Veritas
Part One: Dawning on the Horizon
Chapter Four - The Stranger
Arthur returned from his lunch with Percy with mixed feelings. He thought about how wonderful it was that Percy was exploring more of the Muggle world than any of his other children. However, another part of Arthur Weasley was startled at the changes he had seen in Percy. It was as if he was meeting another person. A new person.
Reflecting back in his memories, Arthur thought about how different Percy was from the other children. He always followed the rules, but there was something there. Something gleaming in his eye. Was it a spark of something else? Arthur did not know what to think. He wanted to just be grateful that his son was back. However, he could not doubt that there was something wrong. Or different. Or maybe, he was seeing something that wasn't there. Perhaps, it had simply been too long since he had seen his son. Or maybe, Arthur's work with the Order made him suspicious of everything around him, even his own son.
"Dad, how did it go?" asked Charlie as he stuck his head into the office. Seeing that Perkins was not there before, he stepped inside. "How is he?"
Arthur looked up at him and smiled. "Your brother is fine. Different, but I think he's fine."
"Different?" asked Charlie as he shut the door behind him. He took a seat in Perkins' desk. "What do you mean different?"
"For one thing, I just came back from lunch in a Muggle restaurant. Percy goes there often," said Arthur. "I had something called pizza. Percy said it was Italian."
"Yes, I've had that before. But, a Muggle restaurant? Is he really that much different?" asked Charlie. Percy was always a little different, but it was hard to imagine him going out to Muggle places.
"I don't know what to make of it. I did convince him to come home for a visit," said Arthur. "I'm only telling you and your mother. You can tell Bill if you want, but not your other brothers and sister. I know that they might be prepared to push him away."
Charlie nodded in agreement. "At least he's coming home. I suppose we can ask about what he's been doing when he comes over." He smiled. "Dad, try not to look too much into it. Of course, he's changed. A lot has changed lately."
"I suppose you're right," said Arthur with a slight smile.
Percy returned to his office to find a memo from the Minister of Magic waiting for him. He did not look that surprised. Lately, the Minister was relying on him. Percy had a good idea as to why. It was easier to blame someone else on his incompetence. True, Percy was the one who had written those comments about Hogwarts for the Minister, but he was only taking dictation from others. He was literally writing down the words, but they were not his. Minister Fudge had them submitted to make it appear to discredit anyone who opposed the Ministry's views. It was a way to discredit Percy's father and the rest of the Order. One could only imagine Percy's horror when he opened up the Daily Prophet that morning.
He suppressed a sigh as he walked towards the office of the Minister, which was only a few steps down from his. Percy entered the open office. "You wanted to speak with me, Sir?" he asked.
Minister Fudge looked up from his mountains of paperwork. He looked up at Percy. It was fairly obvious that the Minister had not been getting much sleep. His eyes were underlined with dark circles and his cheeks looked hollow. Minister Fudge mopped his brow with a handkerchief. "Oh, yes, Mr. Weasley. Please come in," he said in a startled tone.
"Would you like me to close the door, Sir?" asked Percy.
"That's not necessary. I just wanted to call upon you because I had invited your father to meet with me, but he said that he met with you instead," said the Minister.
"We only went to go and eat, Sir. My apologies if I got in the way, Sir," said Percy. He really was not sorry, but it was hard to tell. Minister Fudge was never good at reading people. It was a surprise that he rose to Minister of Magic. Percy was very good at reading people. He could adjust very easily.
"Nonsense. Of course, you can meet with your father, if you wish. May I ask what you discussed?" asked Minister Fudge, trying to look either casual or sly about it.
"We talked about family matters, Sir," said Percy. "As you may have already heard, my father and I haven't been on speaking terms in a while, Sir."
"Yes, yes. I've heard. Did your father and you discuss anything else?" asked Minister Fudge. Percy kept his expression as neutral as possible. It was not any of the Minister's business, but Percy had to mentally bite his tongue to keep himself from saying what he really thinking. He was an expert at it.
"Nothing other than that, Sir," replied Percy. "Do you need me to do some work for you? Is there anything else I could help you with, Sir?" He decided to change the subject. It was the usual tactic that Percy used with Minister Fudge. Percy was a good student of human nature. He had the ability to get into the mindset of most anyone without any magical aids. It was a natural talent.
"No, not right now. Actually, it's come to my attention that you haven't been taking any time off, Mr. Weasley. In fact, you haven't had a day off since you started to work for this department," said Minister Fudge.
