Chapter 15
The Hogwarts express pulled into Platform 9 ¾ for the last time in Percy and Oliver's student career. Percy stayed where he was, wrapped in Oliver's arms, as he listened to the other students make their way off the train.
"We really should get up now." Oliver said, his voice betraying his desire not to move.
"Don't wanna." Percy said anyway and snuggled deeper. Oliver chuckled and squeezed Percy tighter in a hug. From down the hall they heard the loud voices of the twins, coming closer. Percy shot up and Oliver followed, a bit slower. The twins' voices passed them by and Percy slumped against the seat. Oliver reached a hand up and played with the hairs at the nape of Percy's neck. Percy closed his eyes. "That feels nice."
"Now that we're out of the school, why don't we just tell the twins? We've already told the entire graduating class and teaching staff." Percy thought for a moment.
"Not yet," he said at last. "I want to be the one to tell my parents, and if we tell the twins, they'll spill in the station. Never a good thing." Oliver nodded. That was understandable.
"Can we tell my parents, at least?" Percy nodded.
"Of course. If that's what you want." Oliver smiled and gave him a quick kiss. I guess we better get off the train now, huh?" Oliver nodded. Gathering their things the boys left the compartment and left the train with the other stragglers.
***
"Oh, there you are, Percy. Did you have a nice train ride?"
"Yes mum."
"That's nice, dear." Molly said, not really paying attention to his answer, her concentration on Ron and Hermione, who were hugging goodbye. As a mom, she knew when to scope out perspective wives, even when her son was only 13. Percy rolled his eyes. At least she hadn't inquired about his girlfriend yet.
"So how is Penny, dear? I haven't seen her yet." Percy groaned inwardly, but smiled pleasantly at her.
"I'm not exactly sure, Mum, but I suspect she's with her girlfriend, looking for Betty's parents."
"That's ni." Molly paused. "What was that dear?"
"Penny is probably with her girlfriend, looking for Betty's parents. She's staying with them until they can move into their own apartment in Hogsmead." Molly's mouth was hanging open, but before she could say anything else, the twins arrived, effectively drawing all attention to them.
"Hello, Mother, you're looking splendid."
"You're practically glowing. Glad to have your little nest eggs home?" Molly frowned at them, but didn't get a chance to say anything.
"Captain Wood!" Both twins barked out in a military tone, snapping a sharp salute. Oliver smiled, loosely returning the salute.
"'Lo boys."
"Mum, can Olly stay with us at the burrow for a while?"
"Since we won't get to see him at all next year?"
"HE can stay in Percy's room. They were roommates for seven years, Oliver must be able to put up with him." Percy glared at the twins.
"Please?" The twins begged. Percy look at his mother, hopeful as well. Molly nodded.
"Very well. Where are your parent's Oliver?"
"Um.back in Wales, actually. I'm supposed to be staying with my Aunt in London until I get my flat. But, I can floo her to let her know plans have changed." Molly nodded.
"Very well. Come along then, time to go home. Goodbye Hermione and Harry dear."
"Bye Mrs. Weasley." Molly and the other Weasleys turned away. Behind their backs Oliver and Percy shared a secret smile.
***
Percy was sitting at the kitchen table reading the Daily Prophet when his eyes caught a certain article. An Obituary.
Mikhail Androvich ? - 1999 and Pyoter Androvich ? - 1999
These Russian Brothers died June 30th, 1999 after living long and full lives in their native Russia. They were staying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during their final days. Althought confined to a wheelchair, Mikhail never let that slow him down and his love of life was evident in everything he did. Pyoter, though he was a man of little words, displayed his devotion through his care of his brother. Both shall be remembered and missed.
Percy put the paper down, staring off into space, remembering the last of his training.
Flashback
"This is it, Percy. The last bit of training." A spasm wracked Mik's body as he coughed. "Sorry. You are close to being a fully trained Mage and I am dieing. I will not live to see the fall."
"No." Percy said, not wanting to believe. Mik smiled.
