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(a Harry Potter fanfiction by Poppy P) |
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The distribution of this story is for personal use only. Any other form of distribution is prohibited without the consent of the author. ***
A/N: This is a 3 part Percy story told from 3 different PoV’s. Each part is a song fic. Standard Disclaimer: I own nothing, not the song and not the characters. *** Part 1 You’re beautiful, that’s
for sure I sit across from the red-haired
man transfixed by the sound of his voice, but not his words. I nod at
varying intervals to feign interest. He doesn’t notice. Resting my face
against my hand, I lean towards him. He takes this as a further sign of
interest on my part and continues his monologue. Little does he know,
I’m really drinking in his features. Eyes the color of dark honey, behind
horned rimmed glasses. Long, slender nose. The shocking red color of hair
that his family’s trademark. Puckered brow that indicates deep, intense
thoughts. Deep pink lips that look soft and inviting…. "Penelope!" Have you heard a word I’ve said?" I start at the sound of his voice. "Of course I have, love. It sounds like things are very busy for you at the Ministry right now." "Indeed," he responds in a
petulant voice as he picks up a menu, opens it with a snap and hides his
face from me. We both know this is a useless exercise because Percy invariably
ends up ordering ‘the usual’. The waitress smiles and takes away the menus. We are regulars at this little Hogsmeade pub since we graduated from Hogwarts. I prefer the Diagon Dragon at Diagon Alley myself, but Percy likes Apparating, so we come here. We’ve been dating since the end of his fifth year at Hogwarts. In the past two years Percy has steadily risen within the Ministry. I’m on my first year of an internship with St. Mungo’s. I could point out to Percy that St. Mungo’s is just as inundated with work due to the current war. But I don’t because for one thing, Percy has only recently accepted the fact that You-Know-Who is really back. For over a year, Percy kept insisting that the various deaths in the wizarding world were just random acts of Dark magic, because this was the Ministry’s official position. The death of Bartemious Crouch set him on a frenzied, one-man crusade to capture Azkaban escapee, Sirius Black who Percy insisted was the murderer. He became so obsessive about capturing Black that it put him at odds with his family. The tension finally culminated in a nasty fight over dinner one night that I was unfortunate enough to witness. Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were also there as it was their summer vacation. When Percy went into his usual tirade about Black being a cold-blooded killer who should be executed, Ron finally exploded. "Shut up Percy! Nobody wants
to hear your bloody opinion about anything!" While Percy spluttered in
rage, Mrs. Weasley shouted at Ron to watch his language and not to yell
at the dinner table. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen Molly Weasley so angry.
All of the yelling seemed to upset Harry’s big, black dog, which accompanied
him on this visit. The poor animal dashed out of the Burrow whimpering
and refused to come inside for the rest of their stay. It was awful. Ron
wouldn’t talk to Percy for weeks after. The good thing was that it seemed
to be an epiphany of sorts for Percy. He told me later that his mum and
dad had had a long talk with him and made him some revelations that finally
convinced him that You-Know-Who was back and that there was really a war
going on. Poor Percy, it was hard for him to accept that the Ministry
was lying to people. However, now he had a new crusade, to help Dumbledore
and the resistance through his Ministry connection, just like his dad. I have to admire Percy’s tenacity.
He’s always been intense like that. It’s one of the things that attracted
me to him. He’s so together. Of course, I’m intelligent. I’m a Ravenclaw.
But before Percy I had no direction, no focus. I’m like a bird, I’ll only fly away… I thrived on the kind of structure and stability that he brought to my life. Perhaps it’s because I’m Muggle born. Sure, my parents were proud of me, but they never really understood my world. There was so much I could never share with them. I felt lonely, isolated. Percy changed all of that. He became my rock to cling to in the wizarding world. My guide and soul mate. I don’t know how I could have borne some of the strange and terrifying occurrences in the wizarding world without him. Like being Petrified by a basilisk almost three years ago. Oh! How confused and disoriented I was after being revived from a two month sleep! I remember leaving the infirmary weak-kneed and sobbing. Percy pulled me into an empty classroom and held me until I couldn’t cry anymore. Later that same night we stole into this same empty classroom and made love. We were both so nervous! Not only was it the first time for both of us, but we were both worried about being discovered by the caretaker Filch or his foul cat Mrs. Norris.
And though my love is rare I’m like a bird, I’ll only fly away… This is how I remember our seventh year: a series of stolen moments in empty classrooms and closets with the stakes raised because now Percy was Head Boy. I thought graduation would mean an end to all the sneaking around. I figured if Percy didn’t ask me to marry him, surely we’d move in together. Unfortunately, Perfect Percy became Prudent Percy who didn’t want to leave his parent’s home until he was financially established. Now and then we reserve a room in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley for a romantic evening and breakfast, but never longer than that. Percy tells his parents he’s on business. I don’t think Molly Weasley approves of pre-marital relations and her opinion has always been of utmost importance to Percy. Always. Of course, Percy insists that we split the cost of the room. I don’t mind, not really. Except lately, even these overnighters have become few and far between.
I pick at the food on my plate broodingly as I listen to Percy explain why he must cancel another one. "Please don’t sulk Penny, it’s really unbecoming. You know how important this job is to me. With all this business about You-Know-Who coming back, it’s imperative that I stay on top of things. Without people like me and Dad to guide the Ministry there’d be chaos, can’t have that now, can we?" "No Percy, you’re right of course. It’s just that, well, I miss you." I reach across the table to give his hand a squeeze. Percy immediately jerks his hand back almost upsetting his wine glass. "Penelope, please!" he hisses in an undertone, "You know how I feel about public displays of affection. It’s not proper for a Ministry Official." I scan the pub quickly. The place is nearly empty, but instead of pointing this out I find myself pleading, "Percy, it’s been three months since the last time we…" I stop, aware of the crimson flush rising on my face, "Don’t you…er…I mean…" "Of course I have needs Penny. But we’re not animals. I daresay we can control our primal urges. " Percy shakes with a malevolent snicker, "Not like Ron and Hermione. Madam Hooch caught them in the broom shed a couple of months ago. Dumbledore must have written home about it because Mum was so angry, crying for days about that ‘her baby boy losing his innocence’. She sent howlers to both of them. Fred and George said they would’ve given up the joke shop to be in the Great Hall when they got those." I’m not laughing. I’m remembering the time we shared a secret tryst in the broom shed. When Percy transfigured a broom into a bed and conjured up a cover of rose petals, it took my breath away. I smile at the memory. "There’s a good girl, " Percy’s voice breaks into my revelry. "There’ll be plenty of time for, well…you know…" "When?" We both startle at the forcefulness of my word. Percy takes a swig of his goblet before asking, "What do you mean, when?" He follows his question with a patronizing smile that is too much for me. "I mean when will you get your priorities in order, Percival Weasley!" His voice matches mine in intensity now, "Penny, there’s a war going on. My job is vital to the resistance. I’m needed." "It’s not like you’re Harry Potter." The look on Percy’s face confirms that I’ve hit a nerve. He’s always had a bit of a jealous streak when it comes to Harry. He takes a few seconds to control himself before he responds. "Not everything is about Harry Potter. I have no idea why you’re being so unreasonable, but I don’t like it. Mother would never make such frivolous demands on Father’s time. Mum understands. But if it makes you feel any better, I’ll look at my calendar when I get back to the office and owl you back with a date." He smiles magnanimously, "There, will that do?" I’m struck dumb by the callousness of his remark, and gape at him incredulously before answering him. "Don’t-bother," I say both words slowly and clearly, pushing my chair back from the table and walking away from the man I’ve loved since I was fifteen years old. Outside the pub it’s dusk and the air hits me with a cold, clear crispness that I breath in deeply. I look up at a nearby tree where a couple of birds are twittering softly as they settle in for the night. I remember wanting to be a bird when I first heard about animagi. Then we studied them in class and I found out that transforming into a bird means you have the brain of a bird. It doesn’t matter anymore, I tell myself. Because even though I don’t have wings, for the first time in six years I feel like I can fly. Just as Percy rushes out the door of the pub, I spread my arms like wings and Disapparate away before his stunned face.
