family manor might still be in the hands of the goblins. And that's if the accounts and property didn't revert to his cousin. Gerrard was his only living relative at the time. They weren't close and fought whenever they came into contact with one another. Gerrard was irresponsible and had a bad gambling addiction. What were the odds Gerrard didn't sell it and it's contents to pay off his debts?
Honestly it was maddening thinking about what happened after his disappearance. Movement in the inner pocket on his chest moved. A tiny furry head popped out, Loki yawned and climbed out of his pocket. Percival had no idea how the little Niffler had gotten into the box. He'd landed on his head, hidden in his shirt, and tried to steal his coat buttons. Percival had been annoyed at first. But slowly Loki had grown on him...to the point where he actually named him. Percival had always found Niffler's to be mischievous. Tiny little furry tricksters that loved shiny things. So of course the first name that popped into his head was Loki. The Norse god's name seemed appropriate for his little mischief maker.
Loki liked sleeping in his pocket or on the crook of his neck. Loki like Percival...didn't seem to have aged at all. So he was still the tiny fluffball that fit into the palm of his hand. Loki had to be a baby Niffler. Old enough to have his eyes open, but too young and small to be fully grown. Stroking the fur on Loki's head he thought about tonight. Harry had come a long way since the first night. It was difficult for Harry to find his magical core. He was nine years old and Percival was trying to teach him meditation. Not regular meditation...the kind one learned when learning Occlumency.
Percival figured that, that method would be easiest for Harry to learn. But being a child it was harder for Harry to clear his mind. The other night Harry had finally found his magical core. And had even channeled magic through his arm and into his palm. Harry had managed a small Lumos in his palm, though Harry had no idea what that was. But the look of sheer joy and awe that Harry sported. It was something Percival would never forget. Tonight was the night Harry would get out of the cupboard he could feel it.
Later that night...
Harry's back ached terribly as he was shut into the cupboard by his Aunt. He'd been told to mow the lawn and attend to the garden. While it wasn't terribly bad as Harry preferred working outside. But Dudley had decided to make it horrible for him today. Dudley had purposely treaded on his mother's red daffodils. They were his Aunt's favorite and most prized flowers. The smack to his head gave him a headache she followed it up with no food for the day. That wasn't too bad compared to what his Uncle would've done to him. And if that hadn't satisfied his cousin enough. Dudley kicked him in the back while he was mowing the lawn. Harry had fallen forward hitting the ground hard. The push mower flew from his grasp and nearly shredded his Uncle's garden hose.
He was super lucky the mower hadn't been damaged. If it had been his Aunt no doubt would've made him cut it with a pair of shears. She'd threatened to do that on a number of occasions. She hardly ever hurt him physically...but she made up for it with creative chores. His days usually were horrible, school wasn't much different. Dudley and his friends always picked on him. They chased him and sometimes chased other kids away from Harry. The teachers thought he was some kind of troublemaker. And the ones that did seem to question his home life. Were told that he rough housed with his cousin. So they would brush it off as boys will be boys.
So Harry had given up on ever telling the adults. None of them would believe him anyway so what was the point? But things had been better recently...he had a friend now. Talking to Percival was the best part of his day. That and Percival had been teaching him magic...hopefully he would finally get it tonight. Percival was nice he never pushed Harry too hard. And he always encouraged him. Percival even helped him with his homework. Well, the maths anyway Percival didn't know a whole lot about non-magical subjects. That was okay though Percival made up for it by telling him stuff. Percival would describe all kinds of magical creatures. Harry was the most amazed by the dragons! He couldn't believe those were real! Rummaging under his cot beneath a wadded up shirt was the box.
He opened it...moments later the soft glow of the mirror highlighted Percival's face. The light disappeared leaving the cupboard dark.
"Harry, how was your day?" Percival asked.
Harry could tell Percival was concerned. He basked in the feeling of having someone who actually cared. Percival was always asking about his day or asking if Harry was okay.
"Harry are you okay?" Percival asked.
