Percy had not been happy with the way his summer holiday was going so far. He had been chosen to become one of Gryffindor's new Prefects and that was a good thing, but everything else seemed horrible when he had time to think about life. The twins were pulling pranks on him almost daily, mocking him at meals, and generally invading his peace and privacy. Bill hadn't said more than three words to him since arriving at the Burrow more than a week before. And Ron and Ginny were trying to spend as much time together as possible before Ron started his first year at Hogwart's in September so he didn't see very much of either of them.
The only person who seemed to have time for him was his mum, but she was often busy with the younger children. She had made a big fuss about his Hogwart's letter and badge when they arrived, and his father had actually smiled and promised a reward, but little had been said after that. Percy didn't want everyone to constantly fuss over him, but it would have been nice if someone other than his mum had been happy for him.
This day didn't seem to be any different, except for the trip to Diagon Alley to pick out an owl. He was surprised when his father had told him about the reward and he had thought for a long time about what sort of thing would be most useful at school. Finally settling on an owl wasn't so difficult as the animal would be very useful for years. He had never been terribly fond of Scabbers, but he was hesitant about accepting such a large gift from his parents when Ron was starting school this year; they would need all available funds for the four children getting school supplies and Percy felt a little guilty about getting the owl. He had brought that up with his mum, telling her that they should get a new pet for Ron, or a new wand instead of having the boy use Charlie's old one. The unicorn hair was almost poking through the tip and Ron would need a new wand soon if that was any indication. Molly Weasley wouldn't accept his arguments, she was determined that he was going to get something to mark his accomplishment and it would serve as an example for his younger siblings as well.
Percy hated being an example for his younger siblings. He never felt that anything he did was especially worthy of notice, and he knew that they resented the comparisons as well. He followed the rules, tried to fit into what his parents seemed to expect, and there really didn't seem to be anything special about that. He tried to make them proud and most of the time they didn't even notice. Didn't his father know that the main reason Percy wanted to work for the Ministry was that he wanted Arthur Weasley to notice him, and not his brothers, for a change?
He suffered through the trying shopping trip, thanked his parents properly and as soon as he could he disappeared into his own room with the owl. When he was alone he could finally relax, take a deep breath and cast aside the nicer robes for something comfortable.
Something didn't feel quite right in his room though, something seemed off. Percy thought for several long moments, trying to figure out what was wrong or if it were just imagination. He looked around the room, noting the position of everything and then stopping at the bookcase. There were two books out of order on the second shelf. His copy of Hogwarts: A History was in the wrong spot, and there was an empty place beside it. Exactly where his personal journal was usually kept. He could feel himself pale and without a second thought he knew who had the book; the twins would have the audacity to come into his room to take something, he knew they would. But what would they do with the information?
Percy sighed, rubbing his forehead briefly, and tried to think of something he could do to get the journal back with the least amount of humiliation. There was a lit of time for that though before he was called downstairs for lunch.
When the twins appeared he knew that he was right in his assumptions; they were giving him odd looks but were not teasing yet. He frowned at them as his parents chattered with his other siblings, and only Bill was able to break Percy's concentration. He found himself agreeing to talk to his older brother without even realizing what he was doing, and he didn't even know what Bill wanted to talk to him about. He shook his head, trying to concentrate and again failing to do more than stare at Fred and George.
He went up to his room again as soon as everyone was finished eating, and waited for Bill. The sudden urge to bolt overcame him; he didn't want to talk to Bill about being a prefect or anything else. His brother had barely had time for him when they were both living at home, and nothing had seemed to change while Bill had been home for his visit. And now he suddenly wanted to chat. It gave Percy another feeling of something being wrong, and it only intensified when Bill came into the bedroom carrying a book that Percy immediately recognized.
"What do you mean, do I really feel that way? I wouldn't have written it unless it were true." Percy willed himself to relax, and failed. "I want my journal back. They had no right to come in here and take it; you had no right to read it."
Bill sighed and gave him a look which only emphasized how different they were; Bill seemed to think that he was humoring a child. "It isn't that simple. If you really think that we hate you, or that you aren't wanted we have to talk about that. Unless you want me to take this to mum and dad right now?"
Percy's jaw clenched. "That isn't fair, it's my journal and it's personal. I can write whatever I want and this shouldn't even be an issue. I want my journal back right now and I don't want to talk about anything written inside." His voice rose slightly, and a hint of desperation entered it. Bill and the twins reading the book was one thing; they probably wouldn't take it as seriously or believe everything. Having his mother or father read his most personal thoughts and feelings was entirely different; if they confirmed any of his fears, confronted him about his anger, or just looked at him and tried to convince him that he was wrong, he wouldn't be able to handle it any longer.
"We have to talk about this. Percy, I don't understand any of this," Bill gestured with the book, "But if you really believe this I want to know why."
He snorted, "I believe it because it's the truth. I've known for years how the twins have felt about me and now Ron and Ginny seem to feel exactly the same. " Percy's voice dropped, "I just don't know why you would deny it now, you were the one who stopped writing to me last year, wasn't that supposed to be a clue?"
Continued (sooner this time).