Chapter 10
The Newts were approaching and Percy spent his time with his nose in a book or in Oliver's arms (sometimes in both.) All thoughts of studying, however, went out of his head when he heard that Ron was in the hospital wing.
He was there demanding to be let in five minutes after he had heard.
"Madame Pomfrey, please! He's my brother. I have to see him." Poppy Pomfrey sighed. Percy Weasley sure knew how to push her buttons. He was the only student ever to be able to change her mind about visiting. After much deliberation (about 5 minutes of pleading) she agreed.
"But," she warned, "He's still sleeping, and will for another few hours, so don't expect much, and don't wake him." Percy nodded.
"Alright. And I wont tell the twins I got in, either." Percy grinned at her. She made a face.
"Oh, get on with you. Your brother's waiting." Quietly Percy entered the infirmary. Poppy watched him enter before going about with her nurse-ly duties.
Percy pushed the curtains aside gently and bit his lip when he saw his brother's state. HE hadn't been this beat up since McGonagall's chess set. That brought a faint smile to his lips. He was so proud of his younger brother.if only Ron knew.
He stood by the head of Ron's bed and gently sat down next to him. Ron had grown since his first year, but was so thin there was still plenty of room. Percy reached up a hand and brushed some of Ron's hair off his forehead. A melancholy smile appeared on Percy's face.
"Why do you do this to yourself, Ron? No.don't answer. I know. You're brave and loyal and a true friend. Faithful till death; only don't die. Mum will kill me," he said, a proud smile replacing the melancholy one.
"I'm so proud of you, Ron. So brave, so smart, so selfless. I wish I could tell you how much I care, how proud I am, how honored I am to be your brother when you were awake.but I can't. I've tried. The words just don't come.
"But I am proud of you, and I care for you. You're my brother and I love you. One day you'll see that.I hope." He heard voices in the hall. "I have to go. I'm not supposed to be here," he gave a short laugh. "I bet you wished you could see this, Perfect Percy breaking rules." He shook his head. "Goodbye Ron. Heal and sleep well." The curtains swished and an unconscious Ron was left alone. He wouldn't remember the conversation come morning, but he would be less quick to judge Percy in the future.
Garden
Percy Wealsey sat on a bench in the Hogwarts garden, his nose buried in a book. On the cover was Prefects Who Rose to Power, but we all know it was really The Lord Of The Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring. It was his seventh time through this year. 'Tolkien was a genius, writing history in a way that Muggles would learn, but never actually figure out was real. Oh! Legolas!' Percy giggled to himself and paid much more attention to the book. He loved the Elves and Legolas was his favorite. He was so focused on the pretty-boy blond that he missed the approach of Marcus Flint. He grabbed Percy's book.
"Hey! Give that back!" Marcus sneered at the title and threw it back at Percy, hitting him in the face. "Five points from Slytherin for attacking the Head Boy."
"Get off your high horse, Weasley. You aren't any better than the rest of us. What makes you think you can even compare, you little freak." Percy stared at him a moment, incredulous.
"I'm surprised to even see you here," said Percy, "I mean, I did put you in the infirmary last time." Marcus paused for a moment, slightly started by Percy's no fear attitude. Then he sneered. He knew he couldn't physically attack Percy, but he could cut him down to size with words.
"And as I recall, I've put you in the infirmary myself a few times. Or don't you remember?"
Percy remembered. The images once more flashed before his eyes. Beatings, too many to count. Cutting words and sharp blades. Gangs of Slytherins and empty classrooms. His own depression at the time came back to him The wind picked up, blowing leaves and pedals to swirl around Percy. He shivered. Rising with the goose bumps were the faded scars. Percy could feel them, though his turmoil. Percy clenched his book tightly, not realizing when he tore the cover. He clutched his arms to himself, as if to keep his insides from falling out. He stood quickly. Marcus grabbed him instinctively. His fingers grazed a scar. It burned.
He dropped his hand, staring at it in shock. What in Merlin's name was that? He looked up at Percy.
