Prompt of the Day: hugging

Postal: ambitious

Hard piñata

Bumper Cars: That hurt

Word Count: 349


He doesn't understand what's happening. There's an ethereal aura around the Ministry corridor, as though it's surrounded by a strange, softly glowing fog.

Percy steps closer, adjusting his glasses. He blinks rapidly, wondering if perhaps something is blurring his vision, but the fog is still there when he focuses his attention on the scene at hand. "Hello?"

Barty Crouch hurries forward, his lips twitching into a rare smile. As with everything else at the Ministry, he seems ethereal, like he isn't really completely there. "Good morning, Minister!"

Percy turns, expecting to see Cornelius Fudge behind him. The corridor is empty. When he turns his attention back to Crouch, he realizes the other man is looking at him.

"Me?" Percy asks, pointing to himself. "I'm the Minister for Magic?"

"Of course. Now, how about lunch, Minister?"

Percy's eyes open when he feels a sudden sharp pain spreading along his shin. "That hurt!" he groans, bolting upright and feeling blindly for his glasses.

"Yes, well, you talking in your sleep is hurting our sleep schedule," Fred tells him.

Percy abandons his search for his glasses. With a roll of his eyes, he lays back in bed. Within seconds, the twins pounce, both hugging him.

"Were you really dreaming that you were Minister, Perce?" George chuckles, playfully poking Percy's rib. "How dreadfully boring."

"Ambitious git," Fred agrees.

Percy struggles, but somehow he manages to free himself from their arms. He tries to focus on their faces, but their features are blurry and shrouded in darkness. "Listen here," he says. "Some of us have to work. Now, if you'll kindly excuse me…"

"Right, Minister," Fred laughs, hopping to his feet.

"Anything you say, Minister," George adds, joining his twin.

They're gone before Percy can tell them off. Once again, he sinks into his pillows with an exasperated sigh. His brothers can laugh and trade him all they want. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious. One day, they will see the name he makes for himself.

Becoming Minister may only be possible in his sleep for now, but there's nothing wrong with dreaming.