Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, but the story is mine. Everything else belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Weatherby, a medium sized brown owl, shifted his view from his owners sleeping form to the dim light that poured in through the open window. Almost dawn. Weatherby ruffled his feathers and hooted quietly but the boy did not awake. The owl hooted a little louder the second time and was met with a slight groan and a yawn. The boy turned over, took the pillow into his arms, and snuggled closer to it, comforted by its warmth and familiarity. Weatherby knew that only a few hours ago, his friend had crawled into bed but he also knew that his friend liked to be punctual. The owl hooted for a third time, this time very loudly and shrilly making the boy with curly red hair sit up quickly. The boy looked out the window and back at Weatherby, then sighed. He stood up, walked over to owls' cage, poured him some fresh water, and cleaned the papers at the bottom of the open, empty cage. Weatherby watched from the bed post as his friend took care of his mess and hooted loving thanks. The tall red head just smiled and stroked the owls' soft feathers. After finishing his cleaning duties, the boy grabbed a towel, a clean set of robes and undergarments, and headed for the bath; his comfort pillow lay forgotten on the now cold bed. Percy Weasley had more important things to do today than sleep.
* * *
Percy came out of his apartment flat looking immaculately clean and very refined. Before closing the door, he remembered that he would not be home until late again tonight.
"Weatherby, I've got a lot of work to do at the ministry and I probably won't come home until very late so you don't have to wait up for me. I have left the window open in my room in case you want to spread your wings. Thanks again for the wake up call, I'll need you to do it again for me tomorrow, is that ok?" Percy called out. Weatherby flew swiftly down that hall, perched on the old coat hanger, and hooted in acknowledgement. "Thank you Weatherby, take care." With that, Percy closed the door, enchanted it, checked his watch and continued down the hallway where he entered the unlocked door marked 274 and entered quietly. As he entered a burly man sitting near the open kitchen window looked Percy up and down and chuckled slightly
"What'cha think you're doin' here sonny?" The man with the caterpillar eyebrows asked Percy.
"I'm a little early I know but I've got a lot of work to get done today." Percy replied and headed towards the fireplace. The man just looked after him, stunned.
"You know, you only got back a few hours ago Mister Weasley. Don' you think it would be wiser if you was to get a little more sleep before heading back to the office?" Percy looked at the man as though he had just suggested that Percy give up magic and live life as a muggle. "I was just meaning, that maybe you should take care of yourself a lil' more, get out a lil' more. Tha's all." The man just looked at the ground as he finished. Percy hadn't realized that he was glaring at the man, and immediately his face softened.
"I know Brookwood, I should get more sleep but there's just so much to do and I feel as though there aren't enough hours in the day." Brookwood nodded his head in agreement but still did not look up. "Thank you for worrying about me, I appreciate it," Percy said and cowering man looked up hopefully, "but I just don't see how I can manage to take any time off right now. Soon though, I promise. I'll take a nice holiday and maybe travel abroad for a few, um, days." Brookwood grinned at this comment and his dull eyes seem to light up at the very thought of Percy taking a break from work.
"That seems like a right good idea sir, if ya don' mind my sayin' so. I can't think of anyone who deserves it more than you." Percy smiled and walked towards the front of the fireplace and Brookwood checked his schedule, his watch, then the schedule again, and looked up at Percy and gave him the thumbs up. Percy then reached for the Floo Powder and stepped into the grate.
"Ministry of Magic," Percy stated as clearly as possible as the soot began to burn his eyes and fill his nose with the smell of burnt wood and papers. All of the sudden he was being pushed in every direction possible, tossed from grate to grate until he finally saw the entrance to the Ministry and he stepped out. He shook his head and dusted himself as best as he could before continuing down the hallway. He looked at the now beautifully restored fountain and painfully remembered that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was back. It was always a thought that lay painfully in the back of his mind that occasionally resurfaced when he least expected it. It was horrifying the remember all of the horrible things that You-Know-Who did. Percy walked to the elevator, entered, then moved to the back and leaned against the back of the wall. His little brother Ronald was too young to remember anything about that horrible time, so was Fred and George. Only his two older brothers, Bill and Charlie, and himself truly remember the dark times. Although too young to fully understand the true horror behind the news they heard, they knew that evil times had fallen on them. He remembered Alan…
"Young man? Isn't this your floor?" A little old witch wearing a bright blue cape asked him. Her tiny voice brought Percy back into reality and made his cheeks flush. Hew hadn't been listening to the announcer and wasn't really sure which floor they were on but the old lady seemed sure. By the looks of the other wizards on the elevator, they had been holding the door for him for quite a long time.