"Not great, but better than other days. Dudley was being a complete prat today. But what else is new, I'm pretty sure it's his default personality." Harry whispered.
"Are you all right? Did he hurt you?" Percival asked.
This time his voice was firmer when talking to Harry.
"Just a little bruised it isn't that bad really. Dudley kicks like a girl anyway." Harry said.
He heard a sharp intake of breath from Percival. Followed by a delayed chuckle.
"I think your ready to try the unlocking spell. I won't tell you what the incantation is. Most spells are in Latin or other languages. Wrong pronunciation can either make a spell not work, change the spell, or do harm to anyone nearby. So this time I want you to close your eyes. Place your hand on the door and picture the outside of the cupboard door. You've seen the door unlocked before. I want you to feel your magic and picture the door open and unlocked." Percival instructed.
Harry scrunched up his nose and tried picturing the lock on the door. After what felt like ages Harry let out a harsh breath. It didn't work!
"If you didn't get it the first time it's alright. Just breath calmly remember to clear your head of every thought accept for the door and lock. Nobody gets a spell their first time let alone one without incantation." Percival said.
His voice soothed Harry and his frustration melted away. He reminded himself that once he did this spell. The two of them could plot their escape together and Percival could take him to the wizarding world. He concentrated again and tried as hard as he could. Harry tried to push on the door and was dismayed that it was still locked. Huffing Harry tried one more time. He felt the magic connect with his hand but wasn't sure if it had done anything. Harry pushed on the door again and was surprised when it moved.
Harry wanted to jump up and down and shout that he finally did it. But held it in only grinning like a loon. Finally!
"Percival I finally did it!" Harry said, enthusiastically.
Soft chuckles came from the darken corner of his cupboard. Harry pushed open the door further. Moonlight illuminated the small space and hallway. He picked up Percival's box so he could see.
"Good job Harry. I'm so proud of you! Let's go to the kitchen and sneak some food they won't miss." Percival said.
Harry grinned as he carefully stepped into the hall. He couldn't believe it, somebody was actually proud of him! Nobody had ever said those words to him before. It only made him clutch the box closer to his chest. Harry's face turned and ears pinkened as his stomach gurgled. He cautiously looked around, he side stepped the squeaky floorboards. When he got into the kitchen Harry placed the box on the counter.
"Only grab a few items that won't be missed. I don't want these horrible no-majs punishing you if your caught. Besides too much at once after not eating will make you sick. A little at a time until you can eat bigger items." Percival said.
Harry nodded that made sense, he often felt sick trying to eat all of his lunch at school. He went to the refrigerator browsing the contents. He took two cheese sticks from a package. His Aunt was forever trying to get Dudley to eat better. So packaged snacks were in bulk usually. Even if someone noticed that some were gone they would assume Dudley ate them. He shut the door quietly. Harry took the step ladder out and opened a cabinet overhead. This was the snack cabinet, he could get a few extra items and hide them. These snacks wouldn't go bad easily. He took two pouches of fruit snacks and a small pouch of mixed nuts his Aunt liked. He shut the door stuffing the packs in his pocket. Harry put away the step ladder and returned to the counter.
His Aunt put out a couple of water bottles on the counter. She didn't want Dudley taking the glasses up to his room. So she left bottled drinks on the counter for her precious Diddykins. The good news was that if any were gone it was yet another thing that could be blamed on Dudley. Dudley was so fond of getting Harry in trouble. That it amused him to blame something on Dudley. While the other boy was entirely unaware. Harry never tried to sneak food before because his Aunt always watched him. But recently she'd been lax around him. Grabbing two of the water bottles he put one in his other pocket. The other he clutched to his chest along with Percival's box.
Once back in the cupboard sat on his cot and placed Percival's box down.
"Hey, Percival how do we close it now? Harry asked.
"Remember what I told you to picture before. I want you to picture the exact opposite with the door. Picture it closed and locked." Percival said.
Harry took a deep breath and focused. He could've sworn that he'd heard the lock click shut. But he wasn't sure if it did though. So he gently pushed on the door, it didn't move. Harry smiled at his accomplishment.
