Prologue:
And what do you think you'd understand?
I'm a boy, no, I'm a man.
You can't take me and throw me away.
And how can you learn what's never shown?
Yeah, you stand here on your own.
They don't know me 'cause I'm not here.
It was a nice night. The moon was out, and full and round. The softest of breezes brushed across the grounds, rustling leaves and grass and foliage. The stars were just beginning to show in the twilight purple sky.
"Look, Percy, I just don't think this is working out between us." Penny attempted to sound firm, brushing her hair out of her eyes with her left hand. It fell in down her back in waves of golden oak.
Percy jerked, pulling his thoughts back from wherever they were. He had suggested a walk in the gardens, his hand clasped firmly over hers. Romantic, he thought, and very practical for both his and her hectic schedules. Obviously he had misjudged somewhere. "Why not?"
She took a deep breath, and exhaled, so deeply that her hair moved against the warm air. "I need more than you're prepared to give me."
"If this is about Thursday, I'm terribly sorry. I promise I'll make it up to you on Friday, after I finish tutorials at the library. It won't take me long."
"Percy, you're not listening to me!"
Percy stopped mid-stride. "Okay, Penny, I'm listening."
"This isn't about Thursday or any day. It has nothing to do with anything you do. You are the perfect boyfriend. I mean, thoughtful, considerate, organized, it's the reason why I missed it for so long."
Percy looked at her, confusion evident on his face. "Missed what?" He struggled to keep his voice completely even, humouring her.
Penny lost it. "Relationships are not about being perfect, Percy! You can't schedule affection. All the other girls are talking about their Gryffindor boyfriends, so impulsive, and . . ."
Percy just looked at her. "Pardon?"
"Never mind, Percy," Penny sighed. "I'm not happy. I think we should break up."
"Okay . . ." Percy said dumbly.
"See! Percy, this is exactly what I mean."
"Okay."
"I knew you'd understand." Penny kissed him on the cheek quickly. "We'll always be friends."
"Sure." Percy said again, as Penny hurried off, obviously much relieved. "Sure."