Percy stared down at Percy, his eyes the dark blue-gray of thunderclouds before a storm. Without saying a word Percy turned and fled, the leaves blowing behind him.
***
Percy moved as in slow motion, his body graceful and flowing like water, or a ribbon in the wind. His eyes were still storming behind his glasses, but he met nobody on his way. Behind him candles went out, blown out by some wind. Almost without realizing it, though he knew in the back of his head that this was where he was going, he arrived at an abandoned classroom. It was the same one where he and Penny had made their arrangements. He paused for a moment before entering.
The place hadn't changed, though there was a thin layer of dust on everything now. Almost immediately Percy felt all the anger flow out of him, leaving an empty aching sadness. He needed his Olly, but Olly was in Quidditch practice. He flopped down on the sofa, (blue.a cast away from the Ravenclaw Common Room, sneezing as the dust billowed up about him. He coughed and as the dust settled he put his head back on the sofa, getting another puff of dust. He sighed, disgusted, and pulled out his wand. He cast a quick spell and the dust disappeared. He closed his eyes.
A single tear ran down his cheek. Unfortunately, that's all it takes sometimes. It all came out in a rush. Percy cried like he never had before, gut wrenching, heart breaking sobs of despair. His anger flared briefly and he tore off his glasses, chucking them across the room. His sobbing stopped and he ran his fingers though his hair. He stayed with his hands in his hair, his head back for a while, shaking with silent tears. It was almost ten minutes later that Oliver found him.
"Percy?"
"Here Oll." Percy's voice was horse and quiet. Oliver was by his side in an instant, wrapping him in a warm and strong embrace.
"Percy, love, Shhh. It's alright. Whatever it is it'll be alright." The two sat there for some time while Percy shed the last of his tears and was soothed by Oliver's presence. They didn't consciously realize it, but they knew that outside it was again raining, the water falling in heavy droplets against the window. Percy sniffed.
"You know.it's a good thing Hogwarts is in Scotland."
"Why?" asked Oliver, confused.
"Because nobody questions all this rain." Oliver laughed, glad his boyfriend was capable of making jokes, but he soon grew serious again.
"Percy.what happened?" Percy waved a hand.
"Oh, it was nothing really. Nothing I haven't heard before, at least. Just Marcus being his usual charming self and reminding me of how messed up I am emotionally."
"Percy," Oliver said sternly, "You are NOT a." he cut off as Percy gave him a LOOK. "not as messed up as he is for continuing like this, that's for sure." He paused for a beat. "Can I go beat him up now?" Percy laughed.
"Fine.just don't get caught."
"Really?"
"No."
"Aww.." Oliver mock-pouted for a moment, then simply squeezed Percy a little tighter. "Now I remember why I love you."
"Because I make you laugh?"
"Partially."
"Because I keep you within the bounds of decency."
"After last night, most certainly not."
"Because I give great head?"
"That's a definite plus, but no."
"It's not because I'll help you with your homework, is it?"
"Naw. You did that before."
"It can't be because of my stellar personality."
"And if it is?"
"I'd tell you you've gone crazy."
"Crazy about you."
"Despite all his protests, Percy was enjoying the banter. His ears still turned pink when Oliver said things like that.
"Well," he murmured for 'Olly's ears only', "The feeling is mutual." Oliver smiled and gently kissed Percy. Percy was happy to continue indefinitely, but a nagging thought pulled him back.
"Olly? How did you know I was here?" Oliver looked puzzled for a moment and then shrugged.
"I'm not really sure. I just know." Oliver leaned in.
"How romantic," Percy murmured jest before his lips met Oliver's again. Percy pushed Oliver down against eh cushions, needing to take control now. His hands slipped into Oliver's open robes as Oliver rubbed his hands in circles on Percy's back. Percy's other hand searched thought the folds of robes and cloth, skin seeking skin. Success! Percy gave a small moan needing this contact.
"Percy?"
"Shite!" Percy gave a muffled curse into Oliver's mouth as they disentangled. Percy's robed got caught on a random limb and he tripped, falling to the floor. His ears were burning and he could feel the blush spreading, but he was laughing.