"Yes, yes it is," Percy, stammered out dazed and unsure," I apologize for the inconvenience."
"No trouble dear, no trouble at all," The little wizard added merrily," Just wanted to make sure you got off on the right floor. Seemed in a bit of a daze you did, thought you might need some reminding." With that, Percy stepped out the open door, and looked back at the witch and nodded in thanks. She said nothing but winked at him as the door closed. Percy waited until the doors were completely shut then turned and looked around. Something was wrong. This was not his floor. This is the Mis-use of Muggle Artifacts Floor…Percy thought but all at once realization hit him. That old bat had had thought that he was here visiting his father, Arthur Weasley. Hardly surprising as he still looked like a very young man, even though he was almost twenty years old. Percy sighed, pressed the up button on the elevator, and waited. Percy bit his lips, knowing he was going to be late and wondering if this morning could get any worse.
"P-Percy?" A voice called.
Yes, this morning could get worse. Much worse. Percy turned around to face his father. It could not be avoided, Percy was on his daddy's floor and there was no escaping it.
"Haven't seen you since…Well, I can't rightly remember it's been so long." Arthur said, fighting to keep the built up emotion out of his voice. Percy's heart ached but he kept his composure strong.
"Yes, it has been a while. How's Molly?" Percy asked trying to keep the conversation light but his tone came off as very cold. Arthur visibly winced at his sons' lack of emotion.
"Your Mother is fine," He replied, putting emphasis on the "m" word, and then continued, "But I won't lie to you, she's very distressed. All this You-know-Who business and you acting the way you are." Arthur paused to let his words sink in. Percy stood erect and did not show any signs of being touch by his fathers' words. Arthur opened his mouth, but Percy cut him off just as the elevator bell rang.
"I'm sorry that Molly is distressed, but it's her own fault. Maybe if she had listened to the Ministry-" Percy began but Arthur cut him off this time.
"Listen to the Ministry? Percy, they ignored the fact that You-Know-Who was back, they lied to everyone, and they're still lying!" Arthur's voice had risen and was now near shouting, "Did you a lot of good listening to the Ministry, didn't it? Acting like a right proper prude you are, and you know it. I never thought I'd feel this way about any one of my children Percy but I am ashamed of you." Percy's heart jumped up into his throat but he refused to show it. Instead, he turned his pain into anger and lashed out at his father.
"Ashamed of me? I am ashamed of you! You sit in this office doing busy work. You sit down here smiling about, tinkering around with your stupid pointless muggle toys. You sit down here cursing the ministry but lacking the courage to leave it. You sit down here do nothing of any worth because you are worthless. You are worthless and everyone knows' it. You know it too because you've got the paycheck to back it up!" Percy immediately regretted his words and wanted nothing more than to take them back and swallow them. However, he could not take them back. All he could do was look at his crestfallen father, speechless and heartbroken. Percy looked at the broken man and turned on his heels to face the elevator. It was then that he realized that the door had been open for sometime and everyone had just witnessed the very juicy explosion between the two. Percy hung his head low, walked into the elevator, and faced the wall until the doors closed behind him. He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against the back of the elevator. He could feel everyone in the small cramped area staring hatefully at his back. He stood up straighter and rolled his shoulders back, he did not care what people thought of him.
Truthfully he did. He cared a great deal, about what people thought of him. That was part of the reason he told his dad off over a year ago, only part of it. Unknown to everyone besides himself and Dumbledore, the other part of the reason was a mystery. He remembered that day very clearly as well. It had started a lot as today's fight had. Bitter words, cold shoulders and no one willing to understand. He had to do it. Percy had to put distance between himself and the people he loved. It was part of his job. There was no other way he could fulfill his duties if he thought that his parents were in danger.
He heard the elevator call out his floor: Level 5, Department of International Magical Cooperation, incorporating the International Magical Trading Standards Body, the International Magical Office of Law, and the International Confederation of Wizards, British Seats. Percy cleared his throat and walked out towards his office in the International Magical Office of Law wing before anyone could say anything to him. Percy breathed a sigh of relief as he reached his door without any confrontation from anyone else. He pulled out his wand and opened the door but stopped midway from the door to his desk. There sitting in Percy's chair was none other than Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic.
