~*~

Percy Weasley took off his glasses, and pinched the bridge of his nose tightly in order to attempt to subdue the growing pain that was steadfastly cumulating into a full blown headache. Mountains of paperwork flooded his in-box since the nasty goblin incident that occurred in Spain, when Minister Shacklebolt accidently stepped on one of their robes. The result was a international crisis and another blow to the wedge that separated wizards and goblins.

'The workload is killing me….'

Cracking his neck twice to work out the knots trying to settle inside of his head, Percy reached for his quill, and dragged the next stack of papers- properly termed 'well wishes of condolences' and began writing his signature on the appropriate lines.

'More like first rate arse kissing…. Anything to appease those bloody goblins!'

He was so enthralled with his work, that he didn't hear the knock at the door. He didn't hear the knock the first or second time either. Finally when the raps became full blown bludgeons, Percy looked up, sighing deeply.

"Oh come in!" he huffed, before turning back to his work with a snarl.

"Wow- you're that into you're work, Perce? Didn't mean to annoy you." The woman said, slipping easily into the chair across from his desk, and crossing her legs lightly. Percy rammed his quill back into the open ink well, and looked up frustrated at the woman.

"What in the bloody- oh. Audrey…. Uh… didn't mean to snap like that…. Really….. damn… I'm sorry."

" You worry too much. Don't worry about it Perce. Really."

The woman was only a few years older than Percy himself. With copper colored hair pulled neatly back into a ponytail, a few strands falling in front of her right eye. Instead of the Auror robes, she wore easy fitting muggle clothes- jeans, boots, and a black blouse with a necklace. By all accounts, she was a calm, relaxed, and self assured woman. Strong enough to hold her own, was building a suitable career, and came from a middle class pure blood family.

All in all, what Percy dreamed off in a woman, but was terrified of this woman in particular. Running a hand through his mottled hair, he flicked his wand and two empty glasses appeared on his desk. Another timed flick, and they were both filled with water.

"Always the gentleman, Perce." Audrey said, taking her glass, raising it to her mouth, and taking a long, slow sip.

"Uhh… yeah, something like that." Percy squeaked, nearly choking on his own water, dribbling some down his chin. Angered at his own clumsiness, Percy wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and knocked the water pitcher onto his desk, soaking his papers.

"Bloody bollocks!" Percy swore, frantically trying to separate the less soggy papers from the soaked ones. Audrey raised an eyebrow curiously.

'Aw… he likes me. That's cute…. He's so childish! Like a little boy…."

Audrey drew her wand from her pocket, and aimed it at the mess.

"Scourgify."

The water disappeared, the pitcher stood upright, and the papers were immediately dried. Just like Percy had left it only moments ago. Taking a handkerchief out of his pocket, Percy wiped his sweating brow, and stuffed the cloth back into his pocket.

" Audrey…. I know we don't get much time together…. And I'm sorry for completely losing it like this… b- but work and such… been so busy…."

"I understand Percy. I really do. Look, I think we'll be spending a lot more time together in the future." Audrey winked slyly. "If you know what I mean. Really close into the future."

"Huh? You lost me." Percy mumbled.

"Oh. Didn't you hear? I got this letter today. From your mum."

"From.. my… mum?!" Percy rasped, his hands eagerly reaching out to seize the piece of parchment, Audrey had teasingly taken out of her shirt pocket, holding it out in front of the stressed out red headed man with great relish.

"Gimmie it! Audrey!" Percy pleaded desperately.

"Hmmm… maybe I will, maybe I won't. What's it too you?" she teased.

"Oh anything- anything! Just lemme see it!"

Audrey offered the folded piece of parchment to the frantic man. Percy snatched it up greedily, tearing off the seal with his teeth, and unfolding the letter quickly, eating up the contents.

Hello my baby boy!

I know you're really busy at the Ministry, but we're getting the whole family together at the Burrow tomorrow! It would mean the world to me, if you came! Harry and Ginny will be there, Hermione and Ron! George and Angelina too!

P.S.- if you think I didn't see you make doe eyes at that Wilkes girl…. She looks adorable! Bring her along too!

Mummy

"Oh… bloody… hell! Bollocks! Bloody hell! Bloody HELL!"

" What? A weird family? I got two parents, six brothers, and four sisters. That's a real big family reunion. All trapped in Uncle Morris's house…."

Audrey shuddered, and took another sip of water. Percy shot up from his desk, and began pacing the room quickly.

"Oh- no- no no! Its far worse! Trust me! Ron and Harry- they're get drunk and play quidditch- naked! Hermione usually is tricked by George into drinking spiked punch and ends up table dancing! Angelina brings my adorable nephew- and he screams like he's being chased by Dementors- all the time! If Fleur shows up- don't get her OR my mother in the same room together!"

"Percy! Calm down!"

She rose from her seat, going to his side, rubbing his shoulders gently. Percy's tight muscles relaxed somewhat under her touch, a shudder of pleasure coursing through him.

'Bloody hell… she's touching me! I like it! She doesn't see me as a pompous arse… she sees me as a man.'

"I like new things. I like meeting new people. I like you, Percy Weasley."

"You… you do?" Percy squeaked timidly.

"Since we bumped into each other in the hall a few months ago. Now, I'm not ready to jump into full fledged marriage- but- lets just see how dinner turns out."

"I'll sum it up in one word: Horrible." Percy mumbled.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that. I for one, like surprises."

"Trust me, if you manage to see the light of day after tomorrow- anything related to your work as an Auror will be a bloody cake walk." Percy grumped.

" Hm. I'll hold you to that. Oh- I got to go."

Audrey checked her pocket watch, studying it for a moment, before slipping it back into her jean pocket and planting a kiss on the cheek to Percy.

"Until tomorrow night then, Perce."

Then she was gone. She left the room with the simplistic air and confidence of a natural woman. Percy slid into his chair, his emotions gone akimbo as he gathered his paperwork together, forcing himself to return to his duties.

'Well, no dull moments when you're a Weasley… that's for sure!'