"It cannot be helped. Percy, once a new mage is trained, the old mage will die. Ve have discussed this before.: mik closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Have I told you vhy I am in a veelchair, Percy?" Percy shook his head. "About fifty years ago another was born with Veather Mage ability. I didn't get to him fast enough. I collapsed at the airport. Magical transport was not allowed out of Russia at the time. I found out later that he had died at the exact moment I collapsed. I never valked again." Percy was in shock. "Because the natural order vas not carried out I vas punished. I dread to think vhat vould happen to me if you refused to be trained for this reason. You vill be trained. You are so close. Now, you are being learned your last lesson. Pay attention. Close your eyes, Percy. Listen. Hear the woices of the vind."
Present
That was the one thing Percy could never do. Talk to the wind. Hear it's voices. When Percy opened his eyes, shoulder slumped in defeat, Mik had smiled and told him that it would come to him, once Percy accepts his fate.
He heard the wind for the first time two nights ago.
**Two Nights Ago**
Oliver and Percy had taken a basket for a picnic, just the two of them, into the woods behind the Burrow. They had walked all day, stopping for a romantic picnic dinner.
They walked up to the top of a cliff, overlooking a lake and made love in the moonlight under the stars. They laid there afterwards, wrapped in the blanket and each other's arms, watching the moon rise. A gentle breeze stirred their damp hair. Percy closed his eyes and heard the voices of the wind.
Hello young mageling. Can you hear us, Fire-Hair? Percy jumped.
"Did you hear that?" He asked Oliver. Oliver blinked at him.
"Hear what?"
He can't hear us, Fire-Hair. Only the magi can hear the winds.
"The winds." Percy whispered.
'yes,' he thought, 'I can hear you.'
Welcome, Fire-Hair, to the world of the Magi. We have a lot to discuss.
'We do? Oh.we..um.can we do it some other time? Maybe when I'm more coherent and not lying naked across my boyfriend?' he heard a sound like the faint tinkling of silver bells and the chiming of church bells. The laughter of the wind.
Of course, Fire-Hair. Enjoy. The breeze left and Oliver raised an eyebrow.
"Well?"
"I was told to enjoy."
"Oh. Enjoy what?"
"You."
And he did.
***
They apparated home that night about three am. Oliver went strait to their room while Percy went to put the basket away.
His mother was sitting in the kitchen.
"Mum? Why are you still up? It's three in the morning. Is everything alright?" Molly Weasley started.
"Oh, Percy! I didn't know anybody was up." Percy smiled softly.
"Olly and I just got home. I came down to put the basket away." He held up the basket then put it down on the counter. He sat, facing his mother across the table. "Tell me what's wrong, Mum. It'll make you feel better." Molly smiled slightly at him.
"It seems that just yesterday you were clinging to my apron. You're grown up so much, Percy." Percy blushed faintly. Molly sighed.
"I'm worried Percy. About you, about your father, Ron and Harry. So many troubles." She sighed again. "Your father is spending more and more time at the ministry and talks about it less and less. Just like the years before You-Know-Who. I'm not blind Percy. I know what's coming. I'm worried out our family's safety. This hair has made us visible targets.
"Ron I worry about because of his temper. It's so much like mine. I'm afraid he'll say and do things in anger that he'll regret later in life, or will get him killed eventually. His blood pressure must be through the roof.
"Harry.poor Harry. Stuck with those horrible muggle relatives over the summer, and facing you-know-who every year during school. What his life is like, I cannot imagine." She stopped.
"And me?" She smiled at him.
"My son just graduated from Hogwarts. He's about to start a job in the Ministry where he's no longer protected and will probably end up like Arthur. His girlfriend now has a girlfriend, and from what I can see he has no intention of finding someone else." She paused, taking his hands. "I'm worried, Percy, because I don't want to see you alone and lonely. You need love in your life, Percy."Percy bit his lip and looked at the table.
"Mum," He said after a while, "There is something I think you should know. I'm not alone, Mum. I haven't been alone since January. I." He paused again, looking up at her. "I am with Oliver, Mum. I'm gay."
"Oh!" Molly said, clearly surprised. She looked away.