I’m like a bird, I’ll only
fly away I’m like a bird…
part 2 of my Percy story A/N: My appreciation to Alphie for allowing me to reference her wonderful story Plugs and Outlets. A thank you to everyone at the Pensieve who made suggestions for the ring. As always a big thank you to Zsenya for the beta read and SQ for posting. Standard Disclaimer: I own nothing!
I think I've already lost
you Since Percy Apparates to and from his job at the Ministry, an hour is an awfully long time. I breathe a heavy sigh of relief and glance up at the clock again to check on all my children. Bill is at home in Egypt, Charlie is working late tonight in Romania, Ron and Ginny are at school and both the twins’ handles are pointing to ‘You don’t want to know’. Oh well, at least they’re safe, and these days, one can’t take that for granted. I rush into the kitchen where I’ve kept a warming charm on Percy’s dinner. He looks up, surprised to see me. "Mum, what’re you doing up? I thought you and Dad would be asleep." "Your father’s asleep, but I was worried." Percy looks contrite as he sinks his tall frame into a chair at the kitchen table, "Sorry, thought I told Dad to tell you I’d be working late." "He mentioned it, but Percy dear, it doesn’t take an hour to Apparate home from the Ministry." "I didn’t Apparate," he ducks his head and runs a finger along a groove on the wooden table, "I flew." "You what?" I ask in disbelief. Percy loves to Apparate! This is so unusual that I look at him quickly. Percy won’t meet my eyes. He just runs his finger back and forth in the groove before answering. "I flew, borrowed an office broom. Thought it was a nice evening for a flight." Now I know something’s wrong. Percy hates to fly. I also feel a pang of guilt because I realize that Percy has been quiet and preoccupied for several days. It’s easy to overlook the child who never gives you any grief. Also, I’ve been trying to give him his space so as not to overwhelm him now that he’s the only child currently at home. I know it’s been difficult for him what with the twin’s joke shop becoming so successful that they could afford to move out on their own. Deciding it’s high time I talk to him, I bustle about making tea. Tea always helps when someone’s upset. "Love, what’s wrong? You’ve not been yourself for days. Is it getting too difficult with the Ministry? Because Dumbledore would understand, you know. He wouldn’t want to place you in any kind of danger." "Mum, I…" he taps his hand restlessly against the table, then finally looks up at me with such a yearning expression that I catch my breath in disbelief. I haven’t seen this expression on my son’s face since he was a very small child. He’s always been so reserved. With seven children someone was always getting shorted somewhere, but Percy never protested. He always waited patiently for his turn without complaint. To see this naked expression of wanting on my face is so foreign, that I know something must be terribly wrong. Quickly I move over to a chair next to him and put an arm around his shoulders. Fully expecting him to pull away, I’m shocked to feel him lean in towards me like a little boy. "Percival, what’s wrong?" I think you're so mean -
I think we should try "Penny doesn’t love me anymore, Mother." His voice is hoarse with disbelief. "What do you mean, Dear?" "She doesn’t love me anymore," he repeats. "We had a row a few weeks ago, something about not spending enough time together. I thought she’d come to her senses once she had time to reflect. I mean, Dumbledore needs me. She knows that. But so far, she hasn’t come around." I put both arms around him now. "Have you tried to get a hold of her?" He offers no resistance to my embrace, "I tried, but she won’t take my owls. She had her fireplace blocked. I can’t Apparate because she lives in a Muggle neighborhood. I even took one of those Muggle cabs over, but her parents said," Percy’s voice breaks, "they said…she doesn’t want…to see me." Fighting the urge to send Penelope Clearwater a Howler, I pull my son a little tighter and rock him gently. I must control myself because I already had to apologize to Ron and Hermione a few months ago for a couple of Howlers I sent impulsively after their broomshed incident. Plus, I remind myself what a sweet girl Penelope’s always been. Always patient with my son who could be a bit pompous and bossy at times. It’s not his fault. Old Head Boy habits die hard. Second Head Boy in the family you know. "Son, do you think you’ve been neglecting Penny lately?" Percy bristles instantly, "Mum, there’s a war going on…" "Mmph, yes Percy, I realize that, " I say without reminding him that it took his father and I almost two years to convince him of this, "But don’t you think it’s been a while since you’ve…er…spent an overnight with her?" "What?" Percy stiffens in my arms and I see the back of his neck get so red that I imagine it would burn if I touched it. "Honestly Percy, when you tell me you’re going out of town on business and your hand on the clock doesn’t point to ‘work’, what am I supposed to assume?" Percy pulls away and straightens up in his chair, "Mum…er, what does it point to?" "You don’t want to know." "Yes I do!" "No, really, it points to ‘You don’t want to know’. Silly feature, really. I’ve been begging your father to get rid of it since Bill hit his teen years, but he’s always said he’s too busy. I think I’ve finally got him convinced now that Ginny’s older. I asked him how he would feel if he knew Ginny was…" "Oy! Mum, please stop," he covers his face with his hand and shudders, "Horrible mental picture. Besides, I wouldn’t want to have to kill Harry next time I see him. We all know how important he is to the war effort." His voice is spiked with bitterness. "Percy, you know Harry can’t help his destiny. Surely you wouldn’t want to trade places with him." "Penny said I was no Harry Potter. She made it sound like I wasn’t important to the war effort. And I am Mother, I know I am. It may have taken me a while to come to come around, but I know I’ve been an asset to the resistance." "Of course you have, Dear. All of my children have been incredibly brave and noble during these horrible times. That’s why I worry constantly. If anything should happen to one of you…" I choke on the words, unable to finish the horrendous thought. I can only be thankful that