Chapter Five:
"Thanks again Percy, for coming with me today." Oliver said, as they neared the Ministry of Magic.
"I had a good time, Oliver. Thanks you for lunch." Percy replied.
"Well, I will guess I will see you tomorrow for Harry and Ginny's Christmas party, right?" Oliver asked.
Percy looked confused for a moment, and then recalled Ginny's note of a few weeks ago inviting him to a Christmas Eve party at her and Harry's house in Hogsmeade. "Well, I wasn't sure if I was going to go." Percy said.
"Oh, but you have to! Your whole family will be there! It's sure to be a lot of fun!" Oliver said, smiling encouragingly.
You know you want to go, Oliver will be there…you could see him 3 days in a row!
He doesn't really want you to go. He's just being polite. He thinks he has to ask you if you are going because you helped him out today. Don't be so pathetic.
Look at him…he really does want you to go. He LIKES you!
Percy glanced at Oliver and found the object of his affections staring expectantly at him. "Well, what time does it start again?"
"Six o'clock pm sharp. So, will I see you there?"
"Well, maybe. I will have to see how much work I get done."
"Percy tomorrow is Saturday! You can't work on Saturday. It's just not allowed!" Oliver said. "Please come?" He gave Percy sad puppy dog eyes.
"Ok, ok. I'll be there." Percy said, having no choice but to give in when Oliver looked at him with those eyes. You couldn't deny him anything no matter what.
"Wonderful! See you tomorrow night then!" Oliver said. "Bye Percy!"
"Bye Oliver." Percy waited until Oliver had Disapparated before starting to head into the Ministry building.
Wait a minute! Oliver is going to be at your house on Christmas day too. You need to get a present for him!
Like he would ever want anything from you. He will probably laugh in your face.
It's the right thing to do. Get him a present. A Quidditch book or something.
Percy frowned in consideration. He could just take the rest of the day off, so he would have plenty of time to get a nice gift for Oliver. But, just as he had never taken a long lunch before, in the seven years he had been working for the Ministry, he had never left work early. But it's Oliver's Christmas present. The office can manage without you for an afternoon.
Decision made, Percy headed in to tell Pansy he would be taking the afternoon off. As he headed out the door, he missed the looks of shock and approval on the faces of his employees. "Finally," said one man, "Mr. Weasley is in the land of the living."
"What do you mean?" asked a woman with bushy blonde hair.
"Didn't you notice it?" asked the man.
"Notice what?" Pansy asked in her nasal tone. The blonde woman also looked interested.
"Our workaholic boss is in love."
***
Oliver arrived at his flat moments after he said good-bye to Percy. "Now," he said out loud to himself, "what would Percy want for Christmas?"
He had decided somewhere during the day, that he needed to get Percy a present for Christmas. He didn't know how it had escaped him, but Percy was the only Weasley he hadn't picked a present for. But he had no idea what to buy him.
"I'll ask Ginny. She'll know better than her brothers what to get for Percy." Oliver headed for his fireplace and quickly lit a fire. Then he performed a short charm and he was soon looking into the Potter's living room.
Harry and Ginny were standing next to their large Christmas tree, haphazardly placing ornaments on the branches, when they heard a pop coming from the fireplace.
"Ollie! What a surprise. What are you doing here?" Harry asked Oliver's head, which was waving among the flames.
"I actually had a question for your lovely wife." Oliver replied.
Curious, Ginny came to stand next to Harry, wrapping an arm around his waist and snuggling close. "What can I do for you Ollie?"
"Well, I happened to run into Percy yesterday, and today he helped me pick presents for your parents, and so—"
"Wait a moment. Did you say Percy helped you today?" Ginny asked, flabbergasted.
"Yeah, why?"
"Well, it's Friday." Seeing Oliver's blank look, she continued, "A work day. Percy never, in all the seven years he's worked for the Ministry, has taken off work—for anything!"
"Well he did today. Anyway, I wanted to get him a present for Christmas, but I have no idea what." Oliver replied.
Ginny's mind was still whirling from the thought of her brother, the workaholic, taking time off to go shopping of all things. Well, maybe it wasn't the outing, but the company Percy was willing to miss work for. Was it possible, Ginny asked herself, that Percy had a crush on Oliver?