Percy decided to look surprised. Of course, he knew that he had not taken any time off. He could not because he had to stay on top of things. He was the only informant within the Ministry's top offices. He had to be there, even though he was on another mission, he still had to keep an eye on the Ministry.
"There has been a lot going on, Sir. I cannot in all good conscience leave you without any assistance. If anything, I recommend that you take some time off, Sir," said Percy, turning the situation around.
"I am more indispensable than you, Mr. Weasley. We are all working tirelessly because of You-Know-Who," said Minister Fudge. "I need the people under me to be in top form. I insist that you take some time off. According to the files, you've accumulated quite period of time. You haven't taken any of it."
Percy shook his head. "Sir, I really do not need any time off." He could tell that he was starting to lose ground.
"Take a week off, Mr. Weasley. It is obvious that you've been working too hard, if you don't feel the need after so much has occurred," ordered Minister Fudge gently.
The only thing Percy could do was nod. If he tried to do anything else, his cover would be blown. He needed Fudge's trust. "Thank you, Sir," he said.
"Very well. You're dismissed for the rest of day. Oh, and tell your father that I said hello," said Minister Fudge as Percy exited the office.
He looked mildly stunned. How was he going to explain this to his handler? He looked around him. What if something happened and he was not there to report it? What was he going to do? He could not give up on his duties. He was only working in the Ministry to report the movements within. There was not anything to report. There had not been anything hidden or unnoticeable to report in months, but Percy couldn't just leave for a week. He walked back to his office.
Percy looked around and started to pack up his things for the day. A thought came to him. What if someone knew he what he was really doing and plotted for him to have some time off? He looked around him. He was startled from his thoughts when he heard a soft knock on the door.
"Who is it?" asked Percy after a moment's silence.
"It's Charlie."
"Come in," said Percy without a second thought. He could not turn his brother away if he had hopes of getting information on the Order. Percy knew that Charlie was a member of it, so there might a chance that he could get some information. He opened the door to let his older brother in. "How have you been?" he asked. "Have a seat."
"I'm fine. I was wondering more about you. You seem to be working hard," commented Charlie. His eyes did a quick sweep of the room. Everything was neat and organized. There was only a small stack of parchment on his desk. There were no personal effects on his desk, not even plants.
"Perhaps, I just got a week off. Minister Fudge found out that I haven't taken anytime off in over a year," announced Percy, while keeping his face expressionless. "It's a bad time to take off though, especially with what's been going on around here."
Charlie's face brightened at the news. "That's wonderful, Percy!" he exclaimed.
"Good, for your further enjoyment, why don't I try to Apparate incorrectly and splice myself?" quipped Percy sarcastically. Charlie gaped at him. It was very uncharacteristic for Percy to be sarcastic; it was something that Ron would do, but not Percy. "I'm sorry, Charlie. I am under a lot of stress," he added immediately when he noticed the look on Charlie's face. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, lifting his glasses slightly.
"You could come home and rest up there," suggested Charlie. "Mum really misses you."
Percy shook his head. "I can't do that. I don't deserve to come home yet," he whispered as he looked out the window. True, he knew what he was seeing was an illusion, but he enjoyed the view no less. At least, he knew it wasn't real.
"That's nonsense. You're my brother. Bill and I don't care what you've done wrong. You've already said you were sorry, didn't you?"
Without turning, Percy responded, "I did. I don't understand why you, Bill, and our parents are so quick to forgive. I wouldn't forgive myself so quickly. I haven't yet. I can't forgive myself." Especially with the choice I've made. I'm a liar. A betrayer. I am betraying my own family.
Charlie sighed. "Look, I don't want to spend my entire life mad at you, Percy. It is a waste of energy. You made a mistake. You're only human. You've admitted you're wrong. And you're sorry. You can't keep beating yourself up," he told Percy.
"I walk by Fred and George's shop once in a while, Charlie. I pick up my robes at the cleaners there. It's right next to their shop. I saw them once inside. They saw me, but they turned away right away. I saw Bill. He tried to smile at me, but I turned away before I could see it," said Percy. "I know what I did was not only wrong, Charlie. I was supposed to be their older brother. I was supposed to set an example like you and Bill. I didn't do that."
"Perce, the longer you put it off, the worse it will get," said Charlie.
Percy did not look at him still. "Dad said the same thing. He said it was Mum's and his business who they wanted to come into their house."
"That's right," agreed Charlie. "You're a member of the family. Regardless of what you do. That's what it means. Will you please just look at me?" Percy turned to face him.
