Percy and the Muggle
A/N: Okay, so this is my first fanfic ever so I would really appreciate a review just to see if you like it and thanks to those who do review. I have used pieces from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this to try keep it in line with the canon story. I am open to constructive criticism in reviews and I will hopefully add on a few more chapters so bear with me seeing as I am still trying to get the hang of this site.
Disclaimer: Unfortunately the magic world created by J. K. Rowling doesn't belong to me, nor do the characters.
It had been but a month since the war ended and the wizarding community was slowly stitching itself back together. For the Weasley family - and many more like them - the death of a close relative was still painful and that was why Percy had brought himself to muggle London. He had returned to his family on the final day of the battle; the day his younger brother Fred was killed. When he closed his eyes all he could see was the flying debris from the explosion and then Fred lying still - dead, mid-laugh. Why didn't I save him? He asked himself repeatedly even though he knew he couldn't.
He was annoyed at himself for a number of reasons. Firstly; he still worked at the Ministry of Magic even though he had decided to resign. Fred was with him when he had told Pius Thicknesse, the ex-Minister.
Fred and I backed away from a small group of hooded men. Hexes and curses flying about our heads in flashes of light. Harry, Ron and Hermione helped to take down the Death Eaters. The man that I was duelling turned his head to glance at his comrades. That slight movement caused his hood to fall and reveal his face.
"Hello, Minister!" I bellowed, sending a neat jinx straight at Thicknesse, who dropped his wand and clawed at the front of his robes, apparently in awful discomfort. "Did I mention I'm resigning?"
He and Fred had shared a laugh. Not too long after that, Fred was dead. Even now, a month later, he couldn't bring himself to say those words. My brother is dead… He whispered in his head. It didn't sound true. Maybe this is one of Fred and George's practical jokes? He asked himself but even he knew this was too far for a prank.
Secondly; the Ministry had been the cause for his estrangement to his family. What if he continued to work which lead to a new barrier between him and his family. Memories of before flooded back to him.
"You are a complete idiot to be running around with Dumbledore!" I shout at dad, not bothering to control my words. "Dumbledore is heading for big trouble and when he hits it, you'll be taken down too. I know where my loyalty lies and it is with the ministry! If you and mum are going to become traitors then I am making sure that everyone knows that I am not part of this family anymore!" I storm upstairs and pack my bags before permanently moving to my flat in London.
What kept him from resigning was a number of reasons: he enjoyed his job; Kingsley Shacklebolt was now Minister; the hassle of resigning seemed unnecessary; it would be mean to abandon the Ministry while they were recovering; and jobs right now were very slim. These were the things he contemplated as he wandered aimlessly through the streets of muggle London.
The British weather reflected his foul mood perfectly. The sky was grey and threatening to rain. Percy ducked into a bookstore as the first few drops began to fall. A bell tinkled as Percy pushed the door open and tinkled again as the door fell shut. He made his way to a shelf and pretended to browse the book spines but he didn't take in the words until a voice spoke from behind him.
"You don't really seem like a Hinduism fanatic, if you don't mind me saying." A woman chuckled. She was an inch or two shorter than Percy and had her curly brown hair pulled back into a bun. A few strands had escaped and framed her face. Blue-grey eyes smiled through 'nerdy' glasses to him. She couldn't help but notice how tired he looked.
Percy looked at her blankly for a few seconds. "P-pardon?" he then looked at the title of the shelf. "World-Wide Religions… Ohh…" he said slowly. A part of his mind wondered why he hadn't noticed this himself. Another part asked why this muggle was speaking to him.
The woman gave him a sympathetic smile. "Rough day?" she asked, making chitchat as she could see his mood was fragile.
Percy ran a hand through his bright red hair. "You could say that." He nodded. "Why are you talking to me?" he asked, not meaning it to sound as rude and pompous as it did.
She took a step back. So he was one of those people then… She sighed internally. Put on a suit, lift a briefcase and TADAH! They automatically think they are superior. "You looked a bit lost." She shrugged and lifted up a box of books that sat by her foot. "I was merely offering some company." With that she turned and walked away.
Percy watched her leave. A twinge of guilt hit him but he pushed it aside and decided to go home. Who is she to judge me? He wondered as he made his way to a deserted ally to disapparate. Maybe Penny is right, I don't understand girls. He decided that was it before apparating home to his girlfriend of 6 years - Penelope Clearwater.
Later when Percy recounted this story to Penelope, he was shocked that she didn't agree with his actions. Shouldn't she be happy? He asked himself. What he didn't know however, was Penny's reasoning and how she had spent her day.