Harry was perplexed by the sudden sly smile that stole across his wife's face. That look never boded well for him. Uh oh. She was planning something…something almost as dangerous as having the twins around a ton of Filibuster Fireworks at a wedding. Harry shuddered at the memory of Mrs. Weasley's shouts when just such a thing had occurred at Ron and Hermione's wedding.
"Well, my brother has a real weakness for books and music." Ginny said. "He especially enjoys the compositions of Chopin. And he loves Shakespeare. I know that he doesn't' have a copy of A Midsummer's Night Dream anymore, as he gave it to Mum for her birthday last month."
Oliver smiled and said, "Thanks Gin, for the suggestions. I will see you both tomorrow night for the party." With another pop, Oliver's head had disappeared and Harry and Ginny were left alone.
"Ok, what was that look all about?" Harry demanded.
Ginny turned to him with a deceptively innocent look on her face. "I am sure that I do not know what you mean."
"Oh, yes you do, Virginia Weasley Potter. You had that cat who ate the canary look upon you face when Oliver mentioned that he had gone shopping with Percy."
Ginny giggled a bit and said simply, "Don't you think Oliver and Percy would make a cute couple?" She didn't have time to cast a cushioning charm on the floor before Harry hit the carpet in a dead faint.
***
Later that night, Oliver spent a couple of hours carefully wrapping the presents he had bought that day. He could have just cast a charm, but he really enjoyed manually wrapping presents. His gaze rest on the shiny gold and red paper in which he had wrapped the antique edition of A Midsummer's Night Dream he had found for Percy. Oliver knew it was a rare find, and was glad that he bookshop he had stopped in hadn't known of its true value. He hoped Percy would like it.
Oliver paused in wrapping Mrs. Weasley's bottle of perfume and wondered about that last thought. Why did he care so much that Percy like his present? It wasn't that important, was it?
Oliver's mind wandered back to lunch that day, and the look upon Percy's face as he was eating. It had been a pleasure to see the look of pure enjoyment on a face that seemed as if it never smiled.
Oliver got up from his space on the carpet and headed for the bookshelf. He grabbed the Hogwarts yearbook from his 7th year, and flipped to the W section. He saw himself, looking joyous and carefree, laughing for the camera and striking ridiculous poses. He turned his attention to Percy's photo in which Percy was staring straight at the camera, a serious, respectful expression on his face. He was sitting straight and not moving.
Thinking back to his years at Hogwarts, Oliver didn't think he could remember Percy ever smiling in pure enjoyment. At least, not after 3rd year. What had happened to make him so serious, Oliver wondered. Well, whatever it was, Oliver was going to make it his purpose to get Percy smiling and laughing again.
Chapter Six
Percy awoke early the next morning. He lay in bed for several minutes, still a little sleep fogged. Percy allowed himself several minutes of lying about, before getting up. He glanced at the clock and was shock to see that the hands were on "Good for you, you slept in."
It was 9am, the latest he had slept in a very long while. This is why you felt so cheerful…that and you get to see Oliver today.
You're so pathetic. Living just to see Oliver, and perhaps talk to him. He'll never like you like that, faggot. He would be disgusted, appalled—
Shut up you revolting bitch. Just because you couldn't get a decent lay if the world depended on it--
Percy shook his head and seriously considered getting therapy. His voices were becoming more and more vocal lately. "I am going insane." He said out loud on his way to the bathroom. "Completely and utterly insane."
And you're talking to yourself now. You've gone completely bonkers, nutso, loco—
Percy took a long hot shower, and felt unusually cheerful, even for the holiday season. His day off yesterday had been wonderful, and he had made a promise to himself that it wouldn't be a one-time occurrence. He'd gone back into Muggle London and spent hours searching for the perfect gift for Oliver. He'd finally found it around dinner time, and headed back to his flat, where, in a rare and spontaneous action, he had spent several hours baking tons of Christmas cookies for Harry and Ginny's party the next night. Percy had always found baking to be relaxing, and enjoyable. So, he would be attending the party with dozens upon dozens of golden sugar cookies, powdered chocolate crinkles, red and green spritzes and several other varieties of classic favorite sweets.