we’ve been lucky so far. Now Percy takes me into his arms and I marvel at the man my child had become. So why is it so hard form him to see that Penny is the reason he has become this man? I blot my eyes on a napkin and turn to look my son in the eyes. "Percy, do you love Penelope?" "Love?" the word trips on his tongue. "I, er…well, you know. We’ve been together since the end of my fifth year, that makes it almost six years we’ve been together, so, er…when two people have been together that long, one assumes…" "Son," I cup his face in my hands and stare into the light brown eyes that came from me. "What I means is…if, God forbid, something happened to you," I swallow before continuing, "would you regret time you didn’t spend in the office, or time you didn’t spend with the woman you love?" "Mother," he pushes his glasses up on his nose, "that’s a silly question. Of course I would regret time not spend with Penny. You know that." "Does Penelope know this as well?" "She’s a smart girl! She should know." He runs his hand through his bright hair, strongly reminiscent of my youngest son. "Have you told her?" I force him to look up at me. "I…er, no, I haven’t told her Mum. But Mum, there’s a war going on." he repeated weakly. "Exactly Percy. Because there is a war going on, you can’t go around taking people for granted. What if something should happen to Penny?" "Don’t, Mum! I couldn’t bear it," He replies with an intensity that brings tears to my eyes. This is one of those rare moments when Percy façade is broken through. We sit silently for a few minutes, sipping tea before I ask him, "So what are you going to do about this dear?" He scrunches his brow and contemplates the kitchen fireplace before asking, "Mum, do you think twenty is too young to get married?" I bet you're hard to get
over I find myself suddenly choking violently on my tea while Percy pounds on my back and conjures up a fan with his wand to blow air on my face. When I regain some semblance of composure, I gasp one word, "Married?" The corners of his mouth turn up in a bashful little smile that belies the seriousness in his eyes, "Yes, I’m not going to let her get away. I don’t want to have any regrets. She’s the one, Mum." Standing up quickly, I pull him out of his chair for an embrace. He’s so tall; I barely come up to the middle of his chest. "I always thought I’d hear these words from Bill or Charlie first." I blot my eyes. "I have something for you." Breaking our embrace, I raise my wand and cry, "Accio Grandmum’s ring!" A tiny, purple, velvet box soars into the kitchen and I catch it. Percy watches as I open the tiny box. "Grandmum’s ring? He asks. "Yes," I take the ring gently from its box. It’s a thick band of white gold with a large stone whose color runs between pink and purple. "Amethyst?" "Yes," I answer, holding the ring up to the light. "Percy, do you know what an amethyst stands for?" He shakes his head so I go on, "An amethyst stands for courage. It’s said to sustain the heart so that it doesn’t grow faint. But this ring hasn’t always been this color. When your grandfather was alive it was a diamond. He charmed it so that if he were to die before your grandmother, she could see it and take courage and comfort in his eternal love for her. It’s been this color since grandfather fell in the last war. Before grandmother passed on, she asked me to give this ring to the first one of you boys to propose." I press the ring gently into his palm. He closes his fingers around it reverently and looks at me with his eyes bright. "Mum, I don’t know what to say." "Well that’s a first," I tease gently. "Grandmum charmed it so that when you place it on Penny’s finger it should revert to diamond. May it always be so while I’m alive." Percy’s mouth twists into a wistful little smile. "I remember Grandfather. This is just like him," he indicates the ring with a shake of his hand. "Good chess player too." "Yes, I believe Ron gets it from him." We look at the ring in his palm for a few seconds before I ask, " When will you ask her?" I think you're so mean -
I think we should try Percy sighs. "First I have to get her to talk to me. So do you think she can forgive me for being such a prat?" "It may take some time, she’s hurt. But I know she loves you Percy. She wouldn’t have stuck by your side for five years if it weren’t so. Do hurry and make up so that we can have her over for Christmas dinner. It’s become a bit of a tradition now." "Yes, it’d be nice to ask her when we’re all gathered for dinner." "Good, you know, I expect Harry and Hermione will be joining us as well. I must say, it’ll be nice having a distraction as things are bound to be a bit awkward with Hermione." "Yes, well, considering the…spat you had with her, I’m surprised you’ve been so calm about the fact that Penny and I…" he blushes crimson and clears his throat, "spend…nights together." "Well," I bluster, "it’s entirely different! Ron’s my baby boy. Besides, he’s totally irresponsible! Who knows if he’s using the correct Contraceptus charm? I mean, I know your father gave him the talk, but…" "Yeah, the old ‘Plugs and Outlets’ speech." Percy rolls his eyes. "Come again?" "Nevermind. Look, Hermione’s a smart girl, I’m sure she’d have no problem with a Contraceptus charm." "Yes, she’s a…. smart girl. Anyway, you are using a good Contraceptus charm, aren’t you?" "Mum!" "I mean marriage is one thing, but having children is all together different. Your father said he taught all you boys the Contraceptus charm, but obviously, those weren’t his forte, I mean, there are seven of you." "Urgh! Too much information, Mum, besides, I reckon my Contraceptus charm is just fine. You’re not a grandmum yet, right?" He quickly changes the subject, "So Harry’s coming for Christmas? Do you think he’s going to bring his big, stupid dog along? Why can’t he leave him in a kennel?" "Son, about Harry’s dog, we really need to chat." I start to lead him into the living room, when he stops abruptly. "Sure, we can talk. But do you think we can do something about that clock first?" I smile at him, "Of course we can Percy." If you're gone - maybe it's
time to go home If you’re gone….
Part 3: Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic Standard Disclaimer: I don’t own the song, I don’t own the characters, I own nothing! Thanks for the beta-read to Zsenya!
