Disclaimer: I do not own HP in any way shape or form.
Howdy! Well after seeing the new HP movie, DH part 1, I was very disappointed with the lack of Percy. I know he wasn't that important in this part of the story but they were in the ministry for over 30 minutes! They couldn't just throw the redhead in the background?
Then again Percy's my favorite character, not necessarily the directors.
I wanted to write a story about Percy during the Death Hallows time and ended up starting during the fifth book since I felt some of the character growth in those times was important other than that the story will primarily focus on what I believe Percy went through while Harry was off gallivanting. THAT SAID: This in no way true to the books as this is a SLASH story. Don't like then don't read.
Pairings is Kingsley/Percy and some more/Percy but I don't want to spoil the surprise.
There will be dubious parts in this story but that's why it is rated M, it just doesn't happen in this chapter.
On that note I hope you enjoy!
XXX
Chapter One: Loyalty
XXX
Percy stared at his new flat.
Just a year out of school and he was already on his own. Most other wizards his age were still trying to find that perfect job and here he was, barely 18 and he was Junior Assistant to Minister of Magic!
Any parents would be proud! Thrilled even!
Except his.
Percy waved his wand to get the books to organize themselves as he glanced around the apartment. Penelope Clearwater had helped him arrange it and while it looked nothing like the Burrow, Percy tried to his hardest to find comfort in the fact that he had his own place.
He knew his place.
Just like he knew where his loyalty lied.
If only his parents could see...
"Well I have to head back." Penelope smiled at the redhead as he nodded at her. "It was really good to see you again, despite the circumstances."
"Thank you for helping, sorry to call you out of the blue." Percy walked her to the door.
"Junior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic!" Penelope said with awe. "Congratulations Percy."
Percy's neck heated up as he smiled at her. "I didn't ruin your date with...Bryon?"
"Byron, and no, I called him to push the cinema back." Percy remembered her talking about cinema and shows whenever they had dated back then. They had ended on good terms and Percy was glad he was able to call her up for such a last minute favor.
She stood at the door for a moment, her smiled faltered as she saw Percy look around the apartment one more time. "Are you going to be okay?"
"Of course." Percy huffed, "Surviving is what we do best, after all I am a Weas-"
The words died on his lips, a sharp pain in his chest that reminded him of his first panic attack and then he remembered the words he had yelled at his father. A Weasley? He had severed those ties hadn't he.
"Percy!" Penelope grabbed Percy's face in a way that made him purse his lips. He had always hated it when she did that. "You are Percy, and you always make it through!"
Percy tried to say 'Thanks and now will you let go of my face.' but it came out more like "Thfph afbu meh phus." Penelope just smiled at him as she let go and gave his cheek a pat before she went down the hall. Percy waited for her to get down the stairs before he shut the door and once again look around at his new apartment.
His new home.
While it wasn't necessarily something he would be proud to show people at the Ministry it was his.
And with that Percy was ready to start his new life.
XXX
Percy had thought that his job was rather easy despite his trials in getting there.
Most of the ministry was willing to over look the Barty Crouch Sr. incident when it became known that the Minister himself had asked Percy to take the job. And while Percy did not approve of Delores Umbridge's opinion, or form of dress, it was nice to work with a professional.
She had some different ideas in how to treat certain subjects but it was no secret how much Minister Fudge valued her opinion and Percy figured the Minister would know when to draw the line on some of her thinking.
She took a shine to Percy right off the bat.
She made sure Percy had plenty of work to do and it wasn't just the busy work he had found himself with when he had first started working with Crouch Sr. she said she appreciated his loyalty to the ministry and could see he was going places.
Percy often felt he was more her assistant that Minister Fudge's but when he did see the Minister it was usually only during interviews with the Daily Prophet or when the older man was conversing with Umbridge. It became quite clear that Minister Fudge was afraid that Dumbledore was up to something and after hearing what the Minister and Umbridge had to say Percy had to admit.
A lot of things about Dumbledore seemed fishy.
And Harry Potter?
Percy was beginning to worry more and more about Ron as he picked up the Daily Prophet on his way to work. It was hard enough that Ron was turning out more like Fred and George but now to know that his baby brother was fraternizing with a liar?
His whole family had been duped!
Percy glanced up as he heard Umbridge's shoes tap into the office. The woman smiled at him and he gave her a nod before he noticed the Minister pass the door in his Wizengamot attire. Percy stood abruptly and gave Umbridge a look.
"I thought the trial wasn't until the afternoon." Percy grabbed his quills and ink. He had been asked to work as a scribe for the trial today.
"Change of plans." Umbridge gave a short laugh before her and the Minister started to walk out of the office, Percy grabbing the proper robes and his bag with parchment as he followed after them. Percy had been told that Harry Potter had used magic against his cousin this summer and with the underage restriction on magic the trouble maker was going to be expelled from school.
Maybe Ron would be dragged into anything dangerous this year.
Percy jumped into the lift right before the doors closed, fully prepared for court. It seemed they had arrived before everyone else. Minister Fudge seemed to notice someone in the hall and went outside while Umbridge proceeded to greet all the Ministry officials as they came in. Percy gave the older Wizards a nod as they came in and he prepared his pen.
