Veritas
Part One: Dawning on the Horizon
Chapter Three - A Way In
It was very hot in the Burrow, but Ron Weasley found it delightful. He was lounging around on the roof of his house. His mum would have killed him if she had known what he was up to, but luckily she was distracted. On second thought, it wasn't a good thing that Ron's mother was distracted. She would not have been if there were not so many important meetings to attend, like the one that was fast approaching.
Ron came up to the rooftop of the Burrow as soon as he was done sending off a letter to his best friend, Harry Potter, who was currently residing with his aunt and uncle. Ron had written Harry a report of what was going on, for as much as he could tell anyway. Ron knew that their other best friend, Hermione Granger, was doing the same thing. After every letter sent, Ron went to the rooftop to distract himself. He was thinking about how his best friend was doing.
Harry Potter was not the same after the incident that had taken place just before the end of the school year. There was more tension in the air as the wizards prepared themselves for another battle with Voldemort. Harry had lost his godfather, Sirius Black, in one of the attacks. Ron did not really ask about it. He knew better. All he could do was be available when Harry needed someone to talk to.
There was something else that was troubling the Weasley family. It was their missing member, Percy. Ron did not think that highly of his third oldest brother at the moment. He personally did not care whether or not Percy ever talked to them ever again, but Ron was worried about his mother. She was sad because of Percy's actions. Part of Ron wanted Percy just to talk to their mother, another part of him thought that they were better off without Percy.
"Ron, get off the roof. Mum and Dad are home," whispered Ginny, his little sister. She looked rather frantic. Ron had already been yelled at for being on the roof. He climbed back inside. It was not that high up. All he had to do was scale the side and get past the attic window without the ghoul seeing him. "Okay, okay. Ginny, don't worry about it," he told her.
"If you fall down and break your neck, I'll get in trouble, too," said Ginny quite annoyed with him. "Let's go. The meeting is tonight."
Ron and Ginny hurried downstairs to find not only their parents, but their older brothers, Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George. They were smiling at them. "What have you two been up to?" asked their mother as she looked over them to make sure they were fine. It had become a ritual for her to that.
"Nothing," chorused Ron and Ginny.
"I'm glad that you're back from Egypt," said Ginny happily as she hugged Bill. He embraced her.
"Missed your girlfriend, didn't you?" teased Fred. Bill gave him a look of annoyance.
"It's been pretty boring here. Is Harry going to be there?" asked Ron.
"We'll have to see," said Molly. "Now, let's see if we could get settled for dinner, shall we?"
Bill and Charlie separated themselves from the others, saying that they would set up the tables outside like they normally did. Fred and George went with Ron and Ginny. The twins were still living at home, even though they could have moved out. Fred and George wanted to stay closer to home because they wanted to protect their younger siblings and parents. Or drive their mother into madness as Ron accused them of trying to do. Fred had teasingly said, "I want to stay here forever and ever and ever…"
Molly said it would be fine if they wanted to move out. Part of the problem was the twins had a tendency to bring home their work from their shop in Diagon Alley. It truly was driving her mad.
Meanwhile, Arthur was told to relax by his wife. He agreed because he was tired. Bill and Charlie discussed the topic or person who was taboo in the house at the moment, Percy. "Did you get an answer back from him?" asked Charlie quietly.
"Yes, he said he was busy," replied Bill. He looked around to make sure that no one was listening to them. "He's still being very stubborn about the whole thing."
"I think he's embarrassed. Imagine being proven wrong on such a grand scale. He really did make a prat of himself. Remember all the things he had said to the Daily Prophet?" Charlie reminded him.
"I know, but Dad's ready to talk to him. I heard Mum and Dad talking about it earlier. Percy won't look at him. He retracted the statement he had given to the paper already, but he's still not talking to Mum and Dad," said Bill with a sigh.
"Percy's probably scared as well. I mean look at Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny. They weren't as understanding about the whole thing as we are. Why is that?" wondered Charlie out loud.
Bill flicked his wand to make table cloths appear out of thin air. "Because as much as Percy was annoying, they looked up to him, Charlie. That's why. I was hoping that we'd be all together as soon as the truth came out, but I guess I was wrong."