"Percy? Oh!" Penny stepped back startled before grinning at the obviously interrupted couple. "Sorry," she said, not meaning it.
"It's ok Penny," Percy said as he returned to his seat next to Oliver. He squinted at his female best friend.
"Percy, where are your glasses?" He pointed to the far wall and watched her blurry form blur even more as she moved away. "They're ruined!"
"I got angry." Percy shrugged. Penny shook her head and fixed the glasses with a spell, covertly changing the style from horn-rimmed to wire frame. She walked back to him and handed him his glasses. He slipped them on and everything came back into focus, bringing to light Penny's concerned features. She opened her mouth but he cut her off.
"Don't you dare ask me if I'm alright. I've had just about enough of it." Penny made a face.
"We only do it because we care, Percy. Get used to it." He smiled and closed his eyes. Penny turned a questioning look on Oliver. He gave a shrug; I don't know. Penny sat on the floor in front of Percy and waited for him to look at her.
"What happened this time, Percy? And don't leave anything out." He sighed again but began to talk.
"I was reading in the garden and Flint came up to me. He made some comments to the effect that I was worthless. I.I felt my scars raised again and I panicked. I ran and hid here. Then Oliver came and it was all better." As he spoke he could feel Oliver tense up. "Oliver, don't you do anything rash. The best defeat you can give him is when you kick Slytherin butt and win the cup." Oliver smiled and started.
"Bloody Hell! The match is tomorrow! I can't believe I forgot about it!" Percy smiled.
"I don't know weather or not to be flattered that I can make you forget Quidditch." Oliver laughed and Percy continued. "You'll do smashingly tomorrow. Don't worry. With this team, those Snakes can't win."
"We have fait in you, Oliver," Penny said, "Though I do wish it was a Ravenclaw-Slytherin match. Let us birds have a chance." Oliver laughed. He knew Penny didn't care about sports and that he was the most important thing in Quidditch to Percy, but he knew they would both be there, cheering him on.
TBC.
AN/ wow.it's been a while since I've done this, so I'm doing the last few chapters. it I don't mention you, it's not you, it's just that I have so many to respond to and so much to do. What would you rather have, story or responses?
That's what I thought.
Xixie- I don't actually know how his family is going to react. Well.the twins, Ron, and Ginny don't find out until Harry Potter and The Oldest Immortal. If you haven't read it yet, I suggest you do. It's gotten wonderful reviews, but of course, I'm a little biased.
Lady Cinnibar - eating is a GOOD thing. You know you've got a good scary character when you scare yourself with it. I'll say it again. You are an absolute GEM! If the story seems rush it might be because some of it has changed from the hard copy version. I'm writing as I go and when I write more than one chapter it may get rushed. When I check for updates I have two browser windows up. One for Ff.net and the other for the other sites. Try it some time. I cannot wait to read more of ghosts.
Annakas - Snape will do something, but I'm not sure what. It will happen, but I'm not sure when. Before They graduate or very soon after. I have started to write the sequel, but it's all hand written, and I'm not typing it up until I'm done with this. This is only gonna be in the 20's chapter wise (I think). But, when I'm done with this, all I have to do it type that up and post, so it won't take very long. It's another long story, however. 40 something chapters again. I miss my Methos/Severus, so it won't be long.
Hyujf4r - I don't know why I wrote that scene that way, but Dumbledore prides himself on knowing everything in that school, even if he doesn't show it. It's not so much that Percy cut and was depressed and suicidal, but that he didn't know. Also, he expected Harry to get attacked. It comes with being the Boy Who Lived. Who would expect the perfect prefect to be so unstable. Also, Percy is a POWERFUL wizard he wants to make sure that Percy stays on the light side and stays alive. He could be a catalyst that will win them the war. Think about it. Harry's just a boy who was thrust unawares into fame and glory and the role of savior. Percy has none of that, and therefore is not distracted or pressured by it. I'm gonna stop rambling now and let you just wait for the story to unfold.
See you next time Same mage time Same mage channel
I was, am, and will always be, ImmortalJedi.