"I did it Percival it was amazing!" Harry said, cheerily.
Percival chuckled from the perch where his box was.
"Good, now try to eat a little please. Not too much if you feel like you might sick up stop. Hide the rest if you can't finish it." Percival said.
Grinning in the dark Harry opened the pouch of mixed nuts. After eating a few of them slowly as he wondered what was next.
"Hey Percival when can we leave?" Harry asked.
"While you've learned a lot in such a short amount of time. I want you to practice it every night. I know your eager to leave Harry, but I want you to eat what you can. The world can be amazing but it can also be dangerous. I want you to be able to cast that spell without having to stop and picture it. I have a plan in mind but we need to gather supplies for it. Finish eating Harry, remember you have school tomorrow." Percival said.
Harry hummed softly as he managed to finish the nuts. He ate half of a cheddar cheese stick and drank some water. Feeling full enough he hid his items so his aunt wouldn't see. He could throw the trash away at school.
"Night Percival" Harry said.
"Goodnight Harry."
Closing the lid Harry hid the box and laid back down. Closing his eyes a smile graced his lips. Soon...soon he'd get away from here.
A week later September 28th 1989
It was late once again as Harry slipped out of the cupboard door. Getting in and out of the small space had became even easier. Harry didn't even need to picture it in his head anymore! And Percival had been so proud of him! It was still a bit strange to have an adult be proud of him. Harry used to do really good at school for awhile. But that stopped once they received their report cards. The Dursley's were livid because the 'freak' was doing better than their Diddykins. So they told the teachers he was cheating and had been switching his work with Dudley's. Harry knew adults could sometimes be stupid. But this was a whole new level of dumb. The problems and punishments weren't worth the effort. So Harry did his homework and purposely made half of them wrong. Or left half of them blank...it made him mad. But no one cared and he was overlooked in classes again.
Percival was different though he actually got mad. He said the people where Harry lived were daft and blind. And that once they left Harry would be doing better work. Percival said there was no reason for him to hold back anymore. After all they would be gone so nobody could hurt him for doing better. Stepping into the kitchen Harry placed Percival's box on the counter. Harry got the weirdest feeling like something about this wasn't right. He couldn't explain it...but it felt like something would happen. That was why Harry was being more precautious this evening.
After gathering a few packs of crackers and a few pouches of fruit snacks. Harry was going to go through the refrigerator next when it happened.
"Dammit Loki no!"
Harry turned around to find the mirror glowing. Some kind of creature was climbing out of it! Harry stood frozen as a small creature with dark brown fur tumbled out. It had a snout and pudgy clawed paws. Percival's face came back into view in the mirror.
"Harry, it's very important that you catch Loki. He's a Niffler a class three magical creature. They love shiny things and they can cause a lot of trouble if you let them. I'm not sure how he got out. But Loki should be able to come back through to me. Be careful we don't want to wake your relatives." Percival said.
He looked back down at the counter and nearly jumped back. Loki had creeped up on him being mere inches away. Harry blinked as Loki stared him down. Loki was incredibly cute and he really wanted to cuddle the little thing. But Percival had warned him to always respect animals magical or otherwise. Because they could hurt or kill him...mostly because the creatures were scared. And that's what cornered scared animals did they lashed out. After meeting his Aunt Marge's bulldogs...Harry had plenty of caution when it came to animals. Loki creeped a little closer and stood on his hind paws. And grabbed Harry's glasses right off his face! Harry squinted his eyes watching the little creature stuff his glasses into an invisible pouch.
If Loki woke up his Aunt and Uncle they were both toast! Thinking quickly while Loki was fascinated by a mixer bowl. Harry opened the flatware drawer and grabbed a spoon. He went back to the counter where Loki was. The little brown blurry blob was still gazing at the mixer bowl. Harry snorted there was no way Loki could fit something that big in his pouch. The Niffler easily could fit in both of Harry's hands. He waved the spoon around gaining Loki's attention. Harry let the little critter grab onto the spoon and grabbed it by it's scruff. He stuffed Loki and the spoon into his pocket.
