Lunch had been an extremely quiet and awkward affair. After exchanging pleasantries, both of them seemed to have run out of things to say to each other. Anyone who glanced at this odd couple would have thought that they were on a first date or worse, a blind date.
They ate their food in relative silence. They only words they said to each other was to praise how good the pasta was or how the cheese really does melt in one's mouth. It was a boring conversation, bordering on frustrating. Both had so much to say to each other but neither was brave enough to actually start talking.
It was only when they went for a walk that the two gradually seem to remember that they weren't complete strangers. There was no reason for them to tiptoe around each other. After all, weren't they old, old friends? Percy spied a bench that promised privacy and beckoned his companion to follow. Once they were settled comfortably and were sure that there were no prying eyes or ears, the true conversation began.
Ariel smiled warmly at the ex-Head Boy of Hogwarts. "I've missed you. What have you been doing these days?"
"I got myself a new job. I'm helping out at this small bookstore around the corner. A husband and wife own the bookstore. It has been in the family for generations. They treat me well. I babysit and tutor their nine year old son sometimes," Percy told her. There was a certain change in his voice when he talked about his employer and his family. A certain fondness and longing for family.
Ariel took his hand in hers and looked deep into his eyes. "You miss your family, don't you? You can always go back, Perce, they've been waiting for you to come back for ten years now."
She was aware that she had told him the same thing every time they met but she didn't care. He had to be reminded that he had a family waiting desperately for him to be returned to them. He had to know that whenever there was a family gathering at the Burrow, everyone, everyone who entered the door would automatically look at the family clock. It was the Weasley's unsaid hope that one day Percy's clock hand would finally settle on Home…
"Percy?"
Her friend had turned away and was looking blankly ahead. This was an old argument between them. It always carried the same pattern these past ten years. Ariel would try to persuade Percy to go home and Percy would stubbornly refuse. However, this year, something changed. His body didn't tense up as it usually does as he would begin his argument. This time, Percy seemed to deflate. When he finally did deign to look at her again, Ariel was not prepared to see the weariness in his eyes.
"If you want me go back to my old life so badly, why don't you just tell my parents about us? About how we meet once every year for the past ten years now? "
Ariel didn't even have to think about her answer, " Because you asked me not to tell them anything. You said they wouldn't understand. Besides, I gave you my word."
Percy heard sincerity and loyalty in her reply. "When did a Slytherin ever trap herself with promises? I know you, Ariel. No one could make you do something you didn't want to. If you truly wanted my parents to know about me, you would have found a way to tell them. Perhaps without even breaking your word to me."
He took a deep breath and asked her one more time, "Why didn't you tell my family?" His hand had reached out to touch her face and he looked searchingly at her.
He really wants to know, Ariel thought to herself. For some reason, it was really important to him. She folded her hands on her lap and looked down. She chose her words carefully as she revealed to him :
" I remember the night you came to me. You told me about the voices, about how you had to get away from it all. I thought you were stressed out and you needed a break. It never occurred to me that you wanted to leave everything you loved and knew forever. Your self-exile worried the hell out of me. For one moment I really thought you were crazy. Then I remembered that Percy Weasley was never insane. Not in a million years." At this juncture, she laughed to herself. Somedays I think I'm going crazy too.
" The reason why I helped you disappear ten years ago and why I'm still helping you now is simple: I want you to live. I want you to live not because you still can but because you want to live. I knew if I told you family and if they found you, you would end up taking an overdose of sleeping pills. "
No one said anything for the next few minutes. Unlike earlier in the day where the silence was so thick it was awkward, this silence was comfortable. It was as if they could sit in silence for eternity.
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour
When Percy spoke, it was in slow and measured tones. He wanted Ariel to understand everything that he was saying, while trying to make sure that he understood it himself. "It was getting to crowded at home and in the Magical world. The voices kept on getting louder and I don't know, everyone seems to want my attention. Everyone has a right to choose between life and death. I chose life."
Authors note: Wow. It's been over a month, hasn't it? My sincerest apologies to everyone who was kept in suspense. I'm not that evil as to torture you all so. My thanks to everyone who has been reading this fic. This chapter is a way of explaining why Percy chose to run away from everything and everyone. I hope it wasn't confusing. Whether there will be a next chapter depends on you guys. If you want to see a reunion between dear Perce and the Weasleys or an alternate ending, please tell me. I might consider it or any other suggestions you put forth. As per normal, if you liked it, please review it! I can't wait for Matrix Reloaded to show..hehe…