I don’t know why I have to share a room with that git! "Ron, move your bed over a little. Can’t you take some of those posters down? All that orange is giving me a headache!" "Then get out of my room Percy!" What a great way to spend Christmas vacation: rooming with the Head Boy from hell. Everyone’s in their rooms settling in as we just arrived this afternoon. It was nice enough of Percy to give up his room for Sirius. Harry is here as well, so he’ll be bunking with his godfather. Even with Fred and George staying at their place in Hogsmeade, this house is pretty crowded. Bill and Charlie are in the twins’ old room. Hermione’s here also and she’s bunking with Ginny of course. Had a hard time convincing
her to stay over, but she finally agreed when Mum asked her. Wish I could
bunk with Hermione instead of Percy…. Every little thing she does
is magic Blimey but I was surprised when Percy voluntarily gave up his room to Sirius! I guess Mum and Dad finally told him the truth about Sirius being innocent. He went on and on about Sirius being a murderer. He told anyone who would listen that he’d catch Sirius and make sure he was punished for his crimes. What an idiot! And all the time Sirius was right under his nose! Last summer, that was a disaster. There was Percy ranting about Sirius being responsible for the death of Mr. Crouch, with him sitting right under the table as Padfoot. Then he made that stupid comment about executing him, well, I lost it. I roared at Percy, Mum roared at me. What a mess! Apparently he knows the truth now ‘cause he apologized to Sirius and Harry. Then he went and offered his room and everything so that Sirius and Harry can spend time together. I know Harry appreciates it. He doesn’t get to spend as much time with his godfather as he’d like what with Sirius still on the run and all. Too bad I have to suffer though. "Ron, can’t you do anything about that owl?" "Pig doesn’t like having you here, that’s why he’s making all the racket." But I move towards his cage to bung him some owl treats anyway. As I make my way between the two beds, I accidentally trip on Percy’s briefcase on the floor. The case tumbles open, spilling out parchment, inkbottles, quills and a small, purple, velvet-covered box. "What’s this Percy?" Percy’s eyes widen and he scrambles over the bed to reach the box. Naturally, I hold it out of his reach and open it. Percy and I freeze with identical, shocked expressions. "Percy, is this an engagement ring?" I hold it up to him. He snatches it back quickly. "None of your business!" he says and snaps the box shut, clutching it to his chest. "Is that ring for Penny?" I ask quietly. "No, it’s for Pigwidgeon. Of course it’s for Penny, you great stupid prat!" All of a sudden, I feel really, really sad for my brother. Mum told us Penelope Clearwater finally dumped him. Who could blame her? He’s annoying, boring, pretentious, has no dress sense, I mean, that stupid hat. But he is my brother, after all. I’ll never know what Penelope saw in him in the first place, but to break up with him after all those years? Poor bloke. "But Percy, Mum told us you two broke up," I say gently. He sits on the bed with a heavy sigh, "Yes, she dumped me. And it’s all my fault!" Percy stares morosely at the little box. I’m left momentarily speechless. Perfect Percy did something wrong? And he’s admitting it? "What happened?" He looks up at me for a second. In that instant, I know he’s not going to tell me anything. After all, this is Percy. He’s never been like my other brothers. We can talk about everything. Well, maybe not everything. You don’t really tell Fred and George anything you don’t want to get razzed about. They still won’t let me live that broom shed incident down! But they’re good for a laugh. Charlie’s a blast and Bill’s the best. Bill’s the one I go to when I need advice about girls. Merlin knows, Dad wasn’t real helpful in that department. But Percy’s always been so different, real uptight and everything. Always sticking to the rules. I guess that’s why we’ve always kind of excluded him. As I look at him hunched over that little velvet box, I suddenly remember the second task of the Triwizard Tournament. When Harry finally pulled me out of the water, the way Percy ran out there all concerned. The way he hugged me pretending to drag me out of the lake…. I give it one more shot. "Come on Perce, you can talk to me." Percy looks up at me with a strange expression. "Ron, do you realize we’re at war?" "Umm, yeah, we’ve been telling you that for a couple of years, uh-huh." It takes every ounce of mental strength I can muster to stop myself from muttering a loud ‘DUH!’ "Do you realize, not everyone’s going to make it out alive?" Now I squirm uncomfortably. "Percy, don’t. Look, we’ve been lucky so far, right? Besides, what’s that got to do with you getting dumped?" He gives me a withering look before he continues, "Don’t you see? The only reason I want to continue fighting is for a chance to live a peaceful life with Penny at my side. But I got so caught up in fighting that I forgot what I was fighting for. All Penny wanted was my time and love, and I wouldn’t give her that because of my ruddy ambition. As if the war couldn’t be fought without me." We sit in sober silence for a few minutes. I want to be helpful, so I suggest, "S-so, why don’t you tell her all this?" "She doesn’t want to speak to me. I wanted to make up with her and propose at Christmas dinner, but…" He looks so depressed; it’s all I can do to stop myself from hugging him as I sit down next to him. But I am, you know, a man, so I settle for clapping him roughly on the shoulder. He continues, "She won’t take my owls, and her parents said she doesn’t want to see me." I rack my brains trying to think of a way to help him when an idea occurs to me. "Percy, doesn’t she work at St. Mungo’s?" "She’s an intern." "Whatever. So, have you tried her there?" He pushes his glasses back on his nose, "Of course not. That’s a place of business. I hardly think it would be proper to…" "Okay, so you die a sad, lonely, old man living the rest of your days with Mum and Dad. See ya!" I make to walk out but Percy pushes me back down. "Wait! So what do you suggest?" For a smart person, Percy can be really dense sometimes. "Go down there and talk to her!" "What if she won’t talk to me?" His eyes are wide and anxious. "She’s a doctor, right?" "Intern." "Whatever. So if you’re sick, she can’t really ignore you, right?" He sniffs airily, "You think I should feign illness? She’s not stupid. She’ll see right through that." We both slump down on the bed dejectedly. "Unless!" Percy grips my shoulder tightly, "Unless, I really am sick, or…or injured." I stare at him. "Uh-huh. And you plan to do this, er…how?" To myself I’m thinking: he’s losing it! "Percy looks around the room frantically and spots my cauldron, which is sitting on my bed, still full of dirty socks and underwear. In one swift movement he picks it up and dumps out the clothes. He holds it up in front of me and says, "Ron, quick! Drop this on my foot!" He grins wildly. Okay, he’s lost it. "Are you mad? I’m not going to drop that on you!" He thrusts the cauldron in my hands, "Yes, you are!" He smiles at me with an insane, expectant manner. "You’re nutters!" I try and push the cauldron back at him, but he won’t grab it. "Look, I’ll admit there’ve been plenty of times when I would’ve liked to drop a cauldron on your head, but this is mad!" He looks at me pleadingly, "Wouldn’t you do anything for Hermione?" "Well…yes, but…" Do I have to tell the story Of a thousand rainy days since we first met It's a big enough umbrella But it's always me that ends up getting wet "Drop the cauldron!" "No!" "Drop it!" "You’re mental!" "Okay, you asked for it!" He takes a deep breath, "Hermione had a huge crush on me once!" CLUNK!!! "What?" "Aaaaaaaah!" "What did you say?" "Aaaaaaaah!" "Before