He grabbed some bagged carrot sticks and refilled one of his water bottles. Hurrying back to the cupboard he quickly turned on the light and shut the door. He relocked the door with his magic and pulled the string overhead. Harry had snuck a lightbulb back to his cupboard a few days ago. So that he could have light when he dared to. The excited wiggling critter decided to jump out of his pocket and onto the cot. He opened Percival's box and caught Loki before he could snatch it.
"Percival he's got my glasses I can't see very well without them. How do I get them out of his pouch?" Harry asked.
"A Niffler seems to have an endless amount of space in their pouches. Pick him up by his feet and either give him a tiny shake or tickle his stomach. It shouldn't take much he only got your glasses and a spoon." Percival replied, softly.
He did get Loki by his feet but didn't feel comfortable shaking him. Instead he tickled Loki's furry tummy. Loki made a noise that was a cross between a grunt and a squeal. He saw two blurry shapes hit the cot. He grabbed the one that looked like his glasses. Harry let Loki down onto the cot after putting on his glasses. The little Niffler immediately snatched up the spoon again. Loki held it up and seemed to be looking at his own reflection. Percival chuckled as Loki hugged the spoon.
"I believe that the box was designed to keep a person in. Loki is obviously a creature or rather a magical creature. Niffler's can get into just about anything including shut or locked doors. They slip in even though it shouldn't be possible to fit their bodies through. It's why most people who keep Niffler's are thieves or goblins. Niffler's are adept at retrieving valuable objects safely. Usually without setting off traps which is why the goblins use them sometimes. Though keeping them in the bank would be a mistake. Vault doors are easy for Nifflers, as protective or blood wards only protect against people. So a Niffler could rob Gringotts blind if one got loose in there. I had thought of escaping with my Animagus form. But I can't do a Lumos let alone a transformation. Loki fell into my mirror awhile back. I don't know when or where he's from. But he usually sleeps in my pocket or the crook of my neck. He's so quiet and well behaved. It's easy to forget how mischievous he is." Percival said.
He giggled thinking about Loki running lose in Gringotts. The little creature wouldn't know where to start! Harry looked at Loki who was still playing with the spoon.
"So this guy is basically a master thief then. Is he dangerous?" Harry asked.
Loki was adorable but Harry had noticed his sharp looking little nails.
"Niffler's are less dangerous then other magical creatures it's why he's classed as level three. They can bite rather hard but aren't prone to violence. They're easy going creatures who are native to the British Isles. They're Herbivores which means he prefers vegetables or plants to eat. They are quite destructive in their quest to get shiny things. Which is why I wanted you to catch him. If he didn't wake up your relatives. He would've made a mess trying to find something shiny. Meaning you would have to stay up and clean up the mess. Most people have a hard time keeping them as pets. This could be a good thing though. Loki could be of assistance for our plan to leave." Percival said.
Percival was looking at Loki thoughtfully. Useful how?
"How would Loki be useful? No offense Loki." Harry said.
Loki didn't even look up as he'd found the carrots Harry had taken. He was busy shredding the plastic off with his claws. Harry snorted as Loki sat back on his butt tail stretched out, with all fore's holding a carrot stick. The carrot was almost as tall as Loki was when sitting.
"He's not offended, once they're occupied by food or shiny things they ignore their surroundings. If we are to get to the magical shopping districts one needs a wand. You either need it to enter. Or you need it to call the night bus. I have my wand and I do have some wizarding currency. But I'd rather not use it since we will need it to visit Gringotts. You need an inheritance test. So we have to get to London the muggle way to visit Diagon Alley. Or we could bargain for a ride there. It would be ironic if Loki grabbed your Aunt's jewelry and used it to help you get to the magical world. Since she and your Uncle hate magic...it would be the most justified case of irony ever." Percival replied.