"Mum?" She looked back at him.
"Does he love you?"
"Yes."
"Do you love him?"
"Oh, yes."
"Does he make you happy?"
"Very much so. I can't be happy without him, Mum. He's my anchor. It's.destiny." She smiled at him them, squeezing his hand.
"Then I'm happy for you." She paused, "You haven't told the twins, yet, have you?" Percy shook his head vigorously.
"Oh, heavens no! Can you imagine? I'd never get a moment's privacy or rest." Molly giggled, causing Percy to smile.
"Come on now, Mum. Go to bed. It's late and you'll need your rest to deal with the twins." Molly nodded and stood.
"Does anybody else know?"
"Penny knows, and Betty, her girl. Ginny knows. She knew I was gay before I did, I believe. The four of us came out at the Seventh Year bash, but that stayed in the Great Hall. We're not quite ready to tell everybody yet." Molly nodded and when he came around the table, pulled Percy into a big bear hug.
"Eep!" he squeeze before he put his arms around her and squeezed her back.
"I love you, Percy. My son."
"I love you, too, Mum." They let go and Molly sighed. "What is it?"
"Oh nothing. Just, what with the way you and your brothers are, I'll never have any grandchildren." Percy laughed and threw his arms around her.
"Come on, Mum. Bed."
TBC
Only one chapter and an epilogue left. This, too, is coming to a close. teardrop oh, my.
Lasplx - why thank you. That means a lot to me.
Lady Cinnibar - honey, I revise my outline almost every other chapter when I write because of the characters taking control. I've accepted it, and I think it created a more natural flow of the story, letting the characters perform naturally. I would write more, but I'm sick and I'm tired and I just wanna post this and go to bed. achoo! Bess me. Oh, and I agree with you totally about the flame.
Xixie - oh, your poor kitty. I'm afraid he might have a heart attack when I post (dum dum dum) two chapters at once!
Hana-chan - I'm glad you like it. I thought I had explained about the ooc- ness that occurs. Obviously the flamer over looked that. Maybe I wasn't clear.
The Hogwarts express pulled into Platform 9 ¾ for the last time in Percy and Oliver's student career. Percy stayed where he was, wrapped in Oliver's arms, as he listened to the other students make their way off the train.
"We really should get up now." Oliver said, his voice betraying his desire not to move.
"Don't wanna." Percy said anyway and snuggled deeper. Oliver chuckled and squeezed Percy tighter in a hug. From down the hall they heard the loud voices of the twins, coming closer. Percy shot up and Oliver followed, a bit slower. The twins' voices passed them by and Percy slumped against the seat. Oliver reached a hand up and played with the hairs at the nape of Percy's neck. Percy closed his eyes. "That feels nice."
"Now that we're out of the school, why don't we just tell the twins? We've already told the entire graduating class and teaching staff." Percy thought for a moment.
"Not yet," he said at last. "I want to be the one to tell my parents, and if we tell the twins, they'll spill in the station. Never a good thing." Oliver nodded. That was understandable.
"Can we tell my parents, at least?" Percy nodded.
"Of course. If that's what you want." Oliver smiled and gave him a quick kiss. I guess we better get off the train now, huh?" Oliver nodded. Gathering their things the boys left the compartment and left the train with the other stragglers.
***
"Oh, there you are, Percy. Did you have a nice train ride?"
"Yes mum."
"That's nice, dear." Molly said, not really paying attention to his answer, her concentration on Ron and Hermione, who were hugging goodbye. As a mom, she knew when to scope out perspective wives, even when her son was only 13. Percy rolled his eyes. At least she hadn't inquired about his girlfriend yet.
"So how is Penny, dear? I haven't seen her yet." Percy groaned inwardly, but smiled pleasantly at her.
"I'm not exactly sure, Mum, but I suspect she's with her girlfriend, looking for Betty's parents."
"That's ni." Molly paused. "What was that dear?"
"Penny is probably with her girlfriend, looking for Betty's parents. She's staying with them until they can move into their own apartment in Hogsmead." Molly's mouth was hanging open, but before she could say anything else, the twins arrived, effectively drawing all attention to them.