It was only a few minutes before everyone was there except the reason for the gathering.
Mr. Harry Potter.
When Harry did arrive Percy found himself unable to look at the younger man that had once been his friend. He had given Harry full marks on the second TriWizard task just a few months back for bringing Ron out of the water...how things have changed. Percy wanted to glance over at Potter but was afraid Harry would be looking back at him.
Then what would he do?
Would he nod?
Would he just turn his head and ignore Harry as if he wasn't there? He didn't need the minister to think he was consorting with Harry. It was bad enough his family was so adamant in their loyalty with Dumbledore that they wouldn't see that the old fool was bringing them down.
Dumbledore.
Percy's old headmaster showed up at the hearing and Percy directed all his attention to the paper as he listened. By the end of the hearing Percy didn't have to look up. He knew Minister Fudge was going to be depressed he had lost while Umbridge was going to be livid. Percy didn't know why the dementors had attacked Harry and almost felt bad for the teenager that didn't ever seem to get a break but he also wasn't sure if he could trust Harry, not a hundred percent anyways.
Not anymore.
Percy barely made it two steps out of the court room before he noticed his father. The back of his neck heating up as he forced himself to stare at the ground and walk as quick as possible.
Of course his father was going to be there.
Why hadn't he thought of that.
His dad was going to be there for Potter.
Percy decided against throwing his parchment to the ground in favor of looking professional in front of all the older wizards he had found himself in the lift with. There was small talk and no mention of the trial that just happened. Percy glanced forward one more time to see his father pat Harry on the back before the lift took him back to the Minister's office.
Where he belonged.
XXX
Molly Weasley stopped coming to Percy's apartment on the weekends once Hogwarts started. Percy missed seeing her but was thankful that he wouldn't have the opportunity to make her cry, which is all he seemed to be capable of doing to his mother.
Percy kept himself busy, only leaving the office to deliver memos himself or if he absolutely needed to eat. He had been given a lot more work now that Umbridge was now a professor at Hogwarts and while he seemed to be actually working for the minister now he at times felt a bit under qualified for the tasks given to him.
"Mr. Weasley, I need you to give a statement to the press this afternoon." The minister straightened his robes as he put scrolls on Percy's desk. "And deliver these for me will you, I am off to my meetings with the Governers of Hogwarts to talk about further changes."
"..." Percy opened his mouth to ask the Minister what the statement to the press was going to be about but the Minister was already gone. The redhead just sat in his desk for a second staring at the pile of scrolls before he took a breath.
He would figure it out.
He always did.
Eventually.
Percy divided the scrolls to their respected departments. He organized them in his bag and glanced at his watch. He could deliver the scrolls, grab a bite and be back at his desk to finish his work and call a press conference in half an hour. Maybe a little sooner if he skipped the tea.
Percy turned to shut the door to the office when he suddenly backed into somebody. Startled, he jumped forward and turned to see a rather tall black man smiling sheepishly at him. "Excuse you."
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attent-"
"No, you obviously weren't." Percy snapped a bit as he motioned for the man to back up so he could shut the office. "Now the Minister is out for the day and I have errands to run."
"He's gone?" The taller man seemed startled by this.
"Yes." Percy said in a terse voice as he shut the door. He felt the back of his neck heat up as he realized how rude he was acting. He took a deep breath and finally took a look at the other man. "Can I help you...?"
"I know it's been a few years since I've been to the Burrow but do you really not recognize me Percy?" The older man laughed, his deep voice making Percy relax despite himself.
Percy stared at the bald man, his blue robes and orderly appearance proved that he worked in the Ministry, his wand wasn't stowed away in his robes but was against his side which put him in either the some sort of Law Enforcement or more active group of the Ministry. Percy paused as he looked at the older man, the strange gold hoop earring gave Percy a spark of familiarity but Percy couldn't place a name.
"Uh.." Percy glanced down the hall almost in hope that someone would should the older man's name and he could attempt to play it off.
"Kingsley Shacklebolt." The older man held out his hand. "I'm a friend of your fathers."
Percy put out his hand to reciprocate but faltered at the mention of his father, his neck going redder. Kingsley as if feeling the uneasiness grow on Percy gave a quick handshake and nodded towards the Minister's office. "I was supposed to meet with the Minister today but since he's out..."
"I don't remember a meeting being made." Percy stated in confusion before he pulled out the Minister's planner that Percy kept a copy of. He glanced at it and sure enough, the Minister had the rest of the afternoon set aside for Hogwarts business.
"Ah." Kingsley looked amused when Percy closed the planner before he could get a look at it. "My mistake then."
"It happens..." As soon as the unpercylike words left Percy's mouth he made a sour face before giving Kingsley a nod. "If you want I could pencil you in tomorrow for the Minister's tea, if it is important, whatever you need to talk to him about that is."
"It's of no importance." Kingsley waved his hand and Percy narrowed his eyes, not entirely convinced but deciding it wasn't worth time. Now because of this little distraction he was going to have to skip his meal if he wanted to get his reports done in a timely manner.
"It was nice meeting you." Percy did a little bow before turning and making his way down the hall. He gave the older man a glance back only to see that Kingsley was already gone. He just shrugged and made his way into the lift and proceeded to go to the bottom floor.