The Newts were approaching and Percy spent his time with his nose in a book or in Oliver's arms (sometimes in both.) All thoughts of studying, however, went out of his head when he heard that Ron was in the hospital wing.
He was there demanding to be let in five minutes after he had heard.
"Madame Pomfrey, please! He's my brother. I have to see him." Poppy Pomfrey sighed. Percy Weasley sure knew how to push her buttons. He was the only student ever to be able to change her mind about visiting. After much deliberation (about 5 minutes of pleading) she agreed.
"But," she warned, "He's still sleeping, and will for another few hours, so don't expect much, and don't wake him." Percy nodded.
"Alright. And I wont tell the twins I got in, either." Percy grinned at her. She made a face.
"Oh, get on with you. Your brother's waiting." Quietly Percy entered the infirmary. Poppy watched him enter before going about with her nurse-ly duties.
Percy pushed the curtains aside gently and bit his lip when he saw his brother's state. HE hadn't been this beat up since McGonagall's chess set. That brought a faint smile to his lips. He was so proud of his younger brother.if only Ron knew.
He stood by the head of Ron's bed and gently sat down next to him. Ron had grown since his first year, but was so thin there was still plenty of room. Percy reached up a hand and brushed some of Ron's hair off his forehead. A melancholy smile appeared on Percy's face.
"Why do you do this to yourself, Ron? No.don't answer. I know. You're brave and loyal and a true friend. Faithful till death; only don't die. Mum will kill me," he said, a proud smile replacing the melancholy one.
"I'm so proud of you, Ron. So brave, so smart, so selfless. I wish I could tell you how much I care, how proud I am, how honored I am to be your brother when you were awake.but I can't. I've tried. The words just don't come.
"But I am proud of you, and I care for you. You're my brother and I love you. One day you'll see that.I hope." He heard voices in the hall. "I have to go. I'm not supposed to be here," he gave a short laugh. "I bet you wished you could see this, Perfect Percy breaking rules." He shook his head. "Goodbye Ron. Heal and sleep well." The curtains swished and an unconscious Ron was left alone. He wouldn't remember the conversation come morning, but he would be less quick to judge Percy in the future.
Garden
Percy Wealsey sat on a bench in the Hogwarts garden, his nose buried in a book. On the cover was Prefects Who Rose to Power, but we all know it was really The Lord Of The Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring. It was his seventh time through this year. 'Tolkien was a genius, writing history in a way that Muggles would learn, but never actually figure out was real. Oh! Legolas!' Percy giggled to himself and paid much more attention to the book. He loved the Elves and Legolas was his favorite. He was so focused on the pretty-boy blond that he missed the approach of Marcus Flint. He grabbed Percy's book.
"Hey! Give that back!" Marcus sneered at the title and threw it back at Percy, hitting him in the face. "Five points from Slytherin for attacking the Head Boy."
"Get off your high horse, Weasley. You aren't any better than the rest of us. What makes you think you can even compare, you little freak." Percy stared at him a moment, incredulous.
"I'm surprised to even see you here," said Percy, "I mean, I did put you in the infirmary last time." Marcus paused for a moment, slightly started by Percy's no fear attitude. Then he sneered. He knew he couldn't physically attack Percy, but he could cut him down to size with words.
"And as I recall, I've put you in the infirmary myself a few times. Or don't you remember?"
Percy remembered. The images once more flashed before his eyes. Beatings, too many to count. Cutting words and sharp blades. Gangs of Slytherins and empty classrooms. His own depression at the time came back to him The wind picked up, blowing leaves and pedals to swirl around Percy. He shivered. Rising with the goose bumps were the faded scars. Percy could feel them, though his turmoil. Percy clenched his book tightly, not realizing when he tore the cover. He clutched his arms to himself, as if to keep his insides from falling out. He stood quickly. Marcus grabbed him instinctively. His fingers grazed a scar. It burned.
He dropped his hand, staring at it in shock. What in Merlin's name was that? He looked up at Percy.