"Hello, Mother, you're looking splendid."
"You're practically glowing. Glad to have your little nest eggs home?" Molly frowned at them, but didn't get a chance to say anything.
"Captain Wood!" Both twins barked out in a military tone, snapping a sharp salute. Oliver smiled, loosely returning the salute.
"'Lo boys."
"Mum, can Olly stay with us at the burrow for a while?"
"Since we won't get to see him at all next year?"
"HE can stay in Percy's room. They were roommates for seven years, Oliver must be able to put up with him." Percy glared at the twins.
"Please?" The twins begged. Percy look at his mother, hopeful as well. Molly nodded.
"Very well. Where are your parent's Oliver?"
"Um.back in Wales, actually. I'm supposed to be staying with my Aunt in London until I get my flat. But, I can floo her to let her know plans have changed." Molly nodded.
"Very well. Come along then, time to go home. Goodbye Hermione and Harry dear."
"Bye Mrs. Weasley." Molly and the other Weasleys turned away. Behind their backs Oliver and Percy shared a secret smile.
***
Percy was sitting at the kitchen table reading the Daily Prophet when his eyes caught a certain article. An Obituary.
Mikhail Androvich ? - 1999 and Pyoter Androvich ? - 1999
These Russian Brothers died June 30th, 1999 after living long and full lives in their native Russia. They were staying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during their final days. Althought confined to a wheelchair, Mikhail never let that slow him down and his love of life was evident in everything he did. Pyoter, though he was a man of little words, displayed his devotion through his care of his brother. Both shall be remembered and missed.
Percy put the paper down, staring off into space, remembering the last of his training.
Flashback
"This is it, Percy. The last bit of training." A spasm wracked Mik's body as he coughed. "Sorry. You are close to being a fully trained Mage and I am dieing. I will not live to see the fall."
"No." Percy said, not wanting to believe. Mik smiled.
"It cannot be helped. Percy, once a new mage is trained, the old mage will die. Ve have discussed this before.: mik closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Have I told you vhy I am in a veelchair, Percy?" Percy shook his head. "About fifty years ago another was born with Veather Mage ability. I didn't get to him fast enough. I collapsed at the airport. Magical transport was not allowed out of Russia at the time. I found out later that he had died at the exact moment I collapsed. I never valked again." Percy was in shock. "Because the natural order vas not carried out I vas punished. I dread to think vhat vould happen to me if you refused to be trained for this reason. You vill be trained. You are so close. Now, you are being learned your last lesson. Pay attention. Close your eyes, Percy. Listen. Hear the woices of the vind."
Present
That was the one thing Percy could never do. Talk to the wind. Hear it's voices. When Percy opened his eyes, shoulder slumped in defeat, Mik had smiled and told him that it would come to him, once Percy accepts his fate.
He heard the wind for the first time two nights ago.
**Two Nights Ago**
Oliver and Percy had taken a basket for a picnic, just the two of them, into the woods behind the Burrow. They had walked all day, stopping for a romantic picnic dinner.
They walked up to the top of a cliff, overlooking a lake and made love in the moonlight under the stars. They laid there afterwards, wrapped in the blanket and each other's arms, watching the moon rise. A gentle breeze stirred their damp hair. Percy closed his eyes and heard the voices of the wind.
Hello young mageling. Can you hear us, Fire-Hair? Percy jumped.
"Did you hear that?" He asked Oliver. Oliver blinked at him.
"Hear what?"
He can't hear us, Fire-Hair. Only the magi can hear the winds.
"The winds." Percy whispered.
'yes,' he thought, 'I can hear you.'
Welcome, Fire-Hair, to the world of the Magi. We have a lot to discuss.
'We do? Oh.we..um.can we do it some other time? Maybe when I'm more coherent and not lying naked across my boyfriend?' he heard a sound like the faint tinkling of silver bells and the chiming of church bells. The laughter of the wind.
Of course, Fire-Hair. Enjoy. The breeze left and Oliver raised an eyebrow.