Weatherby, a medium sized brown owl, shifted his view from his owners sleeping form to the dim light that poured in through the open window. Almost dawn. Weatherby ruffled his feathers and hooted quietly but the boy did not awake. The owl hooted a little louder the second time and was met with a slight groan and a yawn. The boy turned over, took the pillow into his arms, and snuggled closer to it, comforted by its warmth and familiarity. Weatherby knew that only a few hours ago, his friend had crawled into bed but he also knew that his friend liked to be punctual. The owl hooted for a third time, this time very loudly and shrilly making the boy with curly red hair sit up quickly. The boy looked out the window and back at Weatherby, then sighed. He stood up, walked over to owls' cage, poured him some fresh water, and cleaned the papers at the bottom of the open, empty cage. Weatherby watched from the bed post as his friend took care of his mess and hooted loving thanks. The tall red head just smiled and stroked the owls' soft feathers. After finishing his cleaning duties, the boy grabbed a towel, a clean set of robes and undergarments, and headed for the bath; his comfort pillow lay forgotten on the now cold bed. Percy Weasley had more important things to do today than sleep.
* * *
Percy came out of his apartment flat looking immaculately clean and very refined. Before closing the door, he remembered that he would not be home until late again tonight.
"Weatherby, I've got a lot of work to do at the ministry and I probably won't come home until very late so you don't have to wait up for me. I have left the window open in my room in case you want to spread your wings. Thanks again for the wake up call, I'll need you to do it again for me tomorrow, is that ok?" Percy called out. Weatherby flew swiftly down that hall, perched on the old coat hanger, and hooted in acknowledgement. "Thank you Weatherby, take care." With that, Percy closed the door, enchanted it, checked his watch and continued down the hallway where he entered the unlocked door marked 274 and entered quietly. As he entered a burly man sitting near the open kitchen window looked Percy up and down and chuckled slightly
"What'cha think you're doin' here sonny?" The man with the caterpillar eyebrows asked Percy.
"I'm a little early I know but I've got a lot of work to get done today." Percy replied and headed towards the fireplace. The man just looked after him, stunned.
"You know, you only got back a few hours ago Mister Weasley. Don' you think it would be wiser if you was to get a little more sleep before heading back to the office?" Percy looked at the man as though he had just suggested that Percy give up magic and live life as a muggle. "I was just meaning, that maybe you should take care of yourself a lil' more, get out a lil' more. Tha's all." The man just looked at the ground as he finished. Percy hadn't realized that he was glaring at the man, and immediately his face softened.
"I know Brookwood, I should get more sleep but there's just so much to do and I feel as though there aren't enough hours in the day." Brookwood nodded his head in agreement but still did not look up. "Thank you for worrying about me, I appreciate it," Percy said and cowering man looked up hopefully, "but I just don't see how I can manage to take any time off right now. Soon though, I promise. I'll take a nice holiday and maybe travel abroad for a few, um, days." Brookwood grinned at this comment and his dull eyes seem to light up at the very thought of Percy taking a break from work.
"That seems like a right good idea sir, if ya don' mind my sayin' so. I can't think of anyone who deserves it more than you." Percy smiled and walked towards the front of the fireplace and Brookwood checked his schedule, his watch, then the schedule again, and looked up at Percy and gave him the thumbs up. Percy then reached for the Floo Powder and stepped into the grate.
"Ministry of Magic," Percy stated as clearly as possible as the soot began to burn his eyes and fill his nose with the smell of burnt wood and papers. All of the sudden he was being pushed in every direction possible, tossed from grate to grate until he finally saw the entrance to the Ministry and he stepped out. He shook his head and dusted himself as best as he could before continuing down the hallway. He looked at the now beautifully restored fountain and painfully remembered that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was back. It was always a thought that lay painfully in the back of his mind that occasionally resurfaced when he least expected it. It was horrifying the remember all of the horrible things that You-Know-Who did. Percy walked to the elevator, entered, then moved to the back and leaned against the back of the wall. His little brother Ronald was too young to remember anything about that horrible time, so was Fred and George. Only his two older brothers, Bill and Charlie, and himself truly remember the dark times. Although too young to fully understand the true horror behind the news they heard, they knew that evil times had fallen on them. He remembered Alan…
"Young man? Isn't this your floor?" A little old witch wearing a bright blue cape asked him. Her tiny voice brought Percy back into reality and made his cheeks flush. Hew hadn't been listening to the announcer and wasn't really sure which floor they were on but the old lady seemed sure. By the looks of the other wizards on the elevator, they had been holding the door for him for quite a long time.