Percy stared down at Percy, his eyes the dark blue-gray of thunderclouds before a storm. Without saying a word Percy turned and fled, the leaves blowing behind him.
***
Percy moved as in slow motion, his body graceful and flowing like water, or a ribbon in the wind. His eyes were still storming behind his glasses, but he met nobody on his way. Behind him candles went out, blown out by some wind. Almost without realizing it, though he knew in the back of his head that this was where he was going, he arrived at an abandoned classroom. It was the same one where he and Penny had made their arrangements. He paused for a moment before entering.
The place hadn't changed, though there was a thin layer of dust on everything now. Almost immediately Percy felt all the anger flow out of him, leaving an empty aching sadness. He needed his Olly, but Olly was in Quidditch practice. He flopped down on the sofa, (blue.a cast away from the Ravenclaw Common Room, sneezing as the dust billowed up about him. He coughed and as the dust settled he put his head back on the sofa, getting another puff of dust. He sighed, disgusted, and pulled out his wand. He cast a quick spell and the dust disappeared. He closed his eyes.
A single tear ran down his cheek. Unfortunately, that's all it takes sometimes. It all came out in a rush. Percy cried like he never had before, gut wrenching, heart breaking sobs of despair. His anger flared briefly and he tore off his glasses, chucking them across the room. His sobbing stopped and he ran his fingers though his hair. He stayed with his hands in his hair, his head back for a while, shaking with silent tears. It was almost ten minutes later that Oliver found him.
"Percy?"
"Here Oll." Percy's voice was horse and quiet. Oliver was by his side in an instant, wrapping him in a warm and strong embrace.
"Percy, love, Shhh. It's alright. Whatever it is it'll be alright." The two sat there for some time while Percy shed the last of his tears and was soothed by Oliver's presence. They didn't consciously realize it, but they knew that outside it was again raining, the water falling in heavy droplets against the window. Percy sniffed.
"You know.it's a good thing Hogwarts is in Scotland."
"Why?" asked Oliver, confused.
"Because nobody questions all this rain." Oliver laughed, glad his boyfriend was capable of making jokes, but he soon grew serious again.
"Percy.what happened?" Percy waved a hand.
"Oh, it was nothing really. Nothing I haven't heard before, at least. Just Marcus being his usual charming self and reminding me of how messed up I am emotionally."
"Percy," Oliver said sternly, "You are NOT a." he cut off as Percy gave him a LOOK. "not as messed up as he is for continuing like this, that's for sure." He paused for a beat. "Can I go beat him up now?" Percy laughed.
"Fine.just don't get caught."
"Really?"
"No."
"Aww.." Oliver mock-pouted for a moment, then simply squeezed Percy a little tighter. "Now I remember why I love you."
"Because I make you laugh?"
"Partially."
"Because I keep you within the bounds of decency."
"After last night, most certainly not."
"Because I give great head?"
"That's a definite plus, but no."
"It's not because I'll help you with your homework, is it?"
"Naw. You did that before."
"It can't be because of my stellar personality."
"And if it is?"
"I'd tell you you've gone crazy."
"Crazy about you."
"Despite all his protests, Percy was enjoying the banter. His ears still turned pink when Oliver said things like that.
"Well," he murmured for 'Olly's ears only', "The feeling is mutual." Oliver smiled and gently kissed Percy. Percy was happy to continue indefinitely, but a nagging thought pulled him back.
"Olly? How did you know I was here?" Oliver looked puzzled for a moment and then shrugged.
"I'm not really sure. I just know." Oliver leaned in.
"How romantic," Percy murmured jest before his lips met Oliver's again. Percy pushed Oliver down against eh cushions, needing to take control now. His hands slipped into Oliver's open robes as Oliver rubbed his hands in circles on Percy's back. Percy's other hand searched thought the folds of robes and cloth, skin seeking skin. Success! Percy gave a small moan needing this contact.
"Percy?"
"Shite!" Percy gave a muffled curse into Oliver's mouth as they disentangled. Percy's robed got caught on a random limb and he tripped, falling to the floor. His ears were burning and he could feel the blush spreading, but he was laughing.