"Well?"
"I was told to enjoy."
"Oh. Enjoy what?"
"You."
And he did.
***
They apparated home that night about three am. Oliver went strait to their room while Percy went to put the basket away.
His mother was sitting in the kitchen.
"Mum? Why are you still up? It's three in the morning. Is everything alright?" Molly Weasley started.
"Oh, Percy! I didn't know anybody was up." Percy smiled softly.
"Olly and I just got home. I came down to put the basket away." He held up the basket then put it down on the counter. He sat, facing his mother across the table. "Tell me what's wrong, Mum. It'll make you feel better." Molly smiled slightly at him.
"It seems that just yesterday you were clinging to my apron. You're grown up so much, Percy." Percy blushed faintly. Molly sighed.
"I'm worried Percy. About you, about your father, Ron and Harry. So many troubles." She sighed again. "Your father is spending more and more time at the ministry and talks about it less and less. Just like the years before You-Know-Who. I'm not blind Percy. I know what's coming. I'm worried out our family's safety. This hair has made us visible targets.
"Ron I worry about because of his temper. It's so much like mine. I'm afraid he'll say and do things in anger that he'll regret later in life, or will get him killed eventually. His blood pressure must be through the roof.
"Harry.poor Harry. Stuck with those horrible muggle relatives over the summer, and facing you-know-who every year during school. What his life is like, I cannot imagine." She stopped.
"And me?" She smiled at him.
"My son just graduated from Hogwarts. He's about to start a job in the Ministry where he's no longer protected and will probably end up like Arthur. His girlfriend now has a girlfriend, and from what I can see he has no intention of finding someone else." She paused, taking his hands. "I'm worried, Percy, because I don't want to see you alone and lonely. You need love in your life, Percy."Percy bit his lip and looked at the table.
"Mum," He said after a while, "There is something I think you should know. I'm not alone, Mum. I haven't been alone since January. I." He paused again, looking up at her. "I am with Oliver, Mum. I'm gay."
"Oh!" Molly said, clearly surprised. She looked away.
"Mum?" She looked back at him.
"Does he love you?"
"Yes."
"Do you love him?"
"Oh, yes."
"Does he make you happy?"
"Very much so. I can't be happy without him, Mum. He's my anchor. It's.destiny." She smiled at him them, squeezing his hand.
"Then I'm happy for you." She paused, "You haven't told the twins, yet, have you?" Percy shook his head vigorously.
"Oh, heavens no! Can you imagine? I'd never get a moment's privacy or rest." Molly giggled, causing Percy to smile.
"Come on now, Mum. Go to bed. It's late and you'll need your rest to deal with the twins." Molly nodded and stood.
"Does anybody else know?"
"Penny knows, and Betty, her girl. Ginny knows. She knew I was gay before I did, I believe. The four of us came out at the Seventh Year bash, but that stayed in the Great Hall. We're not quite ready to tell everybody yet." Molly nodded and when he came around the table, pulled Percy into a big bear hug.
"Eep!" he squeeze before he put his arms around her and squeezed her back.
"I love you, Percy. My son."
"I love you, too, Mum." They let go and Molly sighed. "What is it?"
"Oh nothing. Just, what with the way you and your brothers are, I'll never have any grandchildren." Percy laughed and threw his arms around her.
"Come on, Mum. Bed."
TBC
Only one chapter and an epilogue left. This, too, is coming to a close. teardrop oh, my.
Lasplx - why thank you. That means a lot to me.
Lady Cinnibar - honey, I revise my outline almost every other chapter when I write because of the characters taking control. I've accepted it, and I think it created a more natural flow of the story, letting the characters perform naturally. I would write more, but I'm sick and I'm tired and I just wanna post this and go to bed. achoo! Bess me. Oh, and I agree with you totally about the flame.
Xixie - oh, your poor kitty. I'm afraid he might have a heart attack when I post (dum dum dum) two chapters at once!
Hana-chan - I'm glad you like it. I thought I had explained about the ooc- ness that occurs. Obviously the flamer over looked that. Maybe I wasn't clear.