that?" "What kind of cauldron is that?" Percy is lying on the floor, cradling his foot. His freckles stand out alarmingly, he’s so pale now. I turn the cauldron over and spot the certification: Inspected by P. Weasley. Meets MoM approved thickness standards. "It’s one of yours. Now don’t change the subject." "Ron, please…" he pleads. "Spill it!" "Okay, okay," he grits his teeth, "When you were in first year, Hermione had a crush on me. I guess because we spent so much time chatting about classes. She even sent me a valentine that year. I thought it was cute, but I didn’t do anything about it. I mean, she was eleven years old! End of story, now Ron, please…" At that moment Ginny bursts in trailed by Hermione. "Mum said to come see what all the racket was about." She spots Percy on the floor, "Mum! Mum!" Ginny’s shrill screams catch everyone’s attention. Mum Apparates into the room with a soft ‘pop’. Bill and Charlie are suddenly in the room and Sirius and Harry are outside the door. "What happened?" Mum demands as she leans over Percy. Ginny turns over the upset cauldron. "It’s obvious. Ron walloped him with a cauldron." "Geez Ron," says Bill, kneeling on the other side of Percy, "If you didn’t want him in your room, he could’ve kipped with us. You didn’t have to do this!" Charlie nods his head in agreement, sending me a reproachful look. My outrage makes me stammer incoherently for a few seconds before I manage, "B-but I…" That’s as far as I get before Hermione says, "How could you do that to your own brother?" with a reproving shake of her head. My jaw drops. "And you…" but that’s all I manage because now Mum and Bill are levitating Percy between them. Mum shouts, "We need to get him to St. Mungo’s!" "Mum?" Ginny asks, "Can we follow you over by Floo?" Mum looks over at Harry, "Harry dear, can you accompany the girls?" Harry agrees. "Sirius, will you see that this lot Floos over?" She turns to me, "And you! You wait till we get home…" She’s so angry she can’t finish her threat. "Mum," Percy gasps, "Ron was just…" He passes out cold before he can finish. "Oh! Let’s hurry!" With that, Mum, Bill, Charlie and Percy Disapparate. "We’d better go," mutters Harry and everyone makes their way towards the stairs, giving me the cold shoulder. Great! Just great! Let those prats have it their way then, I think as I slump dejectedly down onto my bed. Hermione didn’t even give me a chance to explain. I lay on my bed for several minutes, thinking about the injustice of it all. Downstairs I hear Harry shout, "St. Mungo’s!" and I know they’ve all gone. "It’s not fair! I was only trying to help!" I shout at the ceiling. I can’t lie here and let them think I bashed my own brother with a cauldron. I’ll make them see the truth. Resolving to go down there and explain, I pound down the stairs and find Sirius staring at the fireplace. Of course, I remember, he couldn’t follow everyone to St. Mungo’s because he’s still on the run. Sirius gives me a funny look. I guess he heard me talking to myself upstairs, because he mumbles something about owling Dad at work and heads for the owl stand. I take a pinch of Floo powder and just as I’m about to step into the fireplace, I remember something and rush upstairs. Snatching the little purple box off my bedroom floor, I charge downstairs, step into the green flames and shout, "St. Mungo’s!" Every little thing she does
is magic As I step out into the lobby of St. Mungo’s, I see that everyone is gathered around Mum. Even Fred and George are there now. Warily, I approach the group. Mum catches sight of me over Charlie’s shoulder. "Oh Ron!" I’m left speechless as she kisses me and throws her arms around me. "Percy told us what you did for him. How sweet of you! And guess what? Penny’s in there with him right now doing a bone mending charm. I think they’re talking." Mum blots her eyes just as Hermione slides her hand into mine and gives me a quick squeeze. Ginny gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and Bill, Charlie and Harry simply beam at me. Fred and George cuff me on the shoulders and say, "We never knew you were a romantic Ron!" I, of course, am speechless. I always thought my family, (Harry and Hermione included) was a bit mad, but now I know the truth. They’re barking, howling mad! Just as I am about to voice this revelation, Dad Apparates at my side with a soft ‘pop’. "What happened?" he asks shakily. "Oh Arthur! Guess what Ron did for Percy?" She takes him aside and quickly tells him what happened. Dad claps me on the shoulder. Several minutes later a door opens down the hall. Penelope Clearwater stands there, shyly beckoning us into the room. As we approach I see that her eyes are sparkling and her face is slightly flushed. Charlie elbows me and gives me a knowing look. "Percy’s ready," she says softly and follows us into the room. Percy is propped up in bed with his leg held up magically in traction. Mum and Ginny fawn all over him while Dad, Bill and Charlie chat Penny up about the effect of the war on St. Mungo’s. Finally, I catch Percy’s eye and grin as I slip the little purple box into his hand. For a long second we hold each other’s gaze. I give him the tiniest nod and he clears his throat. I resolved to call her up
"Er…I…uh wanted to apologize to everyone for worrying you. It’s just a few broken bones and I’ll be staying overnight, but thanks to Penny, I’ll be fine." Everyone beams at Penny who smiles shyly as she makes her way over to Percy’s bedside. She places a hand on his shoulder and they stare at each other rather oblivious to us. Mum blots her eyes again. Hermione is at my side sniffling loudly but with a broad grin on her face. We all turn back to Percy. "During the time Penny and I were apart," Percy swallows dryly before continuing. "I’ve come to the conclusion that no matter how long and hard this war becomes, it will only be worth fighting so long as it means we have a chance for a peaceful life with the people we love at our side." He pauses for a moment to look around the room. Dad has his arms around Mum, whose face is wet with tears. For once, Fred and George are content not to be the center of attention and are standing quietly in a corner. Ginny is standing between Bill and Charlie who’ve each slung an arm around her. Charlie is rubbing his hand rapidly over his eyes. All of a sudden I find that I can’t swallow for the huge lump in my throat. What is this? I turn to Hermione. Her gaze is riveted on Penny and Percy as he pulls out the little box and pops it open, facing Penelope who gasps in surprise. "Penny, I want my chance to be with you," Percy says. "I know the proper way to do this is on bended knee, but seeing as I can’t, will you marry me anyway?" I think we all hold our breath waiting for Penny’s answer. She bursts out "Yes! I’ll marry you!" As Percy slips the ring on Penny’s finger there is a sharp flash of light that momentarily engulfs them. The light revolves around them for a few seconds before shrinking into the stone on Penny’s finger. Everyone ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ as the ring glows briefly in a spectrum of colors, finally settling into a dazzling, crystalline diamond. Every little thing she does
is magic A roar sweeps over the room. Everyone is whooping and hugging. Harry and Ginny take advantage of the confusion to share a quick kiss. I turn to Hermione and press her against me as hard as I can. And there it is again! What’s with the lump in my throat? When I’m sure I can speak, I pull back from Hermione to find that her eyes are streaming with tears. Suddenly, a nagging doubt enters my mind. Is she crying over Percy? I have to ask. "Hermione, why are you crying?" She looks at me in a watery daze before answering, "Oh Ron! Isn’t it romantic?" Before I can answer she throws her arms around my neck and kisses away any doubt I might have had. Yeah, I guess that’s pretty romantic.
