A/N: I love reading all kinds of fanfiction, and was reading some Percy stories and this idea hit me. It will be like most of my fics, drama with some light moments thrown in. Hope you enjoy.
The characters of the Harry Potter universe belong to Ms. Rowlings, and I'm borrowing them for my own imagination.
Chapter 1 - Dear Ron
October 1, 1997
Dear Ron,
If Kingsley is giving you this, then I am dead. You would think that would be a dreadfully weird thought if it wasn't for the fact that Penny was still alive less than twenty-four hours ago. My wife is dead.
I should clarify, Penny and I weren't married in the legal sense. You probably find it surprising that I would refer to her as my wife. I wanted to marry, but she wouldn't with all of the dangers surrounding Muggle-borns. So, we committed ourselves to each other one night in the Clearwaters' home. Only her parents and Oliver were present. Actually Stephen, Penny's dad, officiated the unofficial ceremony. Penny said it was the night Molly was conceived.
Molly is the reason for this letter. Molly Penelope Weasley was born on August 1, 1996. Penny said that Molly saved my life, since she was the reason I wasn't at the Ministry that day Scrimgeour was killed. We were celebrating her birthday with Penny's parents not knowing that the world was completely falling apart around us. It is only a little more than two months later, and all I have left now is Molly. Molly has actually saved my life in more ways than that one. I don't know how I would be dealing with Penny's death right now without my precious little girl.
I should explain that we named you Molly's godfather. You may ask why. The reason is that only you could understand what it was like to be the brother of Head Boy Bill, Quidditch Captain Charlie, The Twins and Baby Ginny. I am trusting that you would never allow her to feel forgotten or unwanted. She was wanted and loved by her mother and me very much.
Penny and I have made arrangements for Molly. I have a vault at Gringotts and Kingsley will give you the key. We have put back as much as we could for her care and there are also other items in there we wish her to have.
Penny kept a journal for Molly to read when she is older and there are photo albums in there so she will at least know us through pictures and her mother's words. With the key will also be Penny's and my rings. I want you to give them to Molly when you feel that she is ready.
Please let her know that she was her mother and my greatest achievement. Tell her that we loved her more than anything in this world.
I am sorry that I was not the brother or son I should have been, but I am going to start making up for that very soon. It very well maybe the reason you received Molly and this letter.
Love your brother,
Percy
Percy looked over to the blanket on the floor of the Shacklebolts' living room where his fourteen-month-old daughter slept. He then folded up the letter and put in the envelope with the key and rings. He would give it to Kingsley as soon as he returned home.
Kingsley had told Percy that he could stay in his home as long as he needed. Kingsley's nineteen year old daughter had willingly agreed to care for Molly while they worked.
Tonight, when he presented his plan to Kingsley, he would need to make sure that his family would only be notified in the case of his death. He couldn't let them know what he would be doing. His mother would do everything in her power to stop him. He had to do this, for Penny, the Clearwaters, his parents and siblings and most of all for his daughter.
"Percy, I brought you some tea." Audrey Shacklebolt Bones said as she walked into the room with a tray in her hand. "Lee's broadcast should start soon."
"Thank you." Percy said as he took the tray from her and set it on the table.
Audrey turned on the wireless and tapped it with her wand, "Sirius."
"Hello, all you listeners out there and welcome to the first broadcast of Potterwatch. I am River and I will be your host. I also want to welcome my fellow correspondents, Royal and Romulus."
"Thank you for having us." Responded the familiar soft voice.
"Isn't that Remus?" Molly Weasley asked those of her family that was gathered around her. While Charlie was back in Romania, Ginny at school and Ron and Percy, Merlin knows where, she was grateful for those that were home that evening for the broadcast and dinner.
"Yeah." Fred replied.
"First up," River began again, "We are recommending that all Muggle-borns go into hiding. The Muggle-born registry is merely a witch hunt, and will only result in a one way ticket to Azkaban. If we don't watch out the Half-Bloods will be next."
"Royal, I believe you have a report of the effects of the new Wizarding order?" River asked.
"Yes, unfortunately, I have some sad news to report this evening that you will not see in The Chief Death Eater's propaganda. Yesterday there was a massive fire in a Muggle neighborhood in London. And of course, those lovely masked men were spotted at the scene. The fire claimed the lives of Muggle-born witch, Penelope Clearwater and her parents Dr. Stephen and Jean Clearwater." Royal reported.
"Let us all observe a moment of silence for all the lives lost and for those who loved them." River said.
Fred exchanged a glance with George. It was obvious that neither of them knew if Percy was still dating Penny. Maybe Oliver would know, Fred thought. He would try to get a owl off to him tomorrow.
"Thank you. Now on to the portion we would like to call Pals of Potter. Romulus, any word on the young man the papers are now calling Undesirable Number One?" River asked.
"Yes, I am happy to report the whispers of the sighting of Harry along with his friends at our very own Ministry of Magic. Three persons polyjuiced to impersonate Ministry employees, Mafalda Hopkirk, Reginald Cattermole, and Albert Runcorn aided in the escape of several Muggle-borns as well as stole Alastor Moody's eye from Under Secretary Umbridge's door." Romulus stated.
"Under old toad-face's nose, delightful." River stated. "What brought about the belief that these acts were performed by our favorite hero and his friends?"
"It was reported that patronuses associated to Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were seen protecting the Muggle-borns from Dementors."
"It was Harry that warned me the Ministry had me under surveillance. I also spoke with Reginald that day, and didn't even think that it could have been Ron." Arthur said.
"At least we know they are okay as of two days ago." Bill added.
"I just wish I knew where they are. I wish I knew where all my children are." Molly said.
"At least I see Percy every day at work." Arthur said. "It has to be his decision to come home." Molly just nodded sadly.
"Thank you, Royal and Romulus for your insightful reports. We will try to report again as soon as possible. In the mean time, keep twiddling those dials. The next password will be Cedric. Keep each other safe. Keep faith. Goodnight." (A/N)
Audrey shut off the radio as soon as the broadcast was complete.
"I saw all three of them that day. My baby brother was standing right next to me and I didn't even realize it. Not like he would have spoken to me." Percy said.
"Don't lose heart. Like Lee said, we have to keep faith." Audrey said.
"I will. I am very grateful to you and your father for giving my daughter and me a roof over our heads." Percy said.
"Honestly, I am looking forward to taking care of Molly. She is the most precious little girl. It gets a bit lonely around here. My dad doesn't want me working until we can get rid of You Know Who. So I just study my medical books waiting until I can apply to medical school and become a healer." Audrey said.
"You are very open, considering I am just a stranger." Percy commented.
"I warn you now. I can be quite blunt as well. Especially if I'm angry." Audrey said.
"I'll remember that." Percy said. "Now I better get Sleeping Beauty up to bed." He bent down and with expertise lifted the little girl off of the blanket, cradling her in his arms. Yeah, she was worth everything he was going to commit to doing when Kingsley walked back through that door.
TBC
A/N - The last few sentences were from Lee's sign off during the Potterwatch in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I figured Lee would sign off the same way, as most news anchors do.