Percy stepped out of the shower and quickly dried off. His stomach rumbled loudly, reminding him that he had forgotten dinner the evening before, in his baking frenzy. Percy dressed quickly in Muggle jeans and a dark tawny brown sweater before heading into the kitchen for breakfast.
The heady aroma of freshly baked cookies still hung in the air, and Percy almost passed over his muffin in favor of a few sugar cookies. But his common sense, and the fact that you are not Fred and George, prevailed and he settled on a banana muffin and orange juice. It was a decidedly gross combination, and Percy found himself thinking of yesterday's lunch of burgers and fries.
But, he ate his muffin, drank his juice, washed his dishes and then retired to the living room, where the few last minute Christmas gifts he had awaited wrapping. Several hours later, after meticulously wrapping and organizing his gifts, Percy headed to his bedroom to get ready for Harry and Ginny's party.
It's almost time to see Oliver…don't you want to look nice…and maybe even sexy? One of Percy's voices chimed while he was searching in his closet for something festive among the grays, blacks and browns of his everyday clothes.
You couldn't look sexy if you tried.
What did I tell you ho-bag? If you can't say something nice…
Then shut my freakin' mouth. Arrogant git.
Nosy bitch.
Arsehole.
Old maid.
"Oh dear, now my voices are insulting each other. That does it, after Christmas, I am checking into St. Mungo's." Percy wasn't sure if he was joking, or serious.
Percy's gaze fell upon the sweater in the very back of his closet. It was a ribbed turtleneck sweater in a deep forest green. Yeah, that's the one…it matches your eyes perfectly!
"Well, if you say so." Percy grabbed the sweater and laid it neatly on the bed. It had been a present from his mother on a long ago birthday, but he had never worn it. He felt more comfortable in blacks, browns and grays…colors that let him blend into the background.
Percy headed for his bureau and pulled out a pair of dark brown corduroy slacks and settled them next to the sweater on the bed. "Festive enough I think, for a Christmas Eve party." He checked his watch and saw that it was 4:30, giving him just over an hour to be ready, if he wanted to be at his sister's by 6.
***
Ginny bustled around the large house, hurriedly adding finishing touches here and there. "Harry, what time is it?" she shouted, as she lit the candles gracing the top of the grand piano.
"Five minutes past the last time you asked, which would make it 5:30." Harry yelled back from the living room, where he was watching Muggle football on the television. The television had been a house-warming gift from Sirius, who thought it was decidedly hilarious to see Ginny's fascination with it whenever he visited.
"You know, if you'd help me, this would go a lot faster!" Ginny yelled.
"Darling, you know that isn't true. You'd spend more time making sure I wasn't messing up, that it would take much longer than if you just did it perfectly the first time around."
Ginny came into the living room and frowned when she saw the crumbs on the coffee table from where Harry had been munching on potato crisps. She muttered a quick cleansing charm and snapped, "Tell me why I married you again?" Harry got up from the couch, swept his beautiful wife into his arms and proceeded to show her exactly why she had married him.
It was a disheveled and pink-faced Ginny, straightening her dress, who answered the first knock on the door several minutes later. It was Ron with a very pregnant Hermione who stood on the other side of the door. Taking one look at his little sister's face, Ron announced, "It's a good thing you married her, Harry, or I would have to challenge you to a wizard's duel."
"Oh, sod off Ron. You were doing much more with Hermione in our fifth year at Hogwarts. At least I waited until Ginny was of age before—"
"Harry James Potter! Shut your mouth and help a poor pregnant woman off with her coat before she expires from the heat. What is it, 100 degrees in here?" Hermione whined, looking very uncomfortable indeed. "Honestly, you would think we lived in the tropics instead of England." Her faced glowed with happiness, and her eyes were sparkling, belying the sharp tone of her voice.
"Hiya, Herm. How are you feeling?" Harry asked gently.
"I am eight and a half months pregnant, Harry? How do you think I feel?"
"Bloody uncomfortable." Ron and Harry answered together.
"Damn right. You try carrying around a 20 pound basketball on your stomach for eight months, and see how you feel." Hermione replied, waddling into the living room and easing herself down in the recliner. "Ron, get me some crisps, if you would."