Percy had learned on his first day that the lifts moved faster when they were going up so it was always more efficient to start at the bottom and work his way up when it came to delivering memos.
The press conference had gone smoother than expected once Percy had gotten wind over what it was going to be about. He had also learned that his younger brother had been made a prefect which made Percy happier than he thought it would have, and proud in Ron. Percy stared at the empty office for a second, the Minister had just popped in for a few seconds to congratulate Percy on Ron's honor before disappearing again and Percy found himself wondering if he should go home.
He glanced at the early print of the Daily Prophet and found a frown etching his features as he though about Ron's future.
Well, maybe a letter was in order for his little brother.
XXX
Percy celebrated Christmas at the Ministry Holiday Ball with his coworkers. He talked with a few politicians and was complimented on doing such a good job in his new position. The Minister introduced him to some of the foreign wizards and it was only 5 minutes into Christmas day before Percy found himself outside the party on the balcony bored out his mind.
Politics could be mind numbing sometimes.
The cup of brandy he managed to nab from one of the house elves helped him feel a little warmer as he tried to look at the sky. London was already covered in snow but it looked like the weather was planning on giving the city a few more inches. He briefly wondered what his family was doing.
He had heard his dad asked off for a few days of work, which was odd, but Percy figured they must have something special planned.
It was for the best.
They were happy.
He was...
Percy finished the drink and placed it on the side before he leaned over the ledge just to get a better view of downtown. There was a loud crash and Percy jumped, turning slightly to see a young woman with bright pink hair and the older Shacklebolt fellow stumble out onto the balcony.
Ruining his peace.
"Wotcher, Weasley!" The pink haired girl laughed before she squinted her eyes at Percy. "Happy Christmas."
"Happy Christmas." Percy muttered, glancing back inside and thinking of a proper way to dismiss himself. He turned back to the older man. "Happy Christmas Mr. Shacklebolt."
"Happy Christmas Percy." Kingsley smiled before he ushered Tonks further onto the balcony. "Sorry but my friend was getting a little warm in there."
"Politicians are sooooo boring." She winked at Percy before she perked up at him. "I'm surprised you're not at St. Mungo's."
Kingsley tensed as she said it and Percy's eyes widened in confusion as he stared at them. Tonks turned to Kingsley as if wondering why he was so quiet on the subject. She turned back to Percy. "Arthur gave us scare when we found him but he seems to be doing much better."
"Found him?" Percy couldn't help the scandalized tone in his voice.
"Tonks maybe you should go back and make sure Rita Skeeter isn't bothering the Minister anymore." Kingsley laughed as she gave him a nod before giving Percy a nod. Her features changing into a more work appropriate appearance as her hair lengthened and turned into a muted brown color. Percy stared at Kingsley as the older man slowly gave the redhead his attention. "It's not as bad-"
"Found?" Percy snapped.
"There was an incident at work, we got there on time though so-" Kingsley tried.
"Work?" Percy laughed. "If that were true I would have heard about it."
"I honestly thought you would have." Kingsley stated, he opened his mouth but Percy cut him off.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be snapping at you for my family's insensitivity." Percy snapped again. He felt a headache coming on and was beginning to wish he hadn't finished that drink of brandy. "I'm glad to hear he is doing well but my father can obviously take care of himself without someone like me worrying about him."
Percy tried to think of all the incidents he had heard about at the ministry for the past two weeks, trying to place when his father had been injured and how.
"Percy..." Kingsley obviously seemed to want to say something but Percy didn't need a friend of his father to console him. He didn't need any consolation for that matter.
Percy stood stiffly before he gave the other man a nod. "Excuse my rude behavior, I must have had too much to drink. I must call it a night."
And without waiting for the man's reaction Percy went back into the party to say his goodbyes. Most of the officials were already on their way out so he had at least avoided being the first to leave and seeming rude. He ignored the site of the Minister talking to Lucius Malfoy and proceded to the leave the building.
His flat was only a short walk from the ministry and at that moment Percy felt like he could use the time alone to think.
Not that he wasn't alone in his apartment.
He paused as he thought about going to the hospital. Just to see.
Just to see what? Percy scoffed at himself. See how happy his family was without him. He didn't need to ruin their holiday just because he hadn't enjoyed himself that much at the Ministry Ball. He made it into his flat which seemed to be colder than it was outside informing Percy that the muggle heater he had tried to use had broke.
Why had he even bothered?
He paused as he spotted a colorful package on his balcony covered in some snow. He opened the door quickly before flicking his wand and lighting the fireplace. He cleaned the package off and stared at the note addressing the present to him from his family. It must be his yearly sweater.
Percy sat the gift on his kitchen counter and grabbed a piece of parchment, not really paying attention to what he was writing a scribbled a quick note, placed it on a enveloped and sealed it. Letting Hermes out of his cage Percy gave the owl a treat before he opened the door to his patio and sent the owl off to return the present.
No point in opening it.
Percy kicked off his shoes and robes. Tossing them in a pile before he jumped into his bed and threw the covers over himself. He left the door open for Hermes for whenever the owl decided to return deciding that the fireplace in his room would keep the place warm enough.
It was three hours later when Percy sat up from not being to sleep that he suddenly felt like he had made a very bad decision.