"Percy? Oh!" Penny stepped back startled before grinning at the obviously interrupted couple. "Sorry," she said, not meaning it.
"It's ok Penny," Percy said as he returned to his seat next to Oliver. He squinted at his female best friend.
"Percy, where are your glasses?" He pointed to the far wall and watched her blurry form blur even more as she moved away. "They're ruined!"
"I got angry." Percy shrugged. Penny shook her head and fixed the glasses with a spell, covertly changing the style from horn-rimmed to wire frame. She walked back to him and handed him his glasses. He slipped them on and everything came back into focus, bringing to light Penny's concerned features. She opened her mouth but he cut her off.
"Don't you dare ask me if I'm alright. I've had just about enough of it." Penny made a face.
"We only do it because we care, Percy. Get used to it." He smiled and closed his eyes. Penny turned a questioning look on Oliver. He gave a shrug; I don't know. Penny sat on the floor in front of Percy and waited for him to look at her.
"What happened this time, Percy? And don't leave anything out." He sighed again but began to talk.
"I was reading in the garden and Flint came up to me. He made some comments to the effect that I was worthless. I.I felt my scars raised again and I panicked. I ran and hid here. Then Oliver came and it was all better." As he spoke he could feel Oliver tense up. "Oliver, don't you do anything rash. The best defeat you can give him is when you kick Slytherin butt and win the cup." Oliver smiled and started.
"Bloody Hell! The match is tomorrow! I can't believe I forgot about it!" Percy smiled.
"I don't know weather or not to be flattered that I can make you forget Quidditch." Oliver laughed and Percy continued. "You'll do smashingly tomorrow. Don't worry. With this team, those Snakes can't win."
"We have fait in you, Oliver," Penny said, "Though I do wish it was a Ravenclaw-Slytherin match. Let us birds have a chance." Oliver laughed. He knew Penny didn't care about sports and that he was the most important thing in Quidditch to Percy, but he knew they would both be there, cheering him on.
TBC.
AN/ wow.it's been a while since I've done this, so I'm doing the last few chapters. it I don't mention you, it's not you, it's just that I have so many to respond to and so much to do. What would you rather have, story or responses?
That's what I thought.
Xixie- I don't actually know how his family is going to react. Well.the twins, Ron, and Ginny don't find out until Harry Potter and The Oldest Immortal. If you haven't read it yet, I suggest you do. It's gotten wonderful reviews, but of course, I'm a little biased.
Lady Cinnibar - eating is a GOOD thing. You know you've got a good scary character when you scare yourself with it. I'll say it again. You are an absolute GEM! If the story seems rush it might be because some of it has changed from the hard copy version. I'm writing as I go and when I write more than one chapter it may get rushed. When I check for updates I have two browser windows up. One for Ff.net and the other for the other sites. Try it some time. I cannot wait to read more of ghosts.
Annakas - Snape will do something, but I'm not sure what. It will happen, but I'm not sure when. Before They graduate or very soon after. I have started to write the sequel, but it's all hand written, and I'm not typing it up until I'm done with this. This is only gonna be in the 20's chapter wise (I think). But, when I'm done with this, all I have to do it type that up and post, so it won't take very long. It's another long story, however. 40 something chapters again. I miss my Methos/Severus, so it won't be long.
Hyujf4r - I don't know why I wrote that scene that way, but Dumbledore prides himself on knowing everything in that school, even if he doesn't show it. It's not so much that Percy cut and was depressed and suicidal, but that he didn't know. Also, he expected Harry to get attacked. It comes with being the Boy Who Lived. Who would expect the perfect prefect to be so unstable. Also, Percy is a POWERFUL wizard he wants to make sure that Percy stays on the light side and stays alive. He could be a catalyst that will win them the war. Think about it. Harry's just a boy who was thrust unawares into fame and glory and the role of savior. Percy has none of that, and therefore is not distracted or pressured by it. I'm gonna stop rambling now and let you just wait for the story to unfold.
See you next time Same mage time Same mage channel
I was, am, and will always be, ImmortalJedi.