"Woman's been ordering me around for the last four months. I swear Harry…" Ron let his voice trail off when Hermione's eyes filled with tears. "Bloody hormones," he muttered as he went to apologize for being an insensitive, boorish git.
By 6:00, the house was filled to the brim with friends, family, and co-workers, minus one best friend and a brother. Oliver and Percy had still not arrived. Ginny was getting a bit antsy. Ever since most of her friends and brothers had paired off, she had been dying to play matchmaker once again. Now, she had the perfect opportunity and they star players had yet to arrive.
The doorbell chimed once more and Ginny hurried to answer it. She was thrilled when she saw it was Oliver. She pulled him inside and into a quick hug, before saying, "I thought you'd forgotten!"
Oliver laughed and bussed Ginny on the cheek. "How could I forget your party?"
"Really, you only reminded him 150 times in the last month." Harry said, coming over to shake hands with Oliver, and claim his wife for a dance.
"Oliver, will you keep an eye out for Percy? He doesn't do well with crowds, and it would mean a lot to him to see a friendly face right off the bat." Ginny said, her eyes gleaming with thoughts of true love and happily ever after.
Oliver looked nonplused, but nodded his head in agreement. "Sure thing. Shall I bring him to find you once he gets here?" Oliver asked, but Harry and Ginny had disappeared before he could finish his thought. "That woman sure keeps Harry on his toes," he muttered to himself.
Oliver headed for the food table and helped himself to a large helping of crisps, with a smattering of delicious onion dip, and a large glass of Harry's punch eggnog. He looked around for cookies, and was disappointed to see only oatmeal raison and almond pastes. He sighed in disappointment and headed back towards the door, to await Percy's arrival.
Chapter Seven
Percy nervously packed his cookies into a bag that would be easy to Apparate with. He had thought about using a Shrinking Charm, but previous experiences, courteous of the twins, had left him lasting dislike of them. So instead, Percy had carefully packed the cookies into Tupperware and now into the tote.
Percy ran to the bathroom to check his appearance one last time. He brushed an invisible piece of lint from the front of his sweater, and brushed out a small wrinkle in his pants. Satisfied that he looked as good as he could, Percy but his robe on over the outfit, and prepared to Apparate to Hogsmeade.
Percy took a deep breath and was soon on the walk in front of the Potter's large, but comfortable, house on the outskirts of Hogsmeade. He took a moment to gather his courage and knocked on the door, which was immediately opened by the one person Percy had come to see. "Oliver!"
"Percy, there you are! We've been waiting simply ages for you to arrive." Oliver was weaving slightly on his feet and before grabbing Percy by the cloak and pulling him inside. "It's so good you could make it! It's been a bore here without you!" Oliver took Percy in his arms, complete with the cookie bags, and gave him an exuberant hug.
"Oliver, are you ok?" Percy asked, gently extracting himself from Oliver.
"Yeah, I just had a couple cups of Harry's special eggnog."
"That explains it. Would you hold this for me, so I can get my cloak off?" Percy asked, showing Oliver the bag of cookies.
"What's in here?" Oliver asked, taking the bag and holding it up for appraisal.
"Oh, I had some time last night, so I baked some cookies."
Percy had barely finished talking before Oliver had ripped into the bag, coming out with a box of cookies. He tore open the cover soon had a sugar cookie in his mouth and four more in his hands. "Oh, these are fantastic!" he said over a mouthful of the delicious treats.
Percy blushed and whispered, "Thank you. I'm glad you like them."
Oliver had just finished his fifth cookie when Ginny looked over and saw her brother and Oliver talking. Harry backed away when he caught the evil, or was that a loving, glint in her eye. Ginny waved her wand and muttered a quick incantation, and shouted, "Oi, Perce! Ollie! Look up! You're standing under the mistletoe. Now you've got to kiss."
Percy looked away from Oliver and saw that they were indeed standing under the mistletoe. He blushed redder than his trademark Weasley hair and glanced at Oliver, who looked adorably confused.
"You don't have to if you don't want to, Oliver. It's just a stupid tradition." Percy said, wanting more than anything for Oliver to place a kiss on his lips.
