Chapter 21

It was hard to believe that May 2nd was approaching again. Percy certainly couldn't understand how time had gone by so quickly. There was an odd time lapse, where it seemed like Fred had died only days ago, but at the same time it felt like ages had past. Percy had done so much since then. He had started a new job and learned to excel at it, and he had brought George back from the brink of self-destruction. He had made friends with his co-workers, and actually spent time with them outside of work. He had met Audrey, and their relationship had never been smoother. They were both non-confrontational, and what they called 'arguments,' others would call calm discussions. They were extremely compatible and anticipated each other's needs, so neither of them went wanting. But was it too good to be true?

Percy hated the anniversary because it seemed to amplify all of his other problems. He dreaded having to face the family, where no one could pretend that everything was alright and try to hide beneath masks. Though that meant Percy could get away with his other 'fretting' as Ginny called it, he knew he would still look the most agitated, and the family would guess that it wasn't just Fred's death on his mind.

Thankfully, there were other, happier preparations going on, like the arrival of Bill and Fleur's baby. The pregnancy had had a few rough patches, but both mother and child were healthy, and that was all that mattered. No one knew the sex of the baby, as Bill and Fleur wanted it to be a surprise. That had of course driven their mum up the wall, as she debated what colors to knit. Her final creations ended up being a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns that no child, boy or girl, would ever like to wear (though they had little choice in the matter). Percy had been impressed with the reactions of the soon-to-be parents when they opened the gift. They had learned to control their facial expressions and voices well, and it was only Fleur's twitching eyebrow that gave away how shocked they were at the blinding color combinations. Percy secretly hoped this wasn't his mum's new 'thing,' as he rather enjoyed her plainer sweaters…

Percy grinned faintly to himself as he adjusted his robes. He was getting ready for the annual gathering at Hogwarts to commemorate those who died in service of the school and the Wizarding World. Last year's occasion had been solemn and painful, but with the baby on the way, perhaps the family would be a bit more lighthearted and hopeful of the future this time. After all, the new addition to their family would grow up in a world without Voldemort. Especially now with the Aurors chasing back new Death Eater resurgences, it looked like the world would finally be at peace.

"What are you so happy about, smiling over there?" Audrey asked him as she swept into his bedroom.

Startled, his smile dropped from his face. "Oh, you're here already! I thought you might need more time to get ready—"

"Please! I don't take that long," she said. "So really, what were you smiling about? I'm glad to see you smiling, especially on a difficult day like today." She peered at him curiously.

"Erm…it was nothing, really. Just excitement for the new baby, growing up in a better world."

Audrey nodded. "Ah, that's true." She smiled at him, but he was distracted again by an errant thought.

Babies growing up in a better world. Percy had always wanted to be a father. Perhaps it had something to do with his superiority complex, or the fact that he knew he would love his children and give them the best possible lives that he could – lives far superior to his own. He had first visualized this dream coming true with Penelope, and lately, he had been thinking of Audrey in her place. What would they look like as parents?

But no, he was getting too ahead of himself, wasn't he? He couldn't even be sure she would marry him, let alone have his children!

"Percy, what's wrong?" Audrey asked, and Percy realized he had let his mask drop, revealing the distressing turmoil of his innermost thoughts. Glancing up at her, he saw her assume the expression he had seen increasingly over these past few months. It was a look that was a mixture of concern and frustration, and he guessed what she was going to say before she said it.

"Percy, why won't you tell me what's wrong? I know you're hiding something," she said, standing before him and staring up into his eyes. She was pleading with him, but he knew it was just the part of her that liked fixing things that were broken. This wasn't something that was broken and she couldn't fix it, because if she knew what it was, she might decide it wasn't worth it.

"It's nothing." He looked away guiltily and Audrey put her hands on her hips.

"Percival Ignatius Weasley. I swear! Whatever it is, you can tell me! Just stop…beating yourself up about it! I want to help you." She placed her hands on his cheeks and he leaned his head forward until their foreheads were touching.

"It's…it's really—"

"Don't you dare say it's nothing," she whispered. "Not again. Never again. Do you understand? I want to help you."

Percy inhaled a breath. "Audrey, I can't tell—" he started, but he was cut off by loud knocking and voices. Stunned, Percy pulled back and he and Audrey exchanged glances before hurrying to the front door. Checking the peephole, Percy opened the door to admit Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny, who had undoubtedly come from Ron and Harry's flat. They were all dressed well, and they had even coordinated with each other, but the formality of their outfits clashed with the looks on their faces, which were exuberant and breathless.

