Percy was five when he realized they were poor.
The entire family had went went to Diagon Alley for Charlie's school supplies.
Now, Percy wasn't an abnormal child, any childhood memory he had-especially when he was five- was hazy at best and completely forgotten at best but this was a memory he would take with him to the grave,
He remembered watching the twins, no more than toddlers, waddle around knocking merchandise off the shelves when he saw a sight he would never forget.
His mother frantically searching through her purse while the cashier looked on.
"Ma'am?" The cashier prompted.
Molly looked up from her purse and Percy saw how frazzled and embarrassed he was she was. "Oh yes, sorry." SHe muttered glancing at Charlie who stood besides her staring at his feet. "Well I suppose I'll have to put back the Basic Guide to Potion Making…"
It was like that in every store, buying the "gently used" products but only when they could afford them.
By the end of the day Percy held his head in shame just like Charlie.
That night after his mother tucked him in Percy made himself a promise.
One day he'd be Minister of Magic, one day he wouldn't have to scrounge for Gallons or buy only second-hand items.
One day he wouldn't be poor.