He just couldn't figure out which choice it had been.
XXX
Minister Fudge seemed desperate.
And it unnerved Percy.
"I knew it! I knew it!" Fudge was pacing his office and Percy watched the older man with a sense of curiosity. Had something happened? Fudge turned to Percy with a smile. "Mr. Weasley go get the Aurors, we're going to Hogwarts!"
Percy turned from the office and went down to the Auror office, not in a run but in a fast enough pace where he felt like he was meeting the minister's since of urgency. He paused as he past his father's office before he pushed past it and made it the the Auror office. He opened the door quickly realizing he didn't know who he was supposed to get.
Percy bumped into a firm body, almost falling back before he was caught. He glared at the older man as he pushed up his glasses.
Kingsley just smiled at him.
"The Minister asked me to come fetch the Aurors." Percy stated planing as he tidied up his robes. Kingsley seemed slightly surprised before a tall blond Auror place his hand on the older man shoulder.
"Just got the message. We're going to Hogwarts with the Minister." The other Auror said, Percy remembered him as the Auror who Fudge liked to keep near during press conferences... Dawlish was his name. "Lead the way Mr. Weasley."
Percy and the Aurors met the Minister just outside the building where they apparated to Hogsmeade. Fudge led the way, talking animatedly to Dawlish as the Auror nodded his head to show that he was listening to the Minister. Percy stayed a few steps back and glanced towards the other Auror to see the tall man was frowing.
"Is something wrong?" Percy slowed a bit more so that he was walking next to the older man. Kingsley just shook his head not really looked at Percy.
"No, I'm just curious as to what happened at the school." Kingsley paused before he smiled over at the young redhead. "Do you know?"
"Whatever happened the minister seems beside himself." Percy stated with a smirk. As they made it to the school grounds Percy tried to keep an eye open for his brothers or sister. He frowned slightly at the change in atmosphere at the school. He remembered Hogwarts being filled with laughter and the students filling the halls...but now the place seemed desolate.
They made it to the Headmasters office with Harry, Ron, and a few other students in toll. Percy tried to get Ron's attention only to receive a glare from his baby brother. He frowned before he noticed the Minister yelling at him to go get the story to the Daily Prophet.
Dumbledore just confessed to starting his own army against the ministry.
The Minister had been right.
Percy had been right.
As Percy left the office he didn't feel any better in his victory. He was only gone for a few minutes but by the time he had returned, he came to the Minister and the Aurors and Umbridge picking themselves off the ground and looking astonished around the room.
Dumbledore had escaped.
Percy gave Kingsley a hand as the Auror blinked a few times. He smiled at Percy before he looked out the window as if he suspected Dumbledore had just flown out the window. Percy couldn't believe his old headmaster would evade the law like this but then again, there were a lot of things Percy was just now finding out about Dumbledore.
By the time they left the school Dumbledore was wanted and Umbridge was the new headmistress of Hogwarts. Percy personally believed that McGonagall deserved the spot but the Minsiter knew what he was doing.
After all he had been right about Dumbledore.
XXX
They had been wrong.
"He's back!"
They had been very wrong.
Percy ran over to Ron, his brother was bloodied and smiling up at him stupidly. Ron giggled stupidly at Percy before he pulled Percy into a hug. The older redhead tensed as he patted Ron on the back, keeping an eye out for further injuries before a doctor came over to get his brother to the hospital. The doctor looked at Percy expectantly. "Do you want to accompany him to St. Mungo's?"
Percy paused before he shook his head."No it's fine."
The doctor just nodded before he took Ron away.
Ron had obviously been bewitched somehow. Percy wiped some of his brothers blood off his hand as he felt himself tremble. Ron almost died. He glanced at all the wreckage that was left of the Ministry. You-Know-Who was back and his brother had almost died.
Percy saw the Minister being bombarded by the press. He turned his attention to the Aurors who were arresting the now captured Death Eaters. Kingsley looked beaten but he had a good hold on his prisoner as well as the pink haired girl. Percy noticed Professor Lupin crumpled in a corner, noticed his father next to the man talking fervently.
He swallowed slowly as he thought about approaching his father but then it seemed that just the thought made Arthur look up. Arthur's eyes met Percy's and for a second Percy felt like he was a kid again and just wanted to go get his punishment over with but then his father's gaze faltered and Percy remembered their fight.
He turned, ignoring the nagging in his mind as he made his way over the the minister. His family didn't need him right now, but the Minister, the Minister was going to need all the help he could get.
XXX
Percy had a new boss.
He stared at his desk as he waited for the new minister to come in. Fudge's resignation had been sudden but expected and Percy wasn't feeling to good about his position at the Ministry at the moment. It was common knowledge that with a change of leadership came a change in staff.
He paused as he heard the door open. Percy stood up as the lionlike man made his way in the office being flanked by Kingsley and Dawlish. The older man took a look at Percy before he continued towards his new office. Percy felt his neck go red when he spotted Kingsley. The older man gave him a smile and Percy just frowned at him.
The doors shut and for a few minutes Percy felt accomplished. He hadn't been fired in the first five minutes under the new administration, if he was going to be fired it would have happened then right? The doors to the Minister's office opened suddenly and Dawlish stormed out with a frown startling Percy before he looked up the see Scrimgeour staring at him.