"Dinner's ready!" called Molly, signaling the end of their conversation. Bill and Charlie glanced at each other. "We're ready," they called out.
Everyone trooped over to the backyard. Bill took his usual seat next to his mother and Ginny. He did not like to look at the end of the table where his father sat. Percy always took his seat next to their father. The place next to their father's right had remained vacant. Bill glanced at Charlie. He had been the one who made the chairs appear. It was hard to forget that they did not need the extra one.
"I can't believe how much of a hit our shop is," said Fred as he discussed business with their father. "Actually, we're still testing out some of the stuff. Maybe, you'd like a summer job, Ron. Ginny."
"I don't think so. If I'm going to get a job, I'll get one somewhere else," said Ron.
"What are you afraid of?" asked George.
"You're right. I am afraid because I know what you're capable of," said Ron as he turned away from the twins.
"How are things going with Fleur?" asked Ginny.
"Fine. Everything's going fine," replied Bill as he smiled a bit. Charlie was the only one who knew about Sidney Nelsen, but he never mentioned her after she had broken up with Bill. Percy was only a first year, so he was not paying much attention to anything other than his studies. There was no point in telling the family about it. Although, their mother wondered why Bill seemed depressed after school had ended.
"I'm just glad to hear that. Perhaps, we'll meet with her family soon," said Mrs. Weasley. Bill could feel his ears turn red.
He really did not want to do that. Bill did not know if his relationship with Fleur would last for long. He was skeptical because his previous relationships did not last all that long to begin with. The longest one he had was the one with Sidney. It was the relationship he had hoped would last, but since it did not, Bill had a hard time believing such things existed. "We'll wait on that, Mum," he said quickly.
Charlie glanced at him with a raised eyebrow. Even though he never mentioned Sidney, he would hint at it every once in a while. Luckily for Bill, there was an interruption in the form of an owl. It was Percy's owl, Hermes. The owl flew straight for their father.
Arthur gaped at the bird in surprise. Hermes stuck out his leg to present the letter that was tied to it. It was addressed to Mr. Weasley. Everyone was silent. Molly looked as if she was holding her breath. Arthur stared at his wife for a moment before taking the letter from Hermes. He opened it and read the note quickly.
"What does it say, Arthur?" asked Molly anxiously. "What did he write?"
"He's written an invitation to meet with me for lunch tomorrow," whispered Arthur. "That's all he wrote."
The other children looked at each other. Fred, George, and Ron wore identical scowls, while Ginny looked very surprised. Bill and Charlie remained expressionless. Ron was the first to speak up, "So, he wants to meet with you? Why should you?" His voice was wrought with anger. There were murmurs of agreement from the twins.
It was the wrong thing to say at that moment, especially for Molly. Her face screwed up with anger as well. "He can come home, if he wants to. It's his choice, Ron. And he will be welcomed in this house. Always," she said. "The clock always says that he's at work. He's practically living at work."
"I don't understand why we should let him just come home like that. Not after all the things he's done!" exclaimed Fred angrily.
"Yeah, imagine him saying that Umbridge could be trusted. We were almost whipped," added George, just as angrily.
"Calm down," ordered Bill in a calm voice. "Are you going to meet with him, Dad?"
Arthur looked at the letter again. "Yes, I will meet with him. He's finally decided he wants to talk. It's not right for me to slap him down. He just made a mistake. Everyone is capable of doing that."
"That was a big mistake," interjected Ron. "Why do you even have to meet with him? He didn't care about what happened for the whole year to us. And he didn't even bother visiting you in St. Mungo's."
"I believe it is my choice whether or not I want to meet with your brother, Ron," said Arthur calmly. He folded the letter and made a piece of parchment appear out of thin air. He took his quill out of his pocket and wrote a reply. Hermes was standing on the top of Percy's chair, waiting for Arthur to tie the reply on his leg. Arthur offered some bread, which Hermes took, while he wrote his answer. He tied it to Hermes' leg.
Dinner went back to normal, but there was some added tension in the air. Arthur and Molly were happy to hear from Percy after all the time that had past. Bill and Charlie felt that they had accomplished something in getting Percy to talk, while the others had their misgivings.