Percival-
And wasn't that the truth, after everything those people did to Harry. Well, Percival wouldn't feel bad in the slightest about letting Loki steal from them. Especially since it would aid in their escape. He was stickler for he law, but in this case Percival was willing to look the other way. Harry had to get away from these horrible people. Harry couldn't apparate and their wizarding funds were limited. Harry's eyes widened at the implication of what Percival said.
"Yes, I have a few galleons, sickles, and knuts. But it's been sixty-three years since I was free Harry. I don't know if the prices have changed in my absence. Not to mention it's been a long time since I was in Britain. I'm from the American wizarding colony. My money or the spoon would be sufficient bait for Loki. Well, so long as nothing else shiny is in view." Percival said.
Harry bit his lip looking at Percival unsure.
"So you want me to conveniently let loose Loki. And we're hoping he'll find something valuable enough to escape with? What if my Aunt and Uncle notice something is missing?" Harry asked.
"So don't take anything from them. Let Loki loose in your cousin's room. You said he gets an allowance every week right? He's also an irresponsible bully who probably wouldn't notice. You said his room is always messy. Whose to say he didn't lose his money elsewhere?" Percival said.
He didn't feel the slightest bit bad for conspiring to steal from a child. Well, Dudley's case was different. He'd definitely be against it had this been any other child. Dudley was a bully who hurt Harry as much as his uncle. He purposely scared away anyone who dared to befriend Harry. Dudley was just as bad as his parents. Dudley though was nine himself, all he knew was what his parents taught him. His parents taught him that it was normal to do bad things to Harry. If Dudley could grow up and think for himself, instead of listening to his parents. Well, then Dudley might not be so bad. Still Harry had been abused and neglected while Dudley got everything he wanted. If Harry remained, he could run the risk of becoming an Obscurus. Or worse than even that die.... he was starved and hurt regularly. And threatened bodily for even saying the word magic.
"Yeah, he keeps some wrapped in a gold money clip. It's shaped like a "D", my Aunt gave it to him a few months ago. It was a birthday gift...he complained about only getting seventeen presents instead of the twenty he wanted. So they took him to get that at the jewelry store in the mall." Harry replied, frowning.
Who the hell gives a nine year old a solid gold money clip? Percival wasn't an expert in children as he didn't have any. But even he wouldn't give a child something gold under the age of thirteen. Especially, not to a child as irresponsible as Dudley. No-majs were rather strange though so who knew. This could all be normal for them.
"Good Loki will steal the whole thing then. No-maj paper money isn't shiny so he won't care about it. Give him the clip to keep afterwards. Once we have some muggle currency we'll discuss our plan to get to London." Percival said.
He watched Loki, Harry tickled a munching Loki's stomach. Loki made a strange happy noise as he clung to his pilfered spoon. He stuffed the spoon and two carrot sticks in his pouch. Loki started sniffing around and sneezed cutely. Harry scooped Loki up and brought him to the mirror. Percival instinctively moved back. The mirror glowed again as Harry gently pushed Loki through it. Loki tumbled down from the 'ceiling' which was actually the mirror. He caught Loki in his hands and chuckled at how cute he was. Loki proudly showed him the spoon.
"Yes, I see you found something other than my buttons to play with." Percival said.
Loki had long since taken the buttons off his coat. He'd take them back and Loki would steal them back. It was like a game of tag...they had plenty of space to run around. As Percival had yet to find a wall. Percival wouldn't run but he'd walk fast. Loki would follow on his short stubby legs. He didn't want to chance losing Loki in the darkness and not be able to find him. Percival went back to where a floating glowing Rune was. It appeared nearby every time the other Runes on the outside were activated. He found that it was the only way he could appear in the mirror above.
Harry was still laying on his cot having picked up the shredded mess on it. Percival watched him snack on a pack of crackers. Harry wasn't the horribly thin child he'd met originally. The boy was still thin and underweight for his age. But he was slowly eating small amounts more than he'd been allowed before. With time Harry would recover but only if he got proper care. Percival had the feeling that there might be more wrong with Harry than just being underfed. He looked up again to see Harry had ate all he could.
"Night Percival." Harry said.
Percival didn't get to respond as the light shut off and the lid shut again.