"Weasley a word." Minister Scrimgeour stated and Percy got up from his chair giving Kingsley a questioning glance but the Auror showed no hints.
"Y-yes Minister?" Percy stood straight in front of the Minister's desk.
"You've been at this office long enough to know how things work with the politics." It wasn't a question so Percy stayed quiet. "I need you to get Shacklebolt ready for his next mission and then I want you to go over Fudge's schedule with me so I can decide which meetings are important enough to keep."
Again it wasn't a question so Percy paused before he glanced at Kingsley who was biting his bottom lips as if he found something amusing.
"And you are still here because?" Scrimgeour glared at Percy making the young man jump before he bowed.
"Sorry, uh yes sir. Right away." And Percy made his way out of the Minister's office, being followed by Kingsley, the older man shutting the doors behind them with a wave of his wand before he smiled at Percy. Percy glared up at him. "I'm glad you're amused."
"I'm sorry you were just so-"
"How am I supposed to help you with your next mission?" Percy stated quickly, ignoring how warm his ears and neck felt.
"Lets do lunch." Kingsley smiled.
"It's just past nine in the morning." Percy glanced at his watch before ran his hand through his hair. He needed to verify all of the meetings Scrimgeour was most likely going to cancel. He still had reports that were incomplete from the previous administration, if he was lucky he wouldn't sleep at the Ministry tonight.
"Tea then." Kingsley poked his head back into Scrimgeour's office. "I'm taking Mr. Weasley for a moment. You know how to reach me should you need his assiatance."
"Just get to work!" Was the reply before Kingsley shut the door with a smirk.
"Believe it or not, he likes me."
"Or not then." Percy stated with a glare. "I really have other work I should be doing-"
"But the Minister wants you to help me with my mission first, after that you are free to do whatever you want." Kingsley opened the hall door for Percy and smiled. "It will be painless, I promise."
"Last time someone promised me that I broke me collar bone." Percy stated matter of factly as he thought of a flying lesson Oliver Wood tried to give him in school, he had only agreed to it because he had already finished his reports for that week. Good thing too because he had been in the infirmary for nearly 3 days healing.
Kingsley looked like he was about to ask but Percy just grabbed his jacket and made his way into the hall. It would be his luck they get stuck in the rain regardless of the fact that it had been a beautifully sunny morning.
Before they stopped for tea Kingsley asked for Percy to help him go window shopping at stores that were appropriate for muggle business attire. Percy wasn't much of a pro at blending in with the muggles but he did consider himself better than most other witches and wizards. Kingsley then made Percy show him how a certain muggle suits worked, despite the fact that their were workers looking at them curiously in the shop Percy proceeded to explain the importance of matching solids and stripes, of colors and trying to keep the same fit outfits together. It was like an impromptu quiz from Muggle studies, not that they had many tests in that class but Percy had written a 24 inch essay on proper muggle attire.
"Please tell me we didn't leave the office so that you could shop for two hours." Percy snapped lightly as he glanced at his watch again. "I thought Aurors would be trained in how to dress appropriate for muggle centered missions."
"Regular muggles yes, but I'm trying to convinve the English Prime Minister that I'm a very capable secretary and that he should hire me." Kingsley's smile widened at Percy's face. "What does a secretary do by the way?"
"How should I know what a muggle secretary does?" Percy sighed as he glanced around the coffee shop they had found themselves in. "Does the Muggle Prime Minister know?"
"Not at all, that's the point though." Kingsley smiled at the waitress as she brought their tea and handed Percy's his. "We think he might be in danger so I plan to step in as his secretary tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?' Percy said in surprise. "Doesn't really give you much time."
"I'm a fast learner." Kingsley smiled again and Percy found his neck warming up.
"I bet you are." Percy mumbled before he sipped his tea. He sighed before he started listing off the things he did for Crouch Sr. and for Fudge, slightly praying that Kingsley would have a slightly more competent boss to deal with.
"Scrimgeour is a great guy, once you get to know him." Kingsley smiled as Percy flushed. "You look a little nervous about getting back to the office."
"I'm sure he's swell." Percy finished his tea before he stood. "If you have any questions about what I do then feel free to ask, I should however return to my job...as fun as this has been."
"It was fun, wasn't it?" Kingsley smiled at Percy's unamused look. "We should do it again sometime, not for work."
"Sure." Percy shrugged. He ended up leaving Kingsley at the tea shop because the Auror had other places he needed to go. Percy made it to the office just as Scrimgeour was leaving for lunch, he promised to have the schedule ready for the older man by the time he returned and Scrimgeour looked slightly impressed that Percy has actually done what he said when the Minister returned half an hour later.
Percy sighed as he fixed the now Scrimgeour approved schedule and sent memos to the unfortunates to did not meet the new Minister's important business list. He glanced at the clock and was slightly surprised to see that he was actually going to be leaving at a decent hour. He paused as he grabbed a few scrolls that were meant for the Auror department and tucked them under his arm. He could deliver them on his way out.
No point in delaying them any more.
Percy paused at the lift doors opened to reveal his father staring back at him in surprise. Arthur's ears turned red and Percy felt his heating up as they just stared at each other.