Percy was pacing back and forth in his office at the Ministry. He had sent Hermes with his letter some time ago. He was nervously waiting for an answer. Would his father even send a reply? Would he agree to meet with him? What was he going to say when he met with his father? Percy didn't expect forgiveness.
He did not want it. Not after what he had done, especially for what he was going to do. Percy shook his head of such thoughts. He could not afford to do that. His training had only began a few days ago. The mission was now in action. He realized that Sidney was careful not to tell him too much. Percy realized despite the discipline he had, Sidney had told him that he lacked the ability to block others mentally.
Percy had thought that his training was over when he had finished Hogwarts. It turned out that his education was only beginning. He was purposely left alone, but he had no idea why. Why had not he been trained before? Didn't anyone in the world trust him? Of course not. Who would trust him. No one in their right mind should trust them. Even the people he really worked for, did not trust them. He had given up a lot of things and betrayed others. No one trusted him.
Hermes gave a loud squawk after watching his owner pace back and forth for a good five minutes. Percy turned and walked up to him. "Thanks, Hermes. Go back to the owlery. That's all I needed from you tonight," he said. Hermes gave him a reassuring nip on his fingers before leaving. Percy stared at the note for a moment. He ran his fingers over his father's handwriting before opening it.
He read the note very carefully and swallowed. His father had agreed to meet with him. A warm feeling filled Percy, followed by a feeling of dread. He had no idea how that was going to go. Percy had made the invitation. He realized that he could have some control. Where would he take his father to talk?
Percy first thought of the cafeteria at the Minister, but quickly discounted it. There would have been too many eyes on them; it was no secret to the other employees that Percy and his father were not getting along. There was always the Leaky Cauldron, but Percy did not want to meet there. He could have selected a high-end restaurant, but the point was he had to humble himself. An idea formed in Percy's mind. There was a little diner that Percy went to sometimes when he did not feel like making something for himself; he was trying to master Muggle cooking and sometimes things did not turn out too well. Percy had to go to the Muggle establishment. The owner knew him well because he got some tips on her on what he had done wrong. Going to the restaurant seemed like a good idea.
The restaurant was a little diner by the name of Francis'. It was a Muggle place and his father would like going there. Percy decided to take his father there; there was no point in his father, knowing that he lived in the area. He was not going to have to explain anything. Percy knew that this was going to take time. He should not expect much from this first meeting.
Percy wrote out a memo to send to his father's department, telling him to meet him where the fountain used to be. The fountain had not been replaced yet. Percy sighed. He had only stayed in the office because he needed to use Hermes and needed to wait for the answer. He picked up the memo as he walked out of his office and shut the door. He locked it and kept walking until he reached the mailboxes; they were used when the Ministry employees had gone for the day and the flying memos would not be able to reach their destinations. He found his father's right above his and slipped the memo carefully inside. His fingers brushed against the nameplate for a moment before he continued down the hall.
Percy Apparated home to get some rest. He was working two jobs. His fake job and his real job. He was paid for both. It was the only way he could afford to live in the nice flat he was in. He had an added expense account for his real job. It paid for all the equipment he needed. Percy would have to send a report to Sidney.
"You look different without glasses. I think I like you better without them. They don't really accentuate your eyes," commented Sidney.
Percy looked at her with surprise. He whipped off his glasses. "What are you doing here? How did you get in here? Why are you here?"
"Which question do you want me to answer first?"
"It doesn't matter. Answer them all."
"Okay. I am here for a report from you, which answers your what and why questions. As for how? My secret, but I'll tell you one thing: I didn't apparate in," said Sidney. "Pretty nice place you've got here. You should consider putting in more protective wards."
"I am seriously considering it right at this very moment," said Percy. "I suppose I don't have to send an official report. I can just tell you what's happened."
"That would be nice, but I thought I would come here and look around. You know a person based on how they use their personal space."
"Really?" asked Percy sarcastically. Sidney brushed her fingertips along the edge of a shelf. There was not a speck of dust on it. Everything was neat and tidy. She was not all that surprised by it. Her mind wandered for a moment to Bill.