Oliver looked over at Ginny, who had a murderous (amused?) look on her face. "I think we had better. Look at your sister. I think she would tar and feather us for not following tradition." Oliver smiled down at Percy and slowly lowered his head.
Percy's eyes widened and then fluttered closed. He parted his lips in anticipation of Oliver's kiss. He knew it would be just a few more seconds before…"CHARLIE!! You came!"
Ginny's scream interrupted Percy's dream, and he glanced toward the door and saw his older brother, and his very pregnant wife, standing in the doorway. "Looks like we were saved by the bell." Percy said, trying to make joke out of his heartache. It always caused a little pang in Percy's stomach when he saw Charlie…everything Percy was supposed to be, and with the wife Percy was supposed to have married.
If you weren't a flaming faggot you mean.
"Yeah, looks like." Was it just his imagination, or did Oliver sound almost as upset as Percy felt.
Charlie and Penelope, looking happy, healthy and very much in love, made their way into the living room, and time seemed to freeze as Percy and Penelope looked at each other. Percy smiled and made his way over to the happy couple.
"Penny, hello. You are looking wonderful," Percy said with a smile. He placed a chaste kiss on her cheek and turned to Charlie. "Charlie, it's good to see you."
Charlie broke out into a huge smile and swept his little brother into a bone-crushing hug. "It's good to see you too Perce." Charlie frowned when he saw the bags under Percy's eyes. "Have you been well, Percy?"
Percy rolled his eyes and replied, "Of course Charlie." To change the subject, he continued, "Penny, you remember Oliver Wood don't you?"
Penelope's eyes dimmed somewhat, indicating she remember Oliver Wood all to well. "Of course. How can one forget the Quidditch Superstar of Hogwarts?" Penelope looked at Oliver and said, "Oliver how are you?"
Oliver was a bit confused at her cold tone, but didn't think much of it. It was probably a pregnancy hormone-y thingy. "I'm fine, Penelope. How about you? How long have you and Charlie been married?" Oliver remember Charlie as being the epitome of cool, a great athlete, good with the ladies, and always surrounded by friends, from his time as first year when Charlie was a seventh year.
"About four years now." Penelope said.
A silence fell upon the air, and Ginny, not wanting her plan to be ruined said, "How about we go on a sleigh ride. Headmaster Snape as generously allowed us to use Hogwarts horses to pull the sleighs."
"Generous? Gin had to just about offer our first born to get Snape to agree." Harry muttered to Ron.
Ron laughed and replied, "Good thing it didn't come to that. He'd probably eat the poor fellow."
Severus Snape, who had been appointed Headmaster upon Dumbledore's retirement two years ago scowled and said to his nearest neighbor, "I wasn't that bad."
Sirius Black snorted and gave Snape a look that said, "Look who you're talking to bud." Snape scowled more fiercely and Black retreated to stand by his husband, Remus Lupin-Black.
Everyone agreed that a sleigh ride sounded wonderful, and soon they were all bundled up against the cold, and piled into three sleds. Ginny made sure that Percy and Oliver ended up in one sleigh and Charlie and Penny in another. She didn't need any old feelings to jeopardize her wonderful plan.
Percy shivered against the cold wind. He hadn't dressed nearly as warmly has he should have for a sleigh ride through the snow. Oliver noticed Percy shivering and said, "Cold Perce? Come closer, we can share this blanket."
Percy blushed, but it was unnoticeable as his cheeks were already red from the cold. He scooted closer to Oliver and slid under the warm thermal blanket.
"That better?" Oliver asked. Percy nodded. "So, what was it like seeing Penelope again after such a long time?"
"Oh, it was fine. She looked happy, didn't she?" Percy asked. It was important that Oliver knew he didn't still hold a torch for Penny. "She and Charlie really do go well together."
"Yeah, she looked very happy." Oliver frowned when he saw Percy was still shivering. Around them people chattered endlessly about Christmas, and they were soon singing carols. Oliver slipped an arm around Percy and drew him closer, wanting to share his body heat with his friend. Percy blushed hotter, and tried to ignore the feelings Oliver's arm around him wrought.