He had been so good at avoiding his father!
The lift doors closed as Percy just stared at where his father's face had been, frozen. It wasn't until he was a few floors down he decided to just go home and take the scrolls in the morning. Percy barely made it to the lobby before he sighed and turned around.
He could turn in a couple of scrolls.
When the lift doors opened again his father was gone. Percy peaked his head around the corner just in case before he made his way down the hall. He paused as he heard some muffled yelling. He blinked a few times before he realized it was coming from the Auror office. Percy opened the door slowly to get a glimpse of Kingsley and his father discussing something that they both disagreed about.
Percy shut the door quietly and made his way to the memo wall the Aurors had made and left the scrolls there, not bothering to organize them as he turned and made his way out of the hall. He just wanted to go home.
Percy was almost home free but just as the lift doors were about to close Kingsley hopped in, slightly surprised to see Percy there but he didn't say anything, just gave the younger man a smile.
Percy frowned at the taller man.
Wondering if he should be bothered by Kingsley because he was arguing with his father or if he should be more concerned with what they were arguing about.
"You're father worries about you." Kingsley stated softly as the doors opened before he left Percy alone in the lift.
The redhead blinked a few times before he too left the lift. Not bothering to think about what the older man had said as he made his way outside. Ignoring the rain that was now pouring in the streets, not bothering to cover from it as he walked to his flat.
He felt empty when he shut the door to his flat and realized he had officially been living on his own for a year now.
XXX
People were going missing from the streets.
From their houses.
From their jobs.
Percy stared at his wand idly as he thought of Mr. Olivander, hoping the older man was alright but then there was a loud bang and Percy looked up to see the Minister's office doors to slam open. Pius Thicknesse, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement stormed out not even bothering to look at Percy.
Thicknesse was followed shortly by a short looking wizard who looked to Percy looked more like someone one would run into at Knockturn Alley and Percy found himself standing up and glancing into the Minister's office. Scrimgeour was frowning at his desk but it seemed just as Percy decided to get back to work the older man had spotted him.
"Weasley, a moment." Percy felt his face flush, he didn't mean to get caught snooping. He slipped his wand in his robes and made his way into the Minister's office.
"Yes Minister?" Percy still felt uncomfortable in the man's office. The older man just held out papers for Percy. The redhead stepped forward and grabbed them, taking a look at the papers he felt his stomach drop.
Scrimgeour studied him.
"Is there a problem?" The minister asked coolly.
Percy opened his mouth and found he couldn't make a sound. He realized the minister was still looking at so he looked at the older man and shook his head.
"Excellent." Scrimgeour went to back to work on the documents on his desk. Percy turned to walk out of the office before the old man glanced back up at his junior undersecretary. "Oh, and Percy, when you get a moment I want to talk about your holiday plans."
Percy just nodded as he made his way out, the doors to the Minister's office shutting behind him before Percy took a seat at his desk throwing the papers down on it.
Pictures of his family glanced up at him, they smiled as if finding Percy something amusing to look at. Percy tried not to think of the papers beneath the photo, ordering for each member to be followed. He sat back in his chair and tried not to think about his family and instead tried to focus on what his plans were for the holidays.
Kingsley stood in the Minister's office just as door closed. He frowned slightly as he remembered the expression on Percy's face before he turned to the Minister. He only had a few moments before he was going to be needed back at the Muggle Minister's office.
"Are you sure it's wise Minister?" Scrimgeour looked at Kingsley with interest.
Kingsley knew that Scrimgeour was a good man but it seemed that the former Head of the Auror Department was making a lot of decisions the current Auror disagreed with. Keeping Delores Umbridge as an employee and as the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister was one of them. But Scrimgeour was a man of action, that is why he made of great Head of the Auror Department and why, Kingsley was hoping, he would make a great minister in this dark time.
"He's far too loyal to the ministry to question my actions Kingsley." Scrimgeour waved the other man off. "And he's finally becoming of some used to me, his family is very close to the Potter kid, you told me yourself."
"Yes but isn't Percy estranged from them?" Kingsley eyed the older man.
"All the more reason he shouldn't take this personal, politics is something Mr. Weasley seems to understand quite well." Scrimgeour scribbled a few notes before he glared over at the Auror. "What does it matter to you? Last I heard you and Arthur Weasley did not get on."
"Keeping eyes on me to then Minister?" Kingsley stated with a smile causing Scrimgeor to smirk.
"You've wasted enough time as it is, now give me your report on the Muggle Prime Minister or get back to work." Scrimgeour coughed as he started writing notes again. Kingsley stood straight and gave his report on what what happening on the muggle side. He glanced back at the closed doors with a frown before he gave the Minister a goodbye and disapeared as silently as he had came through the fireplace.
XXX
Percy felt sick.
He stared at the at the back of the man in front of him.
He couldn't do this.
There was no way.
"It's just a quick visit Weasley, no need to look so serious." Scrimgeour's limp slowed him down so that Percy was almost standing next to the minister. "Now what is your mother's name again?"
"Molly." Percy closed his eyes. Why did he agree to this? The Minister just wanted to talk to Harry, couldn't the Minister have come here on his own. Percy spotted red hair through the windows and prayed that no one did anything brash that would embarrass him or his family in front of the Minister.