"Did you hear?" Ron said, looking back and forth from Percy to Audrey.

"Hear what?" Percy asked, almost fearfully.

"Fleur's in labor!" Ginny said, shouldering Ron aside to deliver the news. Ron gave her a nasty look.

Audrey clapped her hands. "Oh, that's lovely!"

"Wait, now? Today? She's going to have the baby today?" Percy said.

"Yes, today," Ginny said, giving Percy a look. "And I know, it's…kind of weird. But…"

"I think it's brilliant," Hermione added. "It seems fitting."

"Yeah, I think so, too," Harry agreed. "It means that May 2nd will have a nicer meaning. A more…hopeful one, I guess."

"Exactly," Ginny said.

"So what's going on? Are we still going to Hogwarts with everyone?" Percy asked.

"Well, Mum and Dad are trying to contact Fleur's family, since the baby's a bit early," Ron said.

"So…what does that mean for us?"

Ron shrugged. "I dunno. I guess we can still go? But I don't think Mum's going to. She wants to help Fleur prepare."

"But doesn't Fleur already have a midwife?" Hermione interrupted.

"You know Mum, always wanting to have her say in anything that goes on with the family."

"Poor Bill," Harry said, and Ron grinned at him.

"Yeah, poor sod's probably ready to blow."

"Maybe we should go see if we can help? Even if it's just…calming down your mum," Hermione suggested.

"I like that idea," Audrey said. "Maybe we can distract her somehow?"

Ginny snorted. "Good luck! This is what she's been waiting for since forever! She's been preparing for decades."

Ron threw up his hands. "Well, if you girls want to try, be my guest!"

"Perhaps I will," Hermione said, lifting her head and appearing to mentally brace herself into a battle stance. "Well?" She glanced at the other women in the room.

"This is going to be mad but I suppose I can help ole Phlegm out," Ginny said.

"I'm in, too. Shall we go?" Audrey said.

"Wait, so what're we supposed to do?" Ron asked. "Are we not allowed on this girl's trip?"

Hermione huffed. "Oh, Ronald! Figure something out! You can come along later!"

"And hopefully you'll survive Mrs. Weasley. We wouldn't want you lot to get turned into craters after she's demolished you in her…enthusiasm," Harry said, grinning.

"You'd better hope not," Ginny said, giving Harry a quick peck. "Because what would you do without me?"

"Find a girlfriend?" Harry said, and Ginny swatted him.

"Yeah right. Who would take Harry Potter to be their boyfriend?"

"Hmm…" Harry said in mock puzzlement.

Ron scoffed. "You'd have to fight hundreds of rabid fans to get him back, Gin, so be careful over there! You too, 'Mione."

"Oh, thank you for considering me as an afterthought," Hermione said, spinning on her heel to grab Audrey's and Ginny's hands. "Now are we going or not?"

Audrey waved to Percy over her shoulder and the three of them Disapparated, leaving Percy blinking in their wake.

Ron was shaking his head. "Bloody women."

Harry clapped him on the back. "Come on, you know it's always like that with Hermione."

"But not for you! She's nice to you!"

"Maybe cause I'm better looking?" Harry said, dodging to avoid Ron's punch. Percy watched them tussle back and forth, and allowed himself a moment to reflect on what it would've been like if he had had such a close mate like Ron did. Then again, Harry was more of a brother now, a true member of their family, so it was a little different. Still, Percy wondered how his life would've changed if he had had a friend throughout Hogwarts – not just a co-worker or an acquaintance or a classmate, but an actual friend.

He was jolted out of his thoughts when Ron shook him.

"Oi, Percy, still there mate? What're we going to do now?"

Percy regained his composure. "Does George know? I believe he's still planning to go to the ceremony."

"He'll probably be happy to get out of it," Ron said. "Especially if the rest of us aren't going."

"But shouldn't someone represent our family?" Percy asked.

Harry sighed. "Percy's right. We should go. I think…I should be there."

Ron frowned at his mate. "Since when do you care what the papers say?"

"I don't. I've just got Teddy to think about. Andromeda's going to be there with him. And it might be nice to catch up with some other people."

"Alright, if you say so," Ron said, shrugging again. "What about you, Percy?"

"I suppose I'll go inform George. Check up on him."

"You want us to come?"

"No, no, we'll meet you there."

Ron nodded. "Okay, well, see you later then." He waved and joined Harry as they Disapparated to Hogwarts.

Percy went to the fireplace and threw in some Floo Powder, shouting, "Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes!"

Stepping out into George's flat, he was surprised to find his brother alone, sitting on the edge of his bed, his eyes staring and his expression vacant.