A/N: All recognizable characters, settings, circumstances, etc. belong to J.K. Rowling. I do not own them or claim them in any way. The song belongs to Peter Gabriel. Not mine. It is not my intention to make a profit from this story. Peter Gabriel --I Grieve It was only one hour ago It was all so different then Nothing yet has really sunk in Looks like it always did This flesh and bone It's just the way that we are tied in But there's no one home I grieve for you You leave me So hard to move on Still loving what's gone Said life carries on... Carries on and on and on... And on I hold my newborn daughter in my arms. Only three hours old and already she knows tragedy. She'll never know her father. Of course, she's oblivious to this as she flails her tiny fists around her head. She's practically bald except for the sparse little patches of red-orange peach fuzz. She'll have curly hair like just like Percy wanted. He said he didn't care what color her hair was, as long as it was curly like mine. It was only four months ago that he said that. We had just been told it would be a girl. Little did we know that a month or so later, he would be gone. The war ended about a month after that so after that, so my daughter was born in time of peace. First baby born in the post Voldermort era as the St. Mungo's staff kept reminding me. Everyone was so happy! The war practically decimated the British wizarding population. I tried to be brave during the birth. Everyone talked about how much it would hurt. I almost welcomed the physical pain, having been numb for the last two months. Couldn't cry at the funeral, couldn't cry afterwards. Even when my labor started, I still felt oddly detached. It wasn't until the hard labor came that it happened. Every other contraction tore his name from my lips. I tried to stop myself for Molly's sake, but I couldn't. She didn't cry though. She just tightened her grip on my hand as my mum sponged off my face. When it was finally over, Mum handed the baby over to Molly with trembling hands. She held that baby and gazed into her face as though she was the eighth wonder of the world. When I was cleaned up, Mum flung the door open and let all the anxious Weasleys in. The room was in total chaos for the next half-hour as my child was passed around. Arthur cried openly when he was presented with his granddaughter. All the boys exclaimed over the little tufts of red hair. I paid them little attention as I remembered another scene in a tiny hospital room just like this one. I get so caught up in reliving the memory of Percy's proposal that I barely hear Ginny ask, "What's her name Penny?" I stare at her blankly for a few seconds, causing Molly to react. "Bless her, she's tired out. Let's leave this poor girl alone to recuperate." With that, Molly begins ushering everyone out. "I daresay Penny hasn't even held her own baby yet! Now hand her over Ron." Ron rises reluctantly out of his chair and slowly walks over to me. With a last tender kiss on her forehead, he places her gently in my arms. "Take care Penny." As the last nurse bustles out, I'm finally left alone with my daughter. Percy's daughter. "Now what am I going to name you little one?" I ask out loud. I wish she would open her eyes to see if she'll have her father's honey brown or my own gray. Of course with babies it's hard to tell. It hurts to realize that Percy and I never got to discuss names, what with all the chaos of the final days of the war. And then, he was gone. My stomach tightens remembering the taunting note Lucius Malfoy sent to my father-in-law, bragging about the fact that they had finally 'scored' a Weasley. 'You have so many children, surely one less won't make a difference?" Malfoy wrote. I shudder and tighten the receiving blanket around my baby. As I smooth the soft material down, I catch sight of my wedding ring. Even before George came barging into St. Mungo's with the horrible news, I knew. I was tending another Death Eater victim, an eight year old boy on the Cruciatus Curse had been used. I was dreading him waking up as it would probably fall to me to inform him that he was now an orphan. Then I felt it. Like a light bulb burning out, the stone on my ring flickered for a few seconds with a low hum. Then it turned the pinkish-purple color it is today. When George burst in half an hour later they led him to the staff room where I sat with my left hand on top of my swollen stomach, staring at my ring. I looked up into his stricken face and registered that fact that I had never seen one of the twins with such an expression. It was unnatural. As unnatural as becoming a widow at twenty-one years of age. I held George until the hysterical sobs that racked his body subsided. My baby girl squirms as a big, wet tear slides down my nose and splashes her tiny cheek. "Oh dear, I hope you don't have a lot of those in your life. You must be strong." I say, more to myself than to my daughter, "So you need a strong name…" An hour later, there is a timid knock on the door. "Who is it?" "It's Ron." Figuring Ron to be the squeamish sort about nursing, I call out, "Just a second." I tidy us up quickly. "Okay, come in." He shuffles sheepishly in the door. "Penny, I forgot, I had a present for the baby." He pulls his hands out from behind his back and holds up a tiny set of hideously orange robes. "Chudley Cannons, you like?" he asks shyly. "They're adorable!" I lie. "Can I hold her again?" he asks timidly. "Of course." "That means she's going to be tall like her Uncle Ron and," I hesitate, "her father." Ron tears his eyes away from his niece to look at me. After a second he asks, "Have you settled on a name?" "Yes, actually, I have. Her name is Petra."