He took a deep breath as he stared at the back door.
This was not going to end well.
He opened the door and was surprised to not only to see his family but several guests as well. His mom had always loved throwing parties for the holidays.
It seemed there had been a long silenced stretched out through the room before Percy remembered the Minister was right behind him. He looked at this mother then, the only person he felt like he would be able to talk to and then said very stiffly, "Merry Christmas, Mother."
"Oh, Percy!" And then suddenly Percy's arms were full of his mother. He held her tightly almost afraid that she would collapse if he let go. She was crying and Percy bit his lip at the sound of it.
He had done this to her.
"You must forgive this intrusion." Percy had forgotten about the Minister for a brief second as he slowly let go of his mother, once he was sure she could stand. He turned to his boss then. "Percy and I were in the vicinity, working you know, and he couldn't resist dropping in and seeing you all."
Percy felt sick again.
He straightened his stance as he knew the color was draining from his face.
So that was why the Minister had wanted him to come, he wanted to use Percy as a distraction for his real reason, he didn't just ask Percy because the young man was familiar with the place and people.
"Please, come in, sit down, Minister!" Percy's Mom was smiling as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "Have a little purkey or some tooling...I mean-"
Percy wanted to leave.
"No, no, my dear Molly," The Minister's voice felt like ice to Percy. He wanted to grab his mom's hand and take her out of the room. She didn't need to be in the company of such a man as Scrimgeour. "I don't want to intrude, wouldn't be here at all if Percy hadn't wanted to see to see you all so badly."
The rest was a sickening blur to the redhead.
Scrimgeour had tried to play off taking Harry aside as a walk through the garden and obviously everyone there wasn't convinced. He tried to look at his family but he found his eyes only made it to the top of their heads.
Potter walked past and Percy didn't move as the Minister left the house with his prize.
Percy honestly hoped this would be worth it.
Percy thought of the Holidays with his family and wondered how many times his father had played the Celestina Warbeck record for his mom. He briefly wondered why Fluer was there and wondered if she recognized him as a judge.
Wondered if anyone really missed him.
Of course his answer had been an attack of mashed parsnip to his face.
He didn't think of how his mother sounded as he stormed out of the house. He didn't think about how he heard his siblings laughing behind him or how his father didn't look that upset at his departure. He didn't think about the disappointed face of his boss as they met in the yard informing him this had all been for naught.
He didn't think of the Minister's words. 'It's your duty to be used by the Ministry'.
He didn't think about his family.
He didn't think about the holidays.
He didn't think.
Percy left the Minister at the Ministry and made his way out of the building without even bothering to actually speak to the man. He made it out into the snow without talking to anyone, not that many people were spending their holiday at the ministry. During these times people tended to want to spend every possible moment with their family.
Percy swore and kicked at some snow.
"Merry fucking Christmas Perce." Percy stated bitterly.
"That didn't sound very cheery." A deep voice stated behind Percy making the redhead pull out his wand and glare at the other man. Shacklebolt was dressed in his muggle cloths, almost looking like a man that just walked out one of those winter magazines the muggle women seemed to stare at.
"And what do you want now?" Percy didn't lower his wand, Kingsley just smiled at him.
"I called your name outside the Ministry but I guess you didn't hear me." Kingsley rubbed his hands together as the snow started falling again. Percy sighed as he put his wand away. "I was wondering if you had any plans tonight?"
"What do you think?" Percy snapped before grinding his teeth. "I'm sorry, I'm not in the mood for company."
Kingsley held his hands up in understanding. "It would just be a cup of tea."
Percy opened his mouth to turn the man down but he felt the words die on his lips. Kingsley seemed to take that as a good sign and started to walk up the street. Percy frowned but he found himself following the older man, sniffing lightly as the cold finally got to his nose.
Percy walked quietly as he heard Kingsley talk about random things. Mainly the weather, or commenting on muggle cars whenever one would pass them by. He started to realize he knew the path they were walking and by the time Kingsley stopped in front of Percy's flat the redhead was glaring at the Auror.
"This is where I live."
"I know." Kingsley glanced from Percy to the door. "Well, aren't you going to invite me in?"
"You invited me to tea."
Kingsley stared at Percy as if to say, and? Percy just sighed as he flicked his wand and made his way up the stairs, not bothering to invite the older man in, he heard the muttering of a locking charm. He made it up the two flights before he waved his wand and unlocked the door again leaving it open for the Auror to walk through.
He sniffled again and rubbed his hands together. He quickly made his way over to the patio and shut the door, waving his wand to clear out all the snow that had come inside when he had left it open for Hermes. The owl would come back in the morning, whenever he was done hunting.
"It's clean." Kingsley stated and Percy turned to the man, his neck flushing as he looked around his sparce apartment.
It was indeed clean.
"I'll get the kettle going." Percy waved his wand and everything started moving around his kitchen. He glanced at the Auror. "Did you want some biscuits with the tea?"
"I would hate to intrude." Kingsley smiled making Percy roll his eyes and he sent his kitchen working on the buscuits. The older man was walking around the apartment, his eyes studying the place and Percy was starting to feel a little suspicious of this impromptu visit.
