This was a random plot that jumped into my brain, and I felt the need to post it. I always felt a little sad about Percy, even if he is a prat. One-shot

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the characters. J. does.

Summary: Percy wanted to be loved, respected. He knew his parents tried, but in his eyes they didn't try hard enough. And somehow, no matter who he had t oturn to, he would get he respect and love he deserved.


No Excuses

Percy stomped down the corridor of the Ministry hall, his chin held high. He had gotten into an argument with his dad last night. Again.

They had never seen eye to eye, but it seemed to be getting worse. Percy wanted to make himself known, to be the best he could be. All his family seemed to want was to hold him back.

He had always felt a little angry at his parents for having so many kids. It wasn't really their fault, he knew that. And he loved all his siblings, from Bill the eldest, to his young sister Ginny. He didn't hate them, no matter what they thought. He even loved Fred and George, even though they were pains. But it just didn't seem fair. He knew he was smart, and he liked it. He liked it when people listened to him, and obeyed him. Something that never happened in a house with five kids.

He became even angrier at his parents when Harry Potter showed up. Of course, the boy was starved. Of course he was famous. Of course his parents loved him like a son. Percy didn't hate Harry, in fact, he was sure he understood Harry.

Harry was ignored for all his life, it made sense he would love to have the attention of parents. Attention, not for being famous, but for being himself.

That was how Percy felt. He needed to gain attention, gain respect, something he rarely felt at home.

No one deserves to feel uncared for. But sometimes it happens, sometimes people have to go to immeasurable lengths to prove themselves worthy, worthy of love and affection.

Just because Percy understood Harry, didn't mean he had to like the boy. That was why it was so simple for him to believe the insane stories the Minister told about the boy, saying he was attention seeking and self-absorbed. He believed it, and told people so. But in the back of his mind he knew it was a lie.

He knew the Minister was a liar, not Harry.

He believed Harry when he said Voledmort was back.

But somehow, he told himself the boy had tricked them all, that he just wanted people to think he was a hero.

But Percy didn't care; he wanted people to respect him, to tell him he was doing a good job. Even the joke of a Minister was good enough.

But no matter how many excuses and cover-ups he fed himself, he knew it was a lie.

Breaking away from your family for a job is never right.

He knew there were no excuses.


Please review, even if you hated it! I like how it turned out though. =)