"George?" Percy said concernedly, and George shook himself out of it.

"Oh, hey Perce." He frowned. "Where's everyone else?"

"So you haven't heard?"

"Heard what?"

Percy relayed the news, and a sad smile appeared on George's face.

"That's really great," George said, and his smile widened so it finally touched his eyes. "The first grandchild, huh? And they're really sure it'll be today?"

"Apparently."

George just grinned. "Perfect timing, right? I was hoping something would get me out of going to the ceremony. What's the rest of the family doing?" Percy filled him in, and George finally nodded. "Oh. So I guess we have to go then."

"We don't…have to, I suppose," Percy said.

"But Ron and Harry are waiting for us. And so is Angelina, actually. She wanted to be alone for a bit," George said.

"Oh. So…how are things with you two? You seem…better, happier."

George smiled. "We are. Really. Today's just hard for both of us." He glanced at Percy. "Speaking of, what's going on with you and Audrey? Do you need me to write something on the Checklist before you completely push her away?"

Percy opened his mouth and then shut it, not knowing what to say. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Bollocks, Perce! We're not blind!"

Percy's jaw tightened. "You know what? I'm tired of everyone trying to interfere in my relationship! It's personal, and none of your business!"

"Well you're being crazy, Percy. Do you not realize you're shutting her out? It's obvious!"

Percy's cheeks flamed. "So? What does that matter?"

George stared incredulously at him. "What does that matter? She's your girlfriend. You love her and she loves you! Why are you doing this?" When Percy didn't answer, George leveled his gaze. "Give me the Checklist. I know we haven't used it in a while, but I think you need some motivation."

"No."

"No?"

"No."

"We both created it! If you don't give it to me, I'll find it!"

"I'd like to see you try," Percy said, his nose in the air. George stood up and the brothers were almost the same height as they glared at each other.

"Is that a challenge? Because I'll destroy your flat. Or leave some of my products lying around, hidden. You know I will."

"How dare you threaten me! It's none of your concern!"

"Oh, I think it is! Tell me where it is!"

A cough came from behind them and they spun to see Angelina standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips, regarding them curiously.

"Are you about done? The ceremony's starting soon. That is, if you're still coming."

George glared at Percy. "This isn't over." He crossed to stand beside Angelina. "I'm ready. The git can go on his own."

"Oh, so he's a git now?" Angelina rolled her eyes and turned around. "Come on, Percy. Let's go."

George stubbornly avoided looking at Percy as he awkwardly joined the couple, standing on the other side of Angelina so she was in between them. As they headed out of the shop and prepared to Disapparate, she glanced at them, shaking her head.

"Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever understand this family…or brothers, actually. All I know is you two better get over yourselves. There are a lot of people there, and it'd be best if you behaved."

That shut them both up and they sobered quickly, remembering the gravity of the occasion. Inhaling a breath, Percy steeled himself for the solemn ceremony, trying to recall the joy that was to come at some point during the day. He hoped sooner rather than later so maybe George would forget their argument, though he had never been that lucky before, so why should it start now?

Unlike the previous year, the beautifully decorated ceremony had a lighter air to it, more of an atmosphere of hope, with much less grieving and instead teary smiles as happy memories were shared of the loved ones everyone had lost in the battle. Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt was there to deliver a speech, and it left the audience feeling even more inspired, especially with Hogwarts gleaming newly rebuilt in the background. People milled about talking and even laughing as they helped themselves to treats prepared by the house-elves, and Percy would've enjoyed himself more if he wasn't so concerned that George would not only follow through on his threats, but also get his hands on the Checklist and write down Percy's most dreaded goal.

But what could Percy do to stop him? No matter what happened, he would be forced to… But how could he? He wasn't strong enough. She would never agree…

But before he could fully panic, he and his brothers, plus Harry and Angelina, were interrupted by a message – the baby was coming. Percy was grateful for the distraction.

Arriving at Shell Cottage, Percy immediately felt cramped, as there were so many people waiting out in the living room and kitchen that there weren't many open spaces. It seemed that his father had gotten word to the Delacours, who were camped out in one corner whispering excitedly to each other in French. Percy made his way over to them to introduce himself, feeling that that was the polite thing to do as they had never properly met. He was instantly enchanted by all three of them, especially Apolline, and Percy had to remind himself that they had Veela blood, a fact he kept forgetting even with their conversation sputtered and died and he was still trapped in the feeling that he didn't want to stop talking to them.