Oh my god! Oliver Wood has his arm around us! What are you going to do, Perce?
He's going to do nothing. Oliver would be sickened to know how this makes you feel, Percy. You know it would.
"Percy, you ok? You looked pained all of a sudden."
Percy smiled weakly and replied, "No, I'm fine. Just cold."
At this admittance, Oliver pulled Percy closer and when Percy looked over, he saw that their lips were inches apart. His breathing grew slightly faster and he looked away again.
Oliver looked at Percy, noticing how the moonlight reflected off the golden freckles on Percy's cheeks. In this light, his eyes looked more gold than green, and Oliver found himself thinking of their almost-kiss in the living room earlier. How would Percy's lips taste, he wondered.
Oliver was not disturbed by these thoughts. He'd had a few male lovers over the years, and was comfortable in his. Oliver cleared his throat and Percy looked over at him. Oliver moved his head closer to Percy's, smiling when he noticed the rapid pulse in Percy's throat. Apparently, Percy was as affected by his presence, as he was by Percy's.
"You know Percy, we never did complete that tradition earlier."
Percy swallowed and replied, "No, we didn't."
"I've heard it's bad luck not to follow through on a Christmas kiss. It causes all sorts of problems." Oliver's voice was soft, and his head was heading downward.
Percy closed his eyes, and his lips parted slightly. Oliver closed the distance between them and…
Chapter Eight
Percy closed his eyes, and his lips parted slightly. Oliver closed the distance between them and gently placed his lips over Percy's Percy sighed and leaned into Oliver's chest, tentatively bringing one arm up to rest on Oliver's shoulder. Oliver tilted his head, ready to deepen the kiss, when an amused cough broke the two of their kiss.
"As much as I was enjoying this revolting display of affection, I do not think that it is exactly appropriate for a public sleigh ride," came the silky voice of one Severus Snape.
Percy blushed bright red and ducked his head in shame, but Oliver just laughed and put his arm around Percy, bringing him closer.
Sirius Black, his arm around Remus, scowled at Snape and said, "Stuff it Sev. We all know you're just jealous."
Severus harrumphed and fell silent for the rest of the sleigh ride. Once the happy, although chilled, party guests were back at the Potter's manor, Oliver drew Percy aside and said, "I hope I didn't offend you with the kiss. It's just that I've wanted to do that ever since you walked in the door tonight."
Percy blushed some more, although it was hard to tell, since his face seemed to be stuck in a perpetual blush when around Oliver. "No, I didn't mind," Percy said softly.
"Then you won't mind if I do it again." Oliver leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Percy's lips. Percy sighed and leaned into Oliver, who in turn wrapped an arm around Percy's waist. Oliver flicked out with his tongue and Percy parted his lips slightly. Oliver took this as acceptance and swept his tongue inside, tasting Percy for the first time.
Ginny found them several minutes later and smiled in self-satisfaction. Harry, who blushed at the sight of his good friend and his brother-in-law snogging, tried to steer Ginny in the other direction, but she was having none of it. Clearing her throat, she giggled when Oliver jumped back and Percy stumbled into his chest.
"So sorry to interrupt, but I was hoping that you would play us some Christmas carols, Perce," Ginny said. "We could even have a Weasley concert, seeing as we are all here, even Mum and Dad."
"Mum and Dad are here?" Percy asked.
"Yeah, they arrived while we were on the sleigh ride. Bill was with them." Ginny stepped forward and wrapped one arm around Percy's and the other around Oliver's. "Come on boys, let's go make some music."
Chapter Nine:
Percy and Oliver followed Ginny into the living room, not noticing (or pretending not to notice) that their hands were intertwined. Angry female shouts met their ears as they entered the crowded room.
"Ronald Weasley you are an insensitive, boorish git!" came Hermione's tearful cry.
Percy stifled schocked laughter when he saw his younger brother back away from his furious wife.
"I'm sorry, 'Mione." He turned to his mother and asked, "But what did I do?"
Hermione let out a strangled scream and pulled her wand out of her pocket. "Let's see how you like carrying around a 30 pound basketball!" She pointed her wand at Ron and shouted, "Impregio Malius."
