Expectations of Approval
Chapter Eight: Observance
Percy continued to let Oliver drag him down the hall and out in to the Herbology gardens. When Oliver finally stopped walking he didn't let go of Percy's wrist. Stomping out the small smile that curved his lips Percy began to move away towards a bushel of sage. It worked out as he had planned, Oliver realized he had not let go, and slowly he released Percy. Percy shivered when Oliver's fingers gently brushed his wrist. He shrugged off the sensation and began to observe the plants as if they were the most interesting things in the world.
'You idiot,'
'I happen to be smart, you know,'
'Fine, Idiota; from the Old French from Latin-'
Shut it, smart ass,'
'How very un-Percy like.'
"Percy?" It was Oliver, He had seen Percy's expression change several times in only a couple of seconds. Shocked out of his internal banter Percy looked over to see that Oliver had walked over to him.
"Yeah . . . ?" Percy replied sheepishly.
Oliver smiles and decides against asking about what he had seen. "I talked to Pomfrey yesterday"
"Oliver don't-" Percy began to protest but was quickly cut off.
"It's a good opportunity Percy, if you're her apprentice for long enough it's possible to become a licensed healer-" Oliver argued but Percy persisted.
"In years, I want to help them out as soon as possible Oliver." Percy didn't need to clarify. Oliver knew he meant his family, but he would not give in to it this time.
"It's already been a couple of years and you still have more then 2 years left here. I know Pomfery would talk to Dumbledore for you, if she hasn't already-"
"Oliver-" Percy grew annoyed.
"Just give it a shot" Percy glared at Oliver, but Oliver continued any ways. "If you can't do it by the time we leave hogwarts then I'll stop bothering you about it, I'll even ask Pomfery to do the same"
"what about the price for taking the exam" Percy shot back.
Oliver hesitates "I-- I heard the school will cover it"
'His lying' Thought Anne as she watched the conversation from a distance. She was hiding inside one of the green houses taking advantage of the plants as coverage and the slightly opened window pane to listen in. She had followed them when Oliver had let his guard down. 'But if he's lying, then . . . how? Who's going to pay for it?'
Anne continued to watch as Percy looked over at Oliver. "So this is want you meant by knocking some sense into me?" Oliver looked away pretending to observe the other herbs spread out in the small garden. Percy wasn't able to see his reaction but Anne saw it clearly, his cheeks were stained red and a bitter smile marred his lips. "I just don't understand why you're so persistent about this Oliver"
The blush disappeared and the bitter smile formed into a thin line of resignation. When Oliver turned around again, his face was decorated with a fake bright smile, "I can't understand why you're not doing what you obviously wan to do. I'm just looking out for you, you're my friend now. Any one would worry you're such a pushover"
Percy looked indignant, at this look Oliver chuckled. He patted Percy on the back and said "Well we should go back inside,"
Percy gave Oliver a puzzled look. "I thought you were planning to drag me around the grounds . . . not that I'm complaining or anything"
"Some other time. There's been a change of plans you see it's almost time for dinner and I told Anne I'd talk to her." Oliver told Percy as he began to walk toward Hogwarts, and incidentally in the same directions as the green houses.
"Ah, can't forget about your date"
"Yeah that's right," His face was troubled but his stance and walk we're nothing but his normal, relaxed manner. He had not looked back. "I'll see you later Perce"
"Sure. . ." was Percy's feeble response. His voice and face spoke of confusion. When Oliver was completely out of sight Anne was witness to Percy's tears. They were silent in there usual manner, and the were wiped way delicately. Percy knew better then to chafe his delicate skin, and willing away tears was just another talent of his.
Percy breathed in deeply and continued to look over the small garden, Anne continued to watch him. His face an unreadable mask.
'. . . Idiot'
'I. . .'
'Idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot- '
'No, I-'
'Idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot, '
Percy looked up at the sky, and spoke in a slight whisper "Idiot. . . ? Yeah, I think I am" He returned to look around himself at the small garden. He looked trapped for a second, then he produced a disturbed smile that slowly turned into a sneer, then his common simper.
Confused Anne began to walk away, but out of the corner of her eyes she caught two streaks of red hair. She stopped cold.
Percy began to walk towards the direction she had seen movement. As he quickly checked his watch, his face flashed with concern but as he turned to look at the two younger men it was gone. "Fred, George what are you doing here?"
"Well if it isn't Percy" said one twin and the other responded, "Right you are"
Percy looked agitated "Just recently Professor Sprout told me of some recent thefts"
"My how frightening" Fred teased.
Eyeing the two wearily Percy spoke again. "You two wouldn't know anything . . ."
"Heavens no!" George continued.
Their lack of respect for Percy showed greatly, but Percy continued with his questions and warnings without fail, even as they left a moment later with the usual mocking farewell. When they were out of sight Percy let out a sigh and looked at his watch again, he looked relived. Not a moment later did Professor Sprout appear. She greeted Percy cheerfully and asked about his being out so close to dinner. Percy smiled and answered politely that his just out for a walk.
"Oh Percy, I'd hate to ask, but did you see anyone else around here? You know the trouble I've been having lately,"
To Anne's surprise he shock his head "No, not around here."
"Alright then, you should head off to dinner."
remembering herself Anne sneaked away making sure not to be seen by Percy or Professor Sprout, her head spun. She hadn't been able to see what it was Percy's watch, but Anne was sure that because of it he had known how to, and did protect his brothers. His smile, his tears, responsibilities, hopes, his fears and even regrets. She had learned them all . . . and then there was Oliver . . .
' . . . No,'
A/N: Hey, I think I didn't update last weekend (I'm not sure if I did, times sort of getting away from me . . .) so if I didn't Sorry about that, Well this chapter is sort of long so I hope that'll help my case. Thank you for all those who review. After all I only update fanfictions with fans, since I don't really have time and I like to work on my original stuff any time I get the chance.
On another note, to the anonymous reviewer. Not haven't found a BETA yet, no one seems interested. You guys will just have to bear with me . . . sorry.