"P-Petra?" he splutters. "Yes, Petra. And I like it very much, thank you." I say in a stern voice. "Petra Weasley…" he ponders, "Alright, but is it okay if I call her 'Pickles'?" "Pickles?" I ask, but the little being in his arms captivates all his attention and I just know I'm going to have a hard time keeping Uncle Ron from spoiling her. Which reminds me… "Ron, you can call her 'Pickles' so long as you agree to be her godfather." Ron looks up at me with a startled expression. His ears turn a violent shade of red. Just like Percy. "Percy and I had discussed it before he…before he was taken from us." I say quietly. "It's what he wanted." Ron blinks rapidly several times and swallows loudly before asking, "Are you sure Penny?" "Yes, I'm sure. And I'd be honored if Hermione accepted to be godmother." "'Course she'll accept Penny. She'll be dead chuffed when I tell her." He looks down at the little bundle in his arms. "Did you hear that Pickles? I became an uncle and a godfather all in one day!" As Ron coos silly things to the baby, I look down at my ring and smile. *** The news that truly shocks is the empty, empty page While the final rattle rocks Its empty, empty cage... And I can't handle this I grieve... For you You leave... Me Let it out and move on Missing what's gone Said life carries on... "Faster Uncle Charlie! Faster!" My eight-year-old granddaughter's voice carries through the open window of the Burrow. Her laughter is like phoenix tears for my soul. So is the sound of the other voices carrying in from the garden. "Charlie, hold on to her tightly now!" admonishes my Ron. "Oh Ron!" says Ginny in exasperation. "You're so overprotective. Charlie's never dropped Pickles." "But Fred has," points out George followed by a yelp. No doubt his twin has either struck him or thrown something at him. "It was only once and that was three years ago! Besides, she wasn't hurt," shouts Fred petulantly. "No, but she bounced all the way into Dad's shed." says Ginny. "Just be careful, alright?" says Ron in a tone of voice that compels me to look out the window to see if his concerns are justified. The majority of my brood is involved in a loud and boisterous Quidditch match. Charlie has my granddaughter seated in front of him on his broomstick. With no children of his own, he dotes on Petra and it's evident in the way he holds his little niece protectively with one arm. The only ones on the ground are Ginny and Hermione. The rest of them: George, Fred, Harry and Ron are zooming around Charlie and Petra. To my great horror, my daughter-in-law Angelina is also up in the air despite the fact that she's six months pregnant! I shudder. These young witches nowadays… It's nice having a full house again though. They're all so busy, it's not often that we can get together like this. Bill and Fleur were here earlier, but left so that Fleur could rest. She's due with their second child any day now. Little Billy is five years old. Charlie comes home often enough since his divorce. He lives in London with George. Those two are incorrigible bachelors. Fred and Angelina are expecting twins in three months. They live in Hogsmeade so that Angelina can stay close to Hogwarts where she is the flying instructor and Quidditch coach. Ron and Hermione are also in London. They'll finally marry next month after a five-year engagement. Why should they rush to marry? After all, they've been living together for seven years! Hmph. Ginny and Harry are the closest having settled down in village of Ottery St. Catchpole. They surprised all of us by eloping two years after the war ended. Ron was furious. He confronted Harry and accused him of marrying Ginny because she was pregnant. She wasn't. I guess Harry just finally realized how much Ginny truly loved him and he wanted to settle down and have the family he never had. So far however, they haven't had any children. Which is good because they're having the time of their lives, making up for the childhood that the war cut short. The war, I think darkly. The war is the reason my granddaughter has no father. My Percy would have been so proud of his daughter. She's a beautiful little thing with long, curly, red hair, sparkling gray eyes and a sharp mind she inherited from her parents. Unfortunately, she has quite a bit of her uncles in her as well. On her last visit she caused quite a commotion by getting into Arthur's shed and releasing one of his ridiculous Muggle contraptions. I believe it's called a leaf blaster, only Arthur charmed it to blow the gnomes out of the garden. He thought it was a nice, humane way to get rid of the little pests. Unfortunately, Petra set the darn thing on the highest setting and caused dozens of gnomes to rain down on Ottery St. Catchpole. I tell you, we had quite a task memory charming all the Muggles who spotted that. Her mother was mortified, but her uncles thought it was brilliant. I smile at the memory despite myself. "It's nice having them over like this, isn't it Molly?" I turn towards Arthur who pecks me on the cheek. He wanders off, presumable to join the kids or tinker with his Muggle contraptions. I turn back to making dinner, as the kids will probably be hungry soon. The girls all offered to help, but I insisted that they go outside and enjoy themselves. The reason we've all gathered today is because we've just returned from Penny's wedding. Penny married Dave, a fellow doctor at St. Mungo's. She'd been dating him for the past three years. I remember how hard it was for her to tell us that she was interested in dating again. We couldn't blame her; after all, Percy had been gone for five years. Still, she sobbed when she told Arthur and I, insisting that she would always love Percy. She even tried to give me back her wedding ring as it was a family heirloom, but I refused to take it. I told Penny that ring should go to Petra. She finally relented. The wedding was beautiful as was the bride. I just know she'll be happy with Dave and he adores Petra almost as much as we do. We all went to the wedding to show our support for Penny and Petra, though of course, it was painful for us. Arthur even walked her down the aisle, as Penny's own father passed away a few years ago. It was bittersweet for all of us. Now we get to have Petra over for two weeks while Penny and Dave are on their honeymoon. I suspect that's why everyone's lingering around the Burrow instead of rushing home after the wedding. I must say, for people who enjoy having Petra around so much, they aren't in any rush to have children of their own. I guess Arthur really did teach those boys that Contraceptus Charm. Seven children and so far only two grandchildren! Granted, there are three on the way. The noise level from outside rises and I look out the window just in time to see Charlie, still on his broomstick, holding Petra upside down by the ankles. She's shrieking with delight. Ron is livid, flying closely underneath them, presumably ready to catch Petra. Hermione is protesting because Petra is still wearing her formal wedding robes, which are now hanging over her head. Thank goodness she's wearing an undershirt. Ginny is laughing at Ron's consternation. I guess it's time for me to intervene. "Sonorus," I say, point my wand at my throat. "Charlie, that's enough! Petra come in and put some jeans on, dear." Charlie reluctantly turns Petra over and hands her to Ron who clutches her tightly to him. Two minutes later Petra is in the kitchen, cheeks flushed, eyes glittering, long hair a tangled mess. "Gram! Did you see me? Uncle Charlie holded me upside down! It was so cool! Can I go back outside after I change?" She doesn't take a breath in between sentences. "Fine, only no more upside down flying, okay?" She pouts for a second before she responds, "Okay!" and bound up the stairs. "Oh and Petra? Come into the living room when you've finished so that I can braid your hair." I settle into the comfortable armchair to wait for Petra. She returns in a surprisingly short time wearing jeans and an orange T-shirt with the words 'Chudley Cannons' emblazoned across the chest. Another present from her godfather I'm guessing. She kneels down on