Bill was not as neat as Percy. Sidney thought that she could figure out Percy because she had known Bill and Charlie when they were in school. Sidney chided herself from time to time when she was around Percy. Of course, he would be different from his brothers, vastly different if he was going to be an agent.
"I notice you don't have any personal things around. Like photographs. You do have a selection of books though. A very nice selection," said Sidney as she traced her finger along the spine of Percy's copy of The Stranger. "Very interesting."
"I can't keep any pictures around here. I don't have any," admitted Percy. He did have a picture of Penelope, but he had gotten rid of it. His flat had to be as Muggle as possible. He could not have moving wizards' pictures out in the open, even if he did have some of his family.
Suddenly, Percy realized that Sidney was the first guest he had ever had in his apartment. He never invited his neighbors over because he was too busy and tired to entertain guests. He had no close friends in either the Muggle or the wizarding world. His peers at work, the other younger employees, did not think that highly of him, so he did not even consider inviting them over. Besides, Percy's flat was his own little slice of London.
However, Percy remembered the good manners he was raised with, "Would you like something to drink?"
"Sure. Whatever you have is fine," replied Sidney.
Percy went to the kitchen and poured a glass of water for her. It was spring water. "That's fine. No ice," said Sidney as she took it from him. She took a sip. "Now, would you mind telling me what happened?" she asked.
Percy reported everything that had happened. Sidney did not interrupt once, but nodded every once in a while to show that she was listening. When he was done talking, she said, "So, you're going to meet with your father at this restaurant? Are you sure you want to?"
"Positive," replied Percy as he nodded. "It's just around the corner from my flat. The first flat that my mum visited before was in Diagon Alley. After I was recruited, I was told that I had to move to the Muggle world."
"Your family is different from mine," said Sidney, not saying that his was a pureblood family, while hers was Muggle. "It must have been quite a culture shock for you."
"Yes, it was," admitted Percy. "I've learned to adjust to things quickly. It is important in our line of work to do so."
Sidney nodded. "You will meet with your father, but be careful."
Percy did not disagree with her, "I'll keep my guard up, but I don't think I'll make any real progress in just one meeting. There will be other things I have to take care of. Personal matters."
Sidney took another sip of her water before responding to Percy's words, "Just be careful. Don't get too close to them. You're just there for information. That's all. You can't go home once you've started. Do you understand?"
"Haven't I done enough to prove my understanding?" asked Percy without any emotion reaching his blue, resolute eyes. "I'll do the job and I'll get it done. I just need time."
"Then, you'll have it. We'll keep you there for as long as necessary," said Sidney. She stood up. "I have to go. I'll be in touch."
Percy watched her leave by Apparating. As soon as she was gone, he picked up the glass and washed it. A feeling of exhaustion overwhelmed him. He glanced at his watch. It was already midnight. It was time for some sleep.
Arthur came to work early that morning. He opened his mailbox to find the memo that Percy had sent him. He walked over to his office and found his co-worker, Mr. Perkins, already there. "Good morning, Arthur," he greeted as Mr. Weasley put down his suitcase. "The Minister has sent a notice just now to meet you for lunch."
"I can't today. I'm meeting my son," said Arthur.
"Oh? Which one?" asked Perkins.
"Percy," replied Arthur, thinking it was odd that Minister Fudge wanted to have lunch with him the same day that Percy had selected. He had no idea that it was a mere coincidence. Arthur decided that it was more important to meet with Percy than the Minister.
"Really? He wants to meet with you?" said Perkins, sounding rather amazed.
"Yes, I have no idea why," said Arthur, answering Perkins' question before he could ask it. He did not really want to think that Percy was up to anything. He wanted to trust his son. Arthur wanted to welcome Percy back into the family as soon as possible. He could not skip the meeting with Percy because he knew that his wife was counting on it. She was very anxious for anything from Percy; she even went as far as asking about any rumors about their third son.
Molly wanted to attend the lunch as well, but the invitation was for only Arthur. He told her that he would return with word as soon as the lunch meeting was over. Arthur could not believe that it came down to this, meeting with his son as if he were a stranger. However, Arthur knew how carefully he had to treat this situation, if he wanted his family to be whole again.