A hand found his, and he was jolted out of the trance by Audrey, who appeared beside him with a knowing expression. She spoke to Apolline and told her Fleur wanted to see her, and as the French woman swept by them, Percy almost got lost in her delicate perfume. He shook his head, but somehow the fragrance lingered. He finally allowed Audrey to lead him away. She stifled her laughter as they found a free spot in the kitchen.

"Fleur's never affected me like that before," he said.

"Well, Fleur's mother is half-Veela. And with all three of them standing there, it's quite powerful."

"And yet you seem unaffected."

Audrey just grinned. "You should've seen me when I first introduced myself! My words kept tripping over my tongue, they were so beautiful! And the French accents – to die for!"

Percy smiled at her, equally amused before growing shamefaced. "Audrey, about earlier…I'm sorry."

She sighed, her good humor fading. "Stop apologizing. Just tell me what's wrong. Obviously not now, but…"

"Tonight then," Percy blurted, horrified but at the same time savoring his sudden burst of courage.

Audrey stared at him quizzically and then broke into a smile. "Okay. Tonight. When this is all over." She embraced him, giving him a quick kiss. "Thank you." He held her and tried not to lose his nerve. It wasn't easy, as they had to wait a bit longer. At one point, the entire first floor of Shell Cottage grew silent, all the couples leaning against one another, everyone's breaths bated as they waited for word. Which is why they all jumped when the outside door abruptly slammed open, and a panting Charlie appeared.

"Did I miss it?" he demanded breathlessly, and just as the family started to answer, there came a whoop from upstairs and Bill bounded down the stairs like a child. His face was lit up so that his scar was almost completely invisible.

"She's here! I'm a father!" he announced, and the house erupted in cheers. Charlie was the first to wrap his brother in a backbreaking hug, and as the two pounded each other's backs, Bill pulled apart and laughed gleefully. "You smell like rubbish, but I don't even care!"

"Well, it's a girl?" Ginny demanded.

"Yeah," Bill said. "And she's…she's…bloody hell, she's perfect!" He said, gesturing to Arthur and Fleur's father. "Dad, Monsieur Delacour, Gabrielle, go up and see her!" As they headed upstairs, the rest of the family shouted their questions.

"What's her name?" Ron asked.

"Dunno yet!" Bill said, and he didn't seem at all bothered by that fact, he was so blissfully happy.

Percy felt his face stretching into a massive smile just watching his eldest brother. The entire room felt it, the exuberant energy radiating from him, and everyone couldn't keep the smiles off their faces. Champagne was brought out – some of the best, as the Delacours had brought it – and as everyone raised their glasses, their toast was broken by a high-pitched keening, and Bill nearly burst into tears.

"That's my girl! That's my daughter!"

"When are we going to get to see her?" George asked, and Bill, throwing back his glass, grinned.

"I'll bring her down, but you'll all have to be careful!"

"Obviously!" Ginny laughed, and when Bill returned with his newborn daughter curled in his steady arms, the whole family crowded to get a look. The tiny, tiny girl was beautiful like her mother, and had inherited the same startling blue eyes and silvery-blond hair that confirmed she was indeed part Veela. It took all of their breath away staring at her as she pumped her tiny fist and squirmed, letting out a wail.

"There, there, love," Bill cooed, rocking her until she snuggled into him. The family melted at the scene, and Percy felt his heart aching. He suddenly realized without a doubt that this was what he wanted – his own child in his arms. He felt tears prick in his eyes as he tried to imagine all that Bill was feeling, though it wasn't hard, as the fierce surge of love and protectiveness was plainly written on his face.

Merlin this is what Percy wanted so badly. But most importantly, he wanted it with the woman next to him, who was mesmerized with the baby in Bill's arms. The family was introducing themselves to her as the newborn's aunts and uncles and almost-relations, but Percy couldn't take his eyes off of Audrey.

Tonight would be the night. He couldn't back down, not now. Not when his dream was so close to being realized.

He was going to ask her.

As that thought solidified, Percy felt oddly calm and unafraid. The rest of the day passed in this state of utter readiness, and he didn't even need to think of how he would do it. He just knew. And by the time it came for them to leave, he and Audrey bade farewell to the new parents and his new niece, a girl they had finally chosen to name Victoire, French for victory.

And as May 2nd started to wind down, Percy reflected on her perfect name. Today was victorious, and would always be, he was sure of it.

A/N: Getting close to the end! I actually finished the last chapter the other day - I just need to go back over it to make sure it's perfect!

In other news, I started a blog where I will be reviewing popular Young Adult books. My review will be Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. Check it out and get involved in the discussion! It's at flightsofancyblog dot wordpress dot com.

Thanks for reading! :)