It could have been the Minister's paranoia affecting him though.
It was when the older man walked into Percy's bedroom that the redhead's ears turned red and he went in after the man. "Excuse you! But this is my bedroom!"
"Have you ever worn this?" Kingsley grabbed a sweater from Percy's closet, it had been the one his mom had given him three christmases ago. It was bright blue and had maroon stripes. Percy had honestly only worn it for that holiday.
"Yes, now if you don't mind can you-"
"What's this?" Kingsley pulled out a quidditch uniform and Percy's face went red. The redhead stomped over to the closet and grabbed the uniform out of the older man's hands and put it back in the closet.
"Leave." Percy snapped. "Get out."
Kingsley's eyes widened as the redhead shoved him out of the bedroom. "I didn't know you played-"
"I don't!" Percy shoved the bigger man to the couch and made Kingsley sit down. The redhead didn't offer anymore information as he made his way back to the kitchen to grab the now fixed tea and buscuits. Percy tried to make the blush go away as he grabbed the tray and brought it into the livingroom.
He couldn't believe he still had that.
"I was just teasing you." Kingsley stated with a smirk as he thanked the younger man for the treats. Percy frowned as his words before taking a seat in the chair across from the couch.
"I would think an Auror as yourself would have better things to do on the holidays that to bother me." Percy sipped his tea.
"Actually, I'm working right now." Kingsley gave Percy a look that made the redhead pause. Kingsley took another sip of his tea as he sat back in the sofa and glanced around the flat. "It could use some paintings."
Percy found himself nodding as he looked around the flat. The walls did look a little bare. "I just hate the racket they make sometimes."
Kingsley laughed at that and Percy found himself smiling. The Auror smirked at the redhead and put his cup down. "I'm glad you're in a better mood."
"Hm?" Percy looked at the other man, leaving his thoughts of all his arguments with the pantings at Hogwarts. He hadn't heard what the older man had said but Kingsley was already changing the subject back to what else Percy could hang on the walls.
The older man stayed until the clocks chimed informing them of the late hour.
Percy stood to walk his guest out and smiled despite himself as Kingsley turned to him. "You had fun, I hope."
"I did." Percy tried not to sound as surprised as he felt before he looked up at the taller man. "Merry Christmas Mr. Shacklebolt."
"Please call me Kingsley." The Auror smiled as Percy pushed his glasses up his nose. "Merry Christmas Percy."
Percy was about to tell the older man to have a happy new year since he knew that politicians were always busy towards the end of each year but he was interrupted by lips against his. Percy stared wide eyed as Kingsley pulled away and smiled at the redhead, a small blush forming on the older man's cheeks.
"Good night Percy." And with that the Auror was making his way down the stairs.
Percy stayed rooted on the spot unable to move from his door. It was until he heard the second door shut and lock itself before he was able to shut his door, he stared at the door for a few more moments as his cheeks heated up before muttering, "Good night Kingsley."
Percy sniffled again, slightly worried now that he might be coming down with a cold as he gathered up the leftover dishes.
XXX
Umbridge was coming by the office more it seemed.
Percy left the office, he still wasn't allowed in Scrimgeour private meetings, at least not as many as he was allowed in with Fudge but he suspected that the Minister didn't trust him fully, or maybe the minister just thought he was incompetent which didn't make Percy feel any better.
The young man made his way to the lift and sighed as he was shoved to the back with the onslaught of people trying to get to work on time.
He had forgotten what time it was.
Barely past eight in the morning and Percy had already been at the Ministry for three hours.
"Hurry Arthur, you can hop on this one!" Percy felt his ears go red as he heard the familiar voice of Perkins call out to his father.
"Thank you Perkins." Arthur Weasley smiled at his former assistant as he hopped on the lift.
"How is the Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defense Spells and Protective Objects treating you?" Percy could see Perkins' fluffy white hair over the should of the wizard in front of him. He couldn't see his father though.
He remembered hearing about his father's promotion.
He had been excited about the news and knew his father was perfect for the job. It was just the nagging feeling in the back of his head that told Percy that Scrimgeour was using the job as an oppurtunity to keep a better eye on his father that made Percy have any doubts as to why his father had actually gotten the job.
Not that he would say anything of course.
The lift stopped and a few of the witches and wizards got off, including Perkins. Percy just stared forward as his dad noticed him. The older man flushing slightly but remaining silent as he stared forward. At the next floor the rest of the elevator companions lefts leaving Percy alone with his father.
Percy had a sudden urge to run but the door shut before he had a chance.
The seconds dragged on before he heard his father sigh. Arthur turned to his son and Percy felt himself standing stiffly as he father gave him a look.
"Perce, he's using you, just like Fudge did, you have to see that!" Percy felt his neck and ears heat up. Arthur ran his hand through his thinning hair as he looked at his son. "You have-"
"This is my floor." The doors to the lift opened and Percy pushed past his father, he was about to run down the hall before thinking against it. He turned as his feet and stared at his father. "You should be careful with who you are seen with, Father."
His father's neck flushed and Percy felt as if Arthur was about to yell at him but once again the lift doors were closed.
Percy backed up until his back hit the wall and took a deep breath.
Well, now they were speaking again.
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