The hours passed slowly as Arthur looked at the clock from time to time. Finally, when the appropriate hour rolled around, Arthur was out of the office before Perkins could even say "See you later." He went to where the fountain was supposed to be. He saw that Percy was already waiting for him. He was looking at the vacant spot.
"Hello Percy," said Arthur as he walked up to him.
"Hello Father," greeted Percy. He did not turn to face him. "I suppose there's more important things going on these days."
Arthur stared at him for a moment. There was something different about Percy. Something was about his aura that had changed. Or perhaps, it had been so long since he had seen his son up close. Percy did not really smile at him. He looked more mature than he had months ago. "Are you ready?" asked Percy to fill in the awkward silence. "I know this little restaurant. I'm sure you'll like it."
Arthur nodded. "Sure, let's go," he said as he smiled slightly.
"Yes," said Percy. He walked next to his father. He knew that there were pairs of eyes on him. "Before we go, I do have something to say," he whispered without looking at his father.
"What is it?" asked Arthur. He sensed that something was troubling Percy.
Percy faced him finally. "I wanted to say I was sorry for what I've done," he said in a calm voice. "I know I don't deserve any forgiveness." He was about to look away again, but he stopped when he felt the weight of his father's hand on his shoulder.
"You've been through enough," said Arthur. "Let's get something to eat. You said I should see this restaurant."
Percy told his father where to apparate to. It was the same alleyway that Percy Apparated to whenever he came home or went to work. His father followed him until they were at a little diner. His father looked around at the people on the street. "This is a Muggle neighborhood," said Arthur in a lower tone, so that no one could hear him.
"Yes, it is. I come here often," said Percy. "I like this restaurant. The wait is a bit longer than the establishments you're used to, Father, but you'll like it."
Arthur was just delighted to be in a Muggle neighbor in broad daylight. He followed Percy into the restaurant. A waitress came up to meet them. Her name was Nancy, and it was on a tag. "Hey, you're early. You're usually here for dinner," she said to Percy.
"I was having lunch with my father today," he explained. Mr. Weasley looked mildly surprised at Percy knowing the waitress so well. "Do you have a booth?"
"Of course, your usual booth is free," said Nancy as she gestured for them to follow. Mr. Weasley followed along, watching the Muggles eat and talk. "I must say that there's better places to eat other than this place. You should have taken your father to some place a little more classy."
"No, this is fine," said Arthur cheerfully. He was looking at the décor as he took a seat in the booth across from Percy.
"I'll bring you some water while you gentlemen decide on what you want to eat," said Nancy as she smiled and left.
"How long have you been coming here?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"Just over six months," replied Percy. "What do you feel like having?"
Arthur was surprised. He did not think that Percy would go off into the Muggle world so freely. He did not think that Percy was so interested in Muggles. Hardly, any of his children were interested in Muggles. In Arthur's eye, Percy was the least likely to take an interest in the Muggles, considering how Minister Fudge felt about them.
"I'm not sure. What do you recommend?" asked Arthur.
"I typically just get the fish and chips," replied Percy. "Although, the pizza is pretty good here. It's better than most places in London because the proprietor was original from New York City."
Arthur closed his menu. "Percy, what's happened to you since the news came out?" he asked with concern. "I was invited to a meeting with the Minister today as well, but I came here instead."
"I should thank you for coming then. I thought that considering what I've done, you would have preferred the Minister's company over mine. I had no idea he was going to invite you for a meeting. I feel as if I have taken you away from some important business. As for your question, nothing has happened to me. Do you honestly think I would have told the Minister that I liked being in surroundings like these, knowing what he really was like?"
"You had no problem doing the other things that were expected of you," said Arthur coldly.
Percy looked up at him. He sighed as Nancy came by with their water. She smiled at them, despite the tension she felt from them. "What would you like to order, Sir?" she asked, turning her attention to Arthur.
"My son recommended your pizza. I think I'll try that," said Arthur.
"What kind of topping would you like, Sir?" asked Nancy. Arthur looked bewildered. Percy responded, "Pepperoni. Make it a large pizza. And bring a pitcher of iced tea. Plain. Thanks."
"No problem. It will take about fifteen minutes. I'll bring you your tea right away along with some breadsticks," said Nancy.
"That's not necessary," said Percy.
