For Hogwarts's Pair the Character Challenge (PercyPenelope) and the ANZAC Day (Write about something significant happening at dawn)
"Percy," Penelope pleaded, her voice cracking. "Please don't do this."
Percy watched a tear roll down her cheek and thought that he would rather die than see the love of his life fall apart because of him but he had a job to do.
"I'm sorry, Penelope, but I cannot be distracted by a relationship. Minister Fudge requires my services full time, Penny," Percy said.
Penelope glared at him."And so what? I'm less important than some office job?"
Percy wanted to explain to her, to break down and spill all his plans the way they had been doing for years, sixteen and ambitious enough to succeed. But he couldn't afford to put her in danger. He was a valuable figure now, the only Weasley to dedicate themselves to the future of the Wizarding world, unlike his parents and siblings who threw in their load with the clearly deranged headmaster.
He wasn't naive enough to think Penny would understand. Penny was just as dedicated to Dumbledore's cause as his family and he knew that if they stayed together, she would be a target as the rebellious wife of an important figure in the ministry.
"Penny, it's not too late for you to change your mind. You can still work in the ministry with me!" Percy pleaded.
Penny snorted. "Sure, I can work in a ministry that hates my kind. Lovely idea, Percy."
Percy glared at her. Fine, she could be that way. One day, she would understand.
...
Penelope glared at the door as the bell outside her house rang. It was five in the morning, for heaven's sake!
Muttering threats under her breath, Penny rubbed her eyes tiredly, swung open the door and promptly gasped. On her porch stood Percy Weasley, soaking wet and stiffly smiling.
"Are you insane?" Penny screamed. "How dare you come back now after what you did?"
"Penny, I'm so sorry," Percy begged. "I was so, so stupid to not listen to you. I was so young and blinded by my desire for power. I was such a fool. I lost my mind and I regret it all."
"Is that all, Percy?" Penny asked stonily, raising an eyebrow.
Percy visibly wilted. "Penny, please. Give me one last chance and I'll show you I've changed. I can't live knowing I hurt you."
Penny sighed. "Get in here and cast a drying spell on yourself unless you have a death wish."
Percy beamed and Penny smiled despite herself. She had really, truly missed her partner in life.