1: A New Beginning

Voldemort was dead.

So was Fred.

Percy stood in a quiet corner of the Great Hall with his family. Harry Potter, Wizarding World Savior, was resting his head against the chipped wall, while Hermione and Ron seemed to be deep in conversation. His mum was holding George's hand, whispering into his ear. George-dear god, George-Percy's mind began to whirl.

He couldn't stop looking, as if the more intent he stared, the less he would feel. The world began to blur, and a ringing sort of sound gradually grew louder and louder. He could see Charlie looking at him-and-was his mouth moving?

Suddenly, it was as though the world had decided to take a turn, and Percy found himself being supported by his father and Bill. Another person was in his line of sight- it was George. His eyes- Merlin his eyes- they were condemning him. The Weasley family was torn up, because of him, and now nothing would ever be the same.

With that thought, Percy promptly passed out.

He woke to find himself on the floor. "Mum?" Percy croaked, letting his eyes close again as shame and embarrassment flooded his every sense.

"Percy, dear, let's try to sit you up. Madame Pomfrey said you were in shock, so you have to take this calming potion."

His back aching, Percy peeled himself off the floor, to see that he and his mum were the only ones left, besides the few families who had yet to pause their grieving and take the dead home.

"Fr- your brother has been taken home, with the rest."

Percy tore his eyes away from the depressing scene in front of him, to see an even more heartbreaking look. Mrs. Weasley was one of the strongest people he knew, and yet she had this look; a look that was filled with loss and pain and hopelessness.

This was his fault. His arm automatically took the potion from her, and downed it. As a relaxed and calm feeling began to take over his mind, he stood and apparated to the Burrow.

The once cheery and comfortable (if not a tad strange) home felt foreign to him. Percy hesitated at the front door, unsure. With all of his resilience, he entered. There were low voices coming from the kitchen. As he walked in, he could see his father and Bill, along with Ginny and Hermione. The sound of his mum walking in drew their eyes on him, and he could feel his cheeks begin to redden.

"I can't tell you how absolutely sorry I am- I have been awful-there is no excuse-I wouldn't be surprised if you all still hate me- it's all- all my fault and-I can leave- yes, maybe that would be best-", he stammered, stumbling over his words, slowly backing out.

Throughout the tirade, his family had looks ranging from confusion to surprise, and was that pity? Suddenly his back hit a rather large object, and he whipped around, his wand flying to Charlie's head.

"Er, sorry." Percy said, lowering his wand.

"Percy, what are you talking about?" Molly asked, confusion etched on her face. "None of us hate you. Whatever is bothering you can be worked out; just…..don't leave."

Percy scanned the solemn faces around him, and nodded. "I'm sorry." Ginny tentatively reached out, and first the first time in years, he found himself to be the center of an extremely warm, and tight family hug. More than a few faces were wet.

Harry and Ron came running down the stairs, faces frantic. "Mum, George-" Ron panted, "He just left." "We figured he went to the flat on top his shop, but his room is - HIS body is still wrapped up in his room though." Molly's face whitened by a few shades, but she remained perfectly still.

"He will be fine. We- we shouldn't search. At least, not yet. He most likely needs time away-away from it all." The room broke out into quiet talking, and she sat down, Arthur's hand grasping her shoulder. Percy squeezed his eyes closed-If only- if only- NO. Mustn't think that. H opened them and shook his head at himself.

After what seemed an eternity, Ginny slowly got up and went to the kitchen and began to cook dinner, while Ron and Harry broke into conversation with Bill over the reconstruction of Hogwarts. Hermione was waving her wand over a nasty looking cut on Charlie that had been over looked. It was so surreal that Voldemort was dead, and yet the tension in the air was palpable, as though danger was still everywhere.

Every nerve in Percy's body was on fire, and he sunk to the floor, staring at the fire. He glanced at Harry, who had a deep look of sorrow etched into every curve of his face. Harry must hate him. George probably wishes him dead; and if that was the case, so be it. The gentle curving flames in the fireplace flickered, the shadows ever moving on the brick and on his face. Percy ignored the burning of a few sparks when they landed on him. He couldn't feel anything. Because if he could, he would drown in all of the guilt, and the remorse, and the sadness and the guiltandthesorrowand-

"Percy?"

Hermione had been watching Percy for a while now, and he seemed as though he was in another world. Suddenly, he had begun to lose all the blood in his face, his hands tightening their hold on the carpet, and a violent shaking began to emanate from him. She quickly rushed over to him.

"Percy?" She said, slowly placing her hand on his back. He seemed to snap out of a trance, his eyes refocusing, and landing on her.

"Nothing to worry about, just thinking about work and such, and-"

Hermione arched her eyebrow at him, her similarity to McGonagall almost shocking. It had its intended effect, for Percy had sputtered into silence.

"Ginny finished dinner, if you would like to join?" She asked imperiously, as though she hadn't noticed his momentary lapse of sanity.

Percy mutely shook his head, and followed her.

He stayed silent throughout the meal. Little bits of information made it through his cloudy mind- Fr- His brother's funeral would be tomorrow, and afterwards would be the Lupin's. There were a few others occurring throughout the next week, but he didn't recognize names, although they had a deep affect on some of the younger ones, namely the trio and Ginny.

Plate still full, he pushed himself away from the table. As he was halfway out the door, he froze. Percy hadn't been exactly smart when he defected from the corrupted Ministry, and his flat was demolished.

He turned, and suddenly noticed that a majority of the room was staring at him.

"Mum?" He said, his voice flat and monotone. "I- I haven't got anywhere to stay anymore- and –and…"

His mum practically threw her chair in a hurry, saying "Well, let's make up a bed, you obviously can stay here, so stop with this rubbish of you not being wanted!"

Percy watched her, bewildered, and quickly ascended the stairs after her. Even though sleep wouldn't come, at least he had somewhere to stay. After the funerals, he would have to find somewhere else though, since it would probably lead to major problems.