the floor in front of me and I start running my fingers through her hair. "Gram, I like when you braid my hair. You never pull like Mum." "Yes, well," I softly mutter a detangling charm, "I had practice with your Aunt Ginny." As I work my way through Petra's soft curls she suddenly points to the living room clock. "Look Gram, almost everyone's hand is on Quidditch." Sure enough, I see that Ginny, Ron, Fred, George and Charlie's hands are all pointing in the same direction. I smile, though it's painful because I vividly recall the night Percy installed the Quidditch feature. He was replacing the 'you don't want to know' feature. We were laughing, working on the charm together. It doesn't seem that long ago. It's also painful to remember that there is now a hand missing from the clock. My Percy. I braid Petra's hair into a thick French braid. As I reach the nape of her neck, I notice a bright gold chain around her neck. "What's this dear?" I ask as I tie the end of her braid with a pink band. "Oh this?" She reaches into her T-shirt and pulls out the chain. My breath catches in my chest. Mum gave it to me before the wedding. She charmed the chain so I won't lose it. I wouldn't want to lose this rings, 'cause it's very special." "I know," I say softly, running my fingers over the large pink stone on the ring that dangles from the chain. "Father must have loved Mum very much to give her such a beautiful ring, don't you think?" I nod mutely, certain that if I open my mouth, I'll lose control. "And you know what, Gram? Having this ring makes me feel like father's close to me, you know?" I cup her little face in my hands, "Yes, Petra, I know." ***
Life carries on in the people I meet In every one that's out on the street In all the dogs and cats In the flies and rats In the ashes and the dust Life carries on and on and on... And on Life carries on and on and on... Life carries on and on and on... And on "Are you nervous?" "Uncle Ron. Quit asking me that." My niece Petra fiddles with her ring that hangs from a chain around her neck, and looks out the window of the taxicab. Muggle London flashes past through the rain-splattered windows. Hermione, who is sitting at my right, nudges me in the ribs. "What?" I whisper. She raises one eyebrow giving me the 'Ron-You're-Being-A-Great-Dunderhead' look. Apparently she thinks she can do better. She clears her throat loudly, smoothes her dress down over her very round, eight months pregnant belly and says "Petra, dear, you're going to have the best time at Hogwarts! Headmaster McGonagall is wonderful and the castle is even more beautiful since they re-built it after the war." My niece looks past me to Hermione. "Really?" "Oh yes! And when you get to the Gryffindor common room be sure to look up your father's plaque. Angelina says it's right over the entrance to the boys' dormitory. They dedicated that whole wing to all the Gryffindor men who lost their lives in the war." We're quiet for a second. Trying to lighten things up I say, "Just don't go sneaking into the boys' dormitory, okay?" Hermione and Petra give me twin withering looks, and I get another elbow in the ribs. Petra's withering look is suddenly replaced by an anxious one. "But what if I'm not in Gryffindor?" "Nonsense! You're a Weasley!" I protest. There goes Hermione with the elbow again. "What?" "She's also a Clearwater, remember? So there is also a possibility that she'll be in Ravenclaw." "Oh yes, well, better Ravenclaw than-ooph!" Damn, that elbow! "Petra, honey, whatever house you're in, you'll be just fine. And just think about the people that you know there already: Professor Lupin and Auntie Angelina." Penny asked us to take Petra to King's Cross. She delivered a baby boy yesterday and is still in the hospital recuperating. Penny's husband Dave could've brought her in, but I really wanted to do it. Hermione and I are her godparents after all. We also got to take her school shopping in Diagon Alley last week. Hermione complained about all the extra stuff I bought her, saying we had to stick to the Hogwarts list. But I mean, come on, is three sets of robes really enough for a little girl? And kids need extra shoes and socks and stuff. Besides, Hermione doesn't know the half of it. She knows nothing about the Firebolt LX that I transfigured into a purple sock so that she could hide it in her trunk. It's timed so that it should turn back into a broomstick by midnight. I know that Fred and George took her aside during her going away party at the Burrow and gave her a great big bag of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes pranks and sweets. Fred made her promise not to use them in Auntie Angelina's classes though, because he doesn't like sleeping on the couch. Harry even suggested that we give her the Marauders Map, but I nixed that one. Had to draw the line somewhere. Petra's owl, which is in a cage on my lap, gives a soft hoot. The owl is white with silvery markings. Petra coos softly at it then asks, "Did dad take a pet to Hogwarts too? I know mum had a cat, but what did father have?" "He…" I begin. Hermione notices my hesitation and slips her hand into mine, giving me a tight squeeze. There's no way I can tell her about Scabbers, the bastard who eventually murdered my brother. "He got an owl from Mum and Dad when he became a prefect in his fifth year. Real smart animal he was, named Hermes. Have you decided what to name yours yet, Pickles?" "Um, not yet. And Uncle Ron? I told you I'm too old to be called Pickles anymore. I want to be just plain Petra now." "Oh," I say, slightly miffed, "okay, Plain Petra it is then. Or would you prefer 'PP' for short?" "Uncle Ron!" Luckily, we've arrived at King's Cross, so I quickly scuttle away from Hermione's lethal elbow. I tell her to go ahead and get Petra through Platform nine and three quarters while I fetch a trolley for her trunk. When I finally reach the barrier, the Hogwarts Express is sending clouds of steam over the crowd of parents and students. Hermione has an arm around Petra who suddenly looks much younger than eleven. Percy was just like that too. He always looked younger when he was scared or worried. Suddenly I feel a moment of panic. This is barbaric! How could Mum bear to send us off for months at a time? Petra's too little. She'll be lonely. What if she doesn't eat her vegetables? What if she doesn't wear her cloak when it's cold? What if… "Ron," says Hermione sharply. I guess my panic was showing on my face because she gives me a pointed look and glances at Petra. I swoop down and take her into a tight embrace, wishing I didn't have to let go of her ever. But I step back and clear my throat. "So…" I start as Petra looks up at me expectantly. "So, one last piece of advice: never go into the broom shed with any boys." Petra looks at me like I've gone mad. Hermione's expression is a wide-eyed mixture of shock, anger and a smile. "What? It's all dark in there, and…and there's spiders, and…" "Okay Uncle Ron," she picks up her owl's cage and turns towards an open compartment. Just as she's about to take a step up she whirls around. "Oh yeah, I thought of a name for my own: Chudley" she grins, "Like it?" "You know it," I say in a hoarse voice. I watch as she clambers onto the train, takes a window seat and blows kisses at me. I don't stop watching until the train turns a bend and disappears from view, taking my Pickles with it.
Life carries on and on and on... Just the car that we ride in The home we reside in The face that we hide in The way we are tied in As life carries on and on and on... And on A/N 2: Thanks to all of those who have followed/enjoyed this story. This is the end. It's sad and sappy. I must give credit where credit is due. The idea of Scabbers murdering Percy came from the wonderful story be Arabella and Zsenya, After the End. Thanks to Zsenya for beta reading and posting. Although this is the end of this particular story, so many people expressed surprise at the idea of Penny and Percy having a romantic interlude in the broom shed that I decided to write a short, one part story on this incident.
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