"Nah, it's not a problem. You're practically a regular customer. Although, you only come here when you're culinary attempts fail," said Nancy with a laugh. Percy's ears turned slightly red as she left.
"I've been trying to cook," explained Percy. "It's harder than it looks. Trying to cook their way. I haven't been that successful at times. I am getting better though. Don't tell Mum about it, please."
Arthur had a smile on his face. It was amusing to hear about Percy trying to cook, but he had no idea that he was trying to cook the Muggle way. "Are you going to come home anytime soon?" he asked.
"No, I have my own place," said Percy. "I don't think that I'm all that welcomed."
"You are. Your mother and I want you to come for a visit, Percy."
"You and Mum might, but I'm sure that everyone else will mind. I think it's best that I keep my distance for now. I just wanted to talk to you. I've made some very ridiculous mistakes in the past year. Very stupid. I'm more upset about it than anyone else. I just don't think I can go home right now. I'm sorry."
Arthur knew it was not going to be easy. "Look, you've admitted to your mistakes. You've proven that you're brave enough to do that. Your brothers and sister miss you. I think you should talk to them. Don't just send a letter."
Percy swallowed. He was forgetting what he was supposed to be doing. He was supposed to be getting inside the Order of the Phoenix. He knew that Bill and Charlie were members for sure, and that Fred and George were also helping. If he could get in good with them, then he could get the information he was after.
A mantra went through his head. It was the one that he had drilled into him when he was first recruited. You must sacrifice yourself. You must sacrifice what defines you. Percy cleared his mind immediately. Sidney was right. He needed more discipline. He looked at his father and sighed, "Are you sure about that?" He did not want too look too eager.
"They'll forgive you, if you give them enough time," insisted Arthur. "I know. Your mother and I raised you all very well."
Percy sighed. "I'm not sure about going home. I don't doubt that they're angry with me. I was so blind and stupid." That wasn't a lie. The time he figured out the truth was much sooner than most would have thought.
"The more you put it off, the worse it will get," said Arthur.
"Maybe, I was sorted into the wrong house," muttered Percy. Yes. I think I was. In order for me to be this sneaky, I should have been put into Slytherin. Come on, Father. Don't trust me so easily. Just stop me. He snapped out of those thoughts again.
"No, you didn't," said Arthur. "The fact that you're doing the right thing now means you were put into the right house. Please come home for a visit. Your mother wants you to come home for a visit, so do I. Never mind them. They'll come around just like you did. You need to be the one to take the first step."
Before Percy could say something, the pizza had arrived. It was piping hot, but it smelled absolutely scrumptious. Another waitress had come in with a pitcher of iced tea and two glasses. Nancy set down plates that she carried underneath the pizza in front of them. "Here you go. Enjoy," said Nancy as she left. "I'll come back and check if you want anything else."
Arthur looked at the pizza. "This is odd," he commented. He watched Percy pick up a slice and put it on his plate. "Be careful, it's hot. Some people like it cold, but I prefer it hot," said Percy. Arthur took a slice and took a bite out of it. He chewed on it for a moment before saying, "It's delicious. Very good."
"Yes. There are many things I like about this world," said Percy.
"You were kind enough to invite me out to lunch, Son. I would like to extend an invitation to you. Come to the house for a visit," said Arthur. "Please."
"I'll come," whispered Percy reluctantly. "Just don't tell them. Just tell Mum, but not the others. I won't stay for long." Perhaps, I am a coward after all.
Percy saw the look on his father's face. He wanted nothing more but to go over there because he was a member of the family. He knew that he was not. It was not because of his past actions. It was what he was going to do. This is something I can't even forgive myself for. I have a choice. This is my choice.
My choice.
Written by kirikarin
Beta Read by IvyDragon
AN: I said that Percy wasn't going to be portrayed in a better light here. Percy isn't fully trained yet. He's still starting out. There's a reason why. It goes deeper than him being a spy in the Ministry. Percy will be tested as he seeks to understand why he's doing the things he's doing. It will be a twisty road. By the way, the part where Percy is always at work is true. Percy is working two jobs. ^_^
kirikarin.livejournal.com
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. This story belongs to me and cannot be posted anywhere else without my permission.