Ron looked down at his body in horror as two lumps formed on his chest, and his stomach expanded until it was larger than Hermione's. "I…I…can't see my feet!" cried Ron. He looked at his wife with a shameful expression, "'Mione mine, please turn me back."
Hermione harrumphed and said, "Not a chance, Ronniekins, you'll stay that way until I give birth, or you've learned to be more sensitive. Let's see how you handle waddling around, back aches and swollen feet!"
Ron looked to his mother for help, but she just smirked. Fred and George doubled over in laughter; Arthur was looking half amused and half horrified as he recalled his wife pulling the same stunt when she was pregnant with Bill. Charlie and Bill were leaning on each other in support, and only Harry looked sympathetic, until a stern looking Ginny pulled out her wand and started to wave it.
"You're on your own, mate," Harry said, although he sent a commiserating glance Ron's way.
Oliver and Percy hung back and when it seemed that Hermione was calming down, Oliver said to Percy, "This is nothing. My mother once made my father stay "pregnant" for six months, when she was carrying my sister. Ron only has, at the most, a month before Hermione pops."
Percy let out a startled giggle and stepped closer to Oliver. Oliver smiled and wrapped an arm around Percy's waist, and in turn Percy snuggled happily closer to Oliver. He wondered when Oliver had started liking him, but wasn't about to question his incredible luck.
Don't flatter yourself, he's probably just using you.
Jesus, woman, stop you're yammering. Oliver obviously likes our Percy, so shove it up your over stuffed arse!
Percy held back his snicker, and again considered checking into St. Mungo's for a while. He was starting to enjoy the banter his voices had going on.
"Ok, let's get in a circle around the piano, and Percy will play some carols for us." Ginny instructed, and led Percy to sit at the gleaming grand piano.
Oliver watched in fascination as Percy lovingly ran his fingers over the smooth ivory keys. "I didn't know Percy played the piano," he whispered to the nearest Weasley, who happened to be a very red-faced Ron.
"He's played since he was 7 or 8, I guess. He stopped lessons when he was about 15 I guess. Got better than the instructors my mother said." Ron replied, placing one hand on the small of his back and groaned in discomfort. "Never again will I ever say anything bad about pregnant women."
Oliver laughed and fell silent as Percy played the first notes of an unfamiliar song. Oliver finally recognized it as The Christmas Song, only it was far different from anything he had heard before. However, he was soon enthralled as Percy played the song flawlessly, and with passion. Oliver found himself studying Percy's every feature, from his closed eyelids, to his straight nose, and flushed cheeks. Oliver could make out each freckle on Percy's nose and delighted in trying to count them. Oliver turned his attention to Percy's lips and remembered the sweet, innocent taste of Percy's mouth.
Percy finished the final notes of the song and opened his eyes to meet Oliver's gaze. He was shocked at the undisguised desire in Oliver's warm brown eyes. He felt an answering stirring in his lower stomach and was glad that he was sitting down. To distract himself from Oliver, he began to play his own composition of I'll Be Home for Christmas. He was soon lost in the music, the melody making him soar to new heights. He had forgotten the feeling music stirred inside him.
When he was done, Ginny requested that he play some better known Christmas Carols and the group spent the next half hour singing all their favorites. It was very late when the last of the non-family guests left, leaving the Weasley's, Oliver, Harry, all the Weasley Wives, Sirius, Remus and Snape gathered around the fire.
Oliver was a bit confused as to why Snape was still there, when much to his shock; Bill Weasley walked over and plopped down in the Potions Master's lap. He turned to Percy and saw that he was as surprised as he was. However; other than a grimace from Sirius, and a misty smile from Mrs. Weasley, no one commented on the situation.
"Did you know about this?" Oliver whispered in Percy's ear.
Percy shook his head, his eyes still portraying his astonishment at Bill cuddling the greasy Potions Master.
He's not all that greasy, you know. He's actually rather attractive, if you go for the dark, brooding look.
I think it's disgusting. It's wrong, a mark against God…
Oh, for crying out loud, just shut up! No one cares what you think!
"I'll be right back, I have to see to something in the kitchen." Percy said, getting up.
A couple of moments later, Penelope struggled up from the couch and followed Percy into the kitchen.