"Yes, yes it is," Percy, stammered out dazed and unsure," I apologize for the inconvenience."
"No trouble dear, no trouble at all," The little wizard added merrily," Just wanted to make sure you got off on the right floor. Seemed in a bit of a daze you did, thought you might need some reminding." With that, Percy stepped out the open door, and looked back at the witch and nodded in thanks. She said nothing but winked at him as the door closed. Percy waited until the doors were completely shut then turned and looked around. Something was wrong. This was not his floor. This is the Mis-use of Muggle Artifacts Floor…Percy thought but all at once realization hit him. That old bat had had thought that he was here visiting his father, Arthur Weasley. Hardly surprising as he still looked like a very young man, even though he was almost twenty years old. Percy sighed, pressed the up button on the elevator, and waited. Percy bit his lips, knowing he was going to be late and wondering if this morning could get any worse.
"P-Percy?" A voice called.
Yes, this morning could get worse. Much worse. Percy turned around to face his father. It could not be avoided, Percy was on his daddy's floor and there was no escaping it.
"Haven't seen you since…Well, I can't rightly remember it's been so long." Arthur said, fighting to keep the built up emotion out of his voice. Percy's heart ached but he kept his composure strong.
"Yes, it has been a while. How's Molly?" Percy asked trying to keep the conversation light but his tone came off as very cold. Arthur visibly winced at his sons' lack of emotion.
"Your Mother is fine," He replied, putting emphasis on the "m" word, and then continued, "But I won't lie to you, she's very distressed. All this You-know-Who business and you acting the way you are." Arthur paused to let his words sink in. Percy stood erect and did not show any signs of being touch by his fathers' words. Arthur opened his mouth, but Percy cut him off just as the elevator bell rang.
"I'm sorry that Molly is distressed, but it's her own fault. Maybe if she had listened to the Ministry-" Percy began but Arthur cut him off this time.
"Listen to the Ministry? Percy, they ignored the fact that You-Know-Who was back, they lied to everyone, and they're still lying!" Arthur's voice had risen and was now near shouting, "Did you a lot of good listening to the Ministry, didn't it? Acting like a right proper prude you are, and you know it. I never thought I'd feel this way about any one of my children Percy but I am ashamed of you." Percy's heart jumped up into his throat but he refused to show it. Instead, he turned his pain into anger and lashed out at his father.
"Ashamed of me? I am ashamed of you! You sit in this office doing busy work. You sit down here smiling about, tinkering around with your stupid pointless muggle toys. You sit down here cursing the ministry but lacking the courage to leave it. You sit down here do nothing of any worth because you are worthless. You are worthless and everyone knows' it. You know it too because you've got the paycheck to back it up!" Percy immediately regretted his words and wanted nothing more than to take them back and swallow them. However, he could not take them back. All he could do was look at his crestfallen father, speechless and heartbroken. Percy looked at the broken man and turned on his heels to face the elevator. It was then that he realized that the door had been open for sometime and everyone had just witnessed the very juicy explosion between the two. Percy hung his head low, walked into the elevator, and faced the wall until the doors closed behind him. He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against the back of the elevator. He could feel everyone in the small cramped area staring hatefully at his back. He stood up straighter and rolled his shoulders back, he did not care what people thought of him.
Truthfully he did. He cared a great deal, about what people thought of him. That was part of the reason he told his dad off over a year ago, only part of it. Unknown to everyone besides himself and Dumbledore, the other part of the reason was a mystery. He remembered that day very clearly as well. It had started a lot as today's fight had. Bitter words, cold shoulders and no one willing to understand. He had to do it. Percy had to put distance between himself and the people he loved. It was part of his job. There was no other way he could fulfill his duties if he thought that his parents were in danger.
He heard the elevator call out his floor: Level 5, Department of International Magical Cooperation, incorporating the International Magical Trading Standards Body, the International Magical Office of Law, and the International Confederation of Wizards, British Seats. Percy cleared his throat and walked out towards his office in the International Magical Office of Law wing before anyone could say anything to him. Percy breathed a sigh of relief as he reached his door without any confrontation from anyone else. He pulled out his wand and opened the door but stopped midway from the door to his desk. There sitting in Percy's chair was none other than Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic.