Some people said I could've just written them as bf/gf and yeah...that's true lol
Merry Christmas!
Percy had never been so embarrassed in all his life.
He was still replaying the moment when he'd made the grave decision to step out of the bathroom. And there she'd been, holding a few towels that he assumed was to be put in that same bathroom. She'd froze and he could swiftly say he was mirroring that on the inside as well.
In his defense, he didn't think she would be there. He thought he was in the clear. For Godric's sake, he just needed to grab the clothes he'd forgotten to bring in with him to change into afterwards. That was it. Just a quick trip to the room he was using and back to the bathroom before she noticed him. He hadn't thought to put on the clothes he wore earlier that day; they were dirty and he was freshly showered. So, clad in only a fluffy white towel that was wrapped around his waist, he'd ventured out and as soon as the door opened, he saw her.
This was new territory for him. Even with his brief relationship with Penny, they'd never gotten that far to where they'd seen each other like...like that. They were always fully clothed. He and Hermione weren't even truly together and she'd seen him half naked.
For the rest of the night they stayed apart. It was for the best. A way to evade any inevitable awkwardness that would arise. He could practically hear George bellowing out laughter and alright, perhaps it was a little ridiculous to be so embarrassed over it at his age. But he'd never experienced such a thing before this so excuse him for being a little bashful.
He'd squeezed his eyes shut that night, burying his face in his pillow, trying to banish those thoughts.
/
Hermione ran around the flat frantically. She was doing last minute checks to ensure that she had everything she needed to have before they were due to go. Which was quite soon. Mr. and Mrs. Granger was expecting them in about twenty minutes. Percy could tell this was getting to her but she tried to pretend it wasn't with her overly cheerful voices and painful looking smile.
He wasn't fooled.
Crookshanks was gently placed into a pet carrier. He'd grumbled some initially and then when he realized the severity of the situation-he was trapped for the time being-he began to protest by emitting loud anguished wails.
"Oh, it's alright, Crooks," Hermione said hopelessly in an attempt at placating him. "It will be over soon."
Percy felt a bit bad that he was just standing there, useless as she seemed to scatter around. He hadn't really a clue as to what she was doing beyond fretting and possibly stalling. He'd tried to ask her a question but she never responded, as she had been muttering under her breath, finger raised as she seemingly tried to locate...something.
"Hermione," He spoke up, "do you need any help?"
She shook her head. "No, thank you. I've got it."
What that it was, he didn't know.
"Are you sure?" He said carefully to avoid an explosion aimed at him. "You look a bit worn."
"I'm fine," She assured him most unconvincingly. The bags under her eyes had bags of their own. "I'm fine. Everything's fine."
He wordlessly approached her, steering her by the shoulders and forcing her to meet his eyes. "If you want your parents to believe that, you'll have to be a tad more convincing."
It caused a small smile to appear. "I'm being ridiculous, aren't I?"
"Not ridiculous," he said, "just worried, which is understandable."
She sighed, shoulders sagging. "I don't know why I let her do this to me."
"I assume by her, you mean Libby?"
"Yes," She sighed again. "I usually don't care what people think and yet, ever since my parents told me she'd be there, it's all I can think about. I just keep imagining all the awful things she'll say to you, to me."
Percy frowned, pulling her into a hug. She seemed surprised at first, then melted into it, her arms going around his middle. The scent of her shampoo hit his nose. It was nice, he mentally acknowledged. Vanilla bean or something of that nature. He gave her a slight squeeze just like he used to do whenever his siblings were a lot younger and in need of comfort. Their mum or dad couldn't always be available when they were needed and as the third eldest, Percy stepped up as a fifth parent.
When they broke apart, Hermione smiled gratefully at him, if a little embarrassed. "Thank you. I suppose I needed that."
"It's no problem," He smiled kindly down at her.
Their eyes met and for an unspecified amount of time, they stayed like that.
Until Percy coughed. Coughed. Way to be awkward. "We should probably get going."
"Oh!" She exclaimed. "Right. My parents are expecting us soon."
She pulled their luggage closer to them and was about to reach for Crookshank's carrier when Percy laid a hand on her arm.
"Just breathe," He advised. "Everything will be fine."
"Thank you," She whispered, nodding.
/
The Granger house was located at the very end of the street. Twinkling lights were set up around it, flashing and large plastic candy canes were pushed down into the dirt in a line starting at the bottom and up to the front door. Percy grasped the handles of his luggage as they stepped up the walkway. Hermione led the way, setting hers down on the cold concrete. She knocked on the door and it didn't take long for someone to come. Percy heard bustling about from the inside and a glee shout and suddenly it came open.
An older woman with vibrant bushy hair just like her daughter stood on the front porch. She beamed, pulling Hermione into a tight hug, swaying gently from side to side. She cupped the side of Hermione's face. There was no denying the gleam of love in her eyes. "Oh, Hermione," She said. "Oh, it's just so wonderful to have you home!"
She hugged her once more.
"It's great to be here, Mum," Hermione told her. 'I've missed you."
"Oh, I've missed you, too, honey!" Mrs. Granger was getting a bit emotional. He was reminded of his own mum; how she'd reacted that first Christmas after the war. Fred was gone and he was home. She'd hugged as if she never wanted to let him go. It'd felt so good to feel her arms around him again. Just when he was a child and she would comfort him after a nightmare.
Mrs. Granger took notice him standing there. "This must be him, Hermione," She said happily.
"Err, yes," Hermione said. "Mum, this is Percy Weasley. He's one of Ron's older brothers."
Percy held out his hand but just like his mum, Mrs. Granger swept him up in a hug instead. Hermione was mouthing apologies behind her mother but Percy only chuckled, waving her off. "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Granger."
"None of this Mrs nonsense," Mrs. Granger exclaimed. "We're going to be family! Call me Clara. It's only right."
"Of course...Clara."
At that moment, Crookshanks let out another cry.
Mrs. Granger noticed him. "Oh, you've brought-" The smile on her face became a bit fixed. She was trying to remember his name.
Hermione helped her out. "Crookshanks, Mum. Or Crooks is fine."
"Yes, of course," Mrs. Granger laughed. "I must be getting old. It's a bit difficult to remember everything at my age. Oh, I'm keeping you both out here in this freezing cold. Come in, come in. Your dad's at the office but he'll be back soon."
It was a lovely home. There was a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the corner of the living room. Colorful ornaments, tinsel, stringing lights. Stockings were pinned above the fireplace. Knick knacks were placed around. It was very cozy. Percy glanced at the pictures he saw hanging on the wall; some of which showed Hermione at a young age. From being held in her dad-he assumed it washer dad- in his arms with her parents side by side, to standing in front a building he deduced to being her primary school to all dressed in her Hogwarts uniform at Kings Cross to her benign around fifteen or sixteen with Crookshanks in her lap with a smile on her face.
Hermione came up beside him. "Found something to look at?"
"Indeed," He said, shooting her a grin. "You were adorable."
She rolled her eyes. "Oh, come off it."
"No, no. You were. Look at this-" He gestured towards a picture where he guessed she was five or six. She was grinning widely, showing off the front row of her teeth which had a couple missing.
She grimaced. "I can't believe they still have that hung up."
"I'm glad they do," he said. "Or else I wouldn't have been able to see it."
"I should ask your Mum if she has any pictures of you as a child."
"Oh, she has a whole album for all of us," Percy recalled seeing such a thing once or twice. "I think she only brings it out to add a new picture to it or show our potential girlfriends. Boyfriend, in Ginny's case."
"Has she done it before?"
He nodded. "Did it to Bill when he bought his first girlfriend home in sixth year. He didn't know about it and after dinner, Mum showed Felicity Showman his pictures of getting bathed in the sink as a baby."
"Ouch," She remarked.
"Indeed. He was mortified. Luckily, that served as a warning to us and we were all aware after that."
Hermione was quiet for a moment or two. "Did you ever bring Penny home to your parents?"
He was surprised by the question. "No."
"Really?"
"I..I wasn't exactly in the right frame of mind during that time," He admitted. "I was worried someone would scare her away. Penny was the first girl to ever notice me."
"It's hard to believe."
He arched an eyebrow.
"You're not bad looking, Percy," Hermione said. "Not to mention, you've got quite a mind on you. And you're funny."
He scoffed.
"I'm serious. You have your own sense of humor. Sure, it's not like George's or Ginny's, but that's alright. It's your own and that makes it special in its own right."
He appreciated every word. For years, he wished to stand out against his siblings who paved their own unique way into the world. While, on the other hand, he tended to blend in. There was nothing that made people see Percy Weasley. He was often regarded as nothing more than the bossy Prefect (later HeadBoy), Gryffindor's resident killjoy or, back when his younger siblings weren't attending yet, Bill and Charlie's little brother.
But funny?
She thought he was actually amusing. Penny had something similar but he hadn't believed her at the time; after all, it was customary for couples to say such sweet things to one another. He merely assumed this was her doing her part. Nothing more. Hermione was different. He wasn't with Hermione and still, she thought such a thing about him.
It was just...nice.
Really, really nice.
"Kids." They turned. Mrs. Granger was there. "Would either of you be interested in some hot chocolate or tea? I've got the kettle on now."
"I'm fine, Mum," Hermione said. She glanced at Percy. "Do you want anything?"
"No," Percy wouldn't take any if she didn't. "No, thank you."
"Alright. I do hope I wasn't interrupting a moment between you two," Mrs. Granger said with a suggestive tone.
Hermione laughed nervously. "No. Not at all."
Mrs. Granger gave them a knowing grin before she left to retreat back to the kitchen.
"Why don't we take our things up to my room?" Hermione said. "Get then out of the way here."
"Sure," Percy said because there was nothing else to say.
They climbed the stairs and down the hall, onto the right was her room. It was mostly bare except for a bed and a wardrobe. There was a window that was shut with a black curtain over it. She'd obviously cleaned it out prior, likely once the war was over.
"Well," Hermione said. "This is it."
"It's nice," Percy said and he meant it.
"Thank you," She sent him a smile. "Now we have to decide on sleeping arrangements. Since we've gotten here before Libby, I'll conjure up a blow up bed. I'll take it and you can have my-"
"Hang on," Percy interjected. "Why are you taking the blow up bed?"
"Because you'll be sleeping on my bed."
Percy didn't feel right about doing that. "It's your bed," He argued. "You should have it."
"But you're a guest," She challenged. "It would be rude of me."
"We've known each other for long enough now. I wouldn't take offense."
"That's not the point."
"It most certainly is."
She pursed her lips. He stared right at her. She stared back.
"I'm not sleeping in that bed.
"Neither am I."
"Fine," She said. "I'm sleeping on the floor."
"So will I," Percy decided.
"Fine"
"Fine."
"It's settled."
"Yes, it is."
"We're being ridiculous, aren't we?"
"Possibly. A little."
"I'm still not sleeping on it."
"Nor will I."
/
They sat at a table in the dining room. Percy's face was aching with all the smiling he was doing just to keep up the appearance with Mrs. Granger. She was grasping a cup of tea, looking all too excited for them. Evidently, this was Hermione's first time bringing someone home. It was also the first time her parents knew of something going on in her romantic life. She'd never disclosed anything else to them before this. He could understand that reason. Even now, even though he and his family had made up, his parents could be downright mortifying. They meant no harm by it, of course. But some things should simply not be said, especially in the presence of one's significant other.
"This is exciting," Mrs. Granger gushed. "I just couldn't believe it when Hermione told me. She never tells us anything."
Hermione blushed.
"Do your parents know?' Mrs. Granger asked Percy.
"Oh, yes," He said. "They do. My Mum adores Hermione. She's thrilled to soon have her in the family."
"I'm glad someone knows."
"Mum," Hermione was apologetic, "I'm sorry. I know I should have said something sooner."
Mrs. Granger put her hand over her daughter's. "What's done is done, dear."
"How did Dad take it?" Hermione asked with a sigh.
"You know your father," Mrs. Granger said, knowingly. "No man likes to realize his little girl is grown up. He came around to the idea soon enough."
"And before that?"
Mrs. Granger pursed her lips. "Well, we won't talk about that."
Hermione groaned.
"You have to understand, sweetheart, this is quite a shock for us. We weren't even aware you were interested in anybody and then suddenly you tell us you have a fiance."
"I know," Hermione fiddled with the pseudo ring. Mrs. Granger caught the light hitting it and gasped.
"Oh, is that your ring! Let me have a look, dear."
She grabbed Hermione's hand, inspecting it.
"It's absolutely lovely! And your birthstone. You have magnificent taste, Percy."
"Thank you," Percy said politely.
"Percy has one just like it," Hermione said, putting attention onto his hand this time. "I wanted him to have one as well."
"It's lovely," Mrs. Granger repeated with admiration. "Do you magic folks have jewelers too?"
"Err, yes," Percy said, a little puzzled by her use of magic folks. "Yes, we do. That's where I got Hermione's ring from."
"And I got Percy's from the same place," Hermione jumped in to add.
At that moment, the front door opened. There were heavy footsteps. "You know about the Conway kid from two weeks ago? Broke his braces already, can you believe it? Told him not to chew gum and what does he do-"
Mr. Granger was a man of average height whose hair was beginning to color like salt and pepper. He stopped short at the entrance to the kitchen. Hermione got to her feet and embraced her father.
"Dad!"
He hugged her back. "It's good to see you, kiddo. You're looking good."
"Just a bit thin," Mrs. Granger said, which reminded Percy of his own mum. "You've been eating regular meals, haven't you?"
"Yes, Mum," Hermione said with a slight laugh.
"And who is this?" Mr. Granger was giving Percy a hard look. Narrowed eyes and displeased expression.
"Lewis," Mrs. Granger said with the air of someone who had said this before.
Dad, this my fiancé," Hermione gestured towards him. "Percy Weasley. He's one of Ron's older brothers."
Percy slowly rose from his chair. He wasn't easily intimidated but Mr. Granger wasn't exactly making him feel confident. He extended his hand, smiling-it was a little forced, admittedly. "Hello, Sir," He said.
Mr. Granger nodded sharply but did not shake his hand. "You're Hermione's fiance?"
Percy wasn't sure exactly what sort of response he wanted, since Hermione had just said that when she introduced him. "Yes, Sir."
"Come with me," Mr. Granger said.
"Sir?" Percy looked to Hermione for an explanation. She merely groaned.
"I think it's time for a little chat. Man to man."
"Dad," Hermione sighed.
"Lewis, behave,' Mrs. Granger said. "This is a good thing, remember?"
"Yes, yes," Mr. Granger said. "I'm not saying otherwise. I just want to have a little talk with him, that's all."
Percy couldn't help but feel like he was being led to his doom.
/
"Sit down," Mr. Granger commanded when they got downstairs to the basement. It was a sort of family room. Spacious and nice looking. Percy lowered himself down on one of the vacant chairs while the older man remained standing.
"I'll admit, I didn't like hearing Hermione got engaged, especially at a young age."
Percy decided it was best not to say anything.
"Hermione's my little girl. My only little girl. And if I hear one time you aren't treating her right, I'll hunt you down and make you regret being born. Is that clear?"
Well, this explained where Hermione got her...fiery spirit from.
"Yes, Sir," Percy said carefully. "Very clear."
"Good," Mr. Granger turned and Percy let out a breath. Suddenly, there was something in his line of sight. The redhead glanced up questioningly at the older man. "Do you drink beer, son?"
Son?
"I've never had it," Percy took it, inspecting the bottle curiously. "Is it like fire whiskey?"
"Wouldn't know. Never had any of this fire whiskey," Mr. Granger took the top off and took a generous drink. He leaned on the arm of a couch, the beer bottle still in his hand. "So, how did you and Hermione end up meeting?"
"At school," Percy said. "I was a fifth year when she was a first year. I was a Prefect so I helped her get adjusted."
"And you became friends?"
"Not exactly, no..." Percy said. "We stayed within our friend groups and didn't begin to talk more until my brother, Bill's wedding. We chatted there and lost contact for a while until we lost contact for a while when she was on the run. We eventually met up again shortly after the war and started going out in September of that year."
There. He'd hoped he recounted the story correctly.
Mr. Granger stroked his chin. "I see. And you decided to propose." It wasn't a question. "I do want to ask you, Percy, why you did so quickly? You do understand Hermione is still young, yes? What kept you from waiting a few years?"
Percy's mouth was dry. Hermione never prepared him for this question and he'd never thought it would come up either. "I love your daughter very much, Sir. I didn't want to wait."
"I see," Mr. Granger said.
Percy took the cap off his beer, taking a tiny sip of it. It was bloody awful. He wasn't a huge fan of fire whiskey either but he was able to withstand it when Oliver dragged him out to the pub or brought a bottle (or two or four) over. He didn't want to offend the man so he tried to smile through it. "That's, err, a very unique taste."
"It's terrible, isn't it?" Mr. Granger smiled wryly. "Not a fan of it myself. I only drink occasionally." He sighed heavily and ran a hand over his face. "Can I give you advice, Percy?"
He was surprised. "Oh, of course."
"Live every moment you can, son. Before long, you'll be old and wondering where time went. I remember when Hermione was born; she was a shock for us, that was for sure. My wife was infertile for a long time, you see, and then suddenly we got pregnant. It was the best day of our lives. I ran out to buy a crib and all the essentials. Didn't even stop to think that our little bundle wasn't coming until months later."
Mr. Granger wore a warm smile on his face.
"Take care of Hermione, Percy."
Percy found himself nodding. "I will, Sir. I promise."