"I'm going home right now, Charlie. Minister Fudge told me to," said Percy lamely. He hated himself for having to sound so eager to please the Minister that his family disliked so greatly. "I am a bit tired," he admitted. "And I have other things to take care of."
Charlie knew that Percy was trying to find a way discontinue their conversation. "Fine, have it your own way, Perce. You keep to yourself like you always do," he said as Percy stood up with his briefcase already packed. He grabbed his coat.
"That's right, Charlie. I like having things my way," muttered Percy. "Do you mind walking me out?" They walked out of the Ministry together.
The following morning, Percy woke up at his usual time. He had sent in his report as soon as he had returned to his flat. He had received an e-mail from Sidney ordering him to meet with her the next day at a park. He did not have to respond because as her charge, he had to follow all of her orders. No doubt, she would reprimand him for not being in the Ministry and not getting around being put on vacation.
Percy was starting to really hate working at the Ministry. He was not popular with the other younger employees. Everyone whispered behind his back; it was humiliating having to pretend he was a brainwashed moron who was following orders blindly. A couple of months ago, the others were just like that. Damn hypocrites. Was it any wonder Percy found it so easy to pass information on the whole lot of them?
However, getting into the Order of the Phoenix was a different story. His family was part of it. Dumbledore was head of the Order. Percy did not think he could get past Dumbledore. He might be able to get past other members. His mother would be the easiest person to get past. She was so eager. Too eager. It amplified Percy's guilty even more so. His mother trusted him.
Percy decided to stop thinking about that. He looked into his refrigerator. He shut it after he decided that he did not want to eat anything at home. He was going out to get something to eat before his meeting with Sidney. He was dressed differently than he normally was.
True, Percy always took off his robes before apparating home. He wore a normal suit underneath his robes, so any of his neighbors would think that he was just a normal, Muggle government employee. Today, he was dressed in a pair of black cargos and a long sleeve mesh shirt. He looked like a typical Muggle attending college. He grabbed his sunglasses on the way out the door. Percy decided that he did not need his glasses for the day.
"Good morning, dear," said a wizened woman as she smiled at him. She was Percy's landlady, Mrs. Thornton.
"Good morning, Mrs. Thornton," he greeted. "How are you today?"
"Fine. Splendid. My, my, my. You look very handsome today. If I wasn't so old, I'd do more than look at you," teased Mrs. Thornton. "Look at you. I didn't know you had such lovely blue eyes. Are you wearing contact lenses?"
Percy knew that contact lenses were a Muggle invention. His recruitment officer told him that the laser eye surgery was better. However, Percy knew that his neighbors were used to seeing him with glasses, so he replied, "Yes, I am. Most days I don't have enough time to put them on, so I don't bother. Today I had time." He gave her a dazzling smile that sent her sixty-three year old heart a flutter.
"My, you are something," said Mrs. Thornton. "I thought you'd be at work, dear."
"I don't have work this week. I was given the week off, Mrs. Thornton," Percy informed her. "I'll see you later."
"Of course. Go have fun. And don't do anything I wouldn't do," she laughed.
Percy crossed the street to a little café where many people in the neighborhood came for a cup of coffee, something to eat, and to discuss things. Percy learned a lot about the neighborhood by coming there. He came up to the counter.
"Hey, you!" said the girl at the counter. Her name was Rachel. "I haven't see you in a while. You look good this morning, so what will you have?"
"A tall mocha latte with whipped cream and a plain bagel with lox and cream cheese, please," said Percy.
"All right," said Rachel. Percy paid and waited for his food. He picked up a Muggle newspaper. It was one of the newspapers that was published by Lord Wallace, but that was no surprise to Percy. In his mind, Lord Wallace had more influence than Professor Dumbledore. Percy had yet to meet Lord Wallace, but he knew a lot about him.
Around him, he could hear the other customers talking. One of the tables was filled with a group of particularly giggly girls. They were looking Percy's direction and checking him out. He paid no attention to them. He knew what was going on around him. He was on constant alert.
"Look at him. He's gorgeous. I wonder how old he is," said one of the girls.
"I saw him in the line. He's got the most beautiful blue eyes," sighed another girl dreamily. "And his hair. I love ginger colored hair."
"Do you think he's waiting for someone?" asked a third girl.
"I know who he's waiting for," declared the first girl. "Me!" She stood up very quickly, surprising her friends. They both stood up and went after her, but by then she was at Percy's table. He had heard their entire conversation, but he did not really care. His eyes never left the paper nor did his ears redden.
He looked up at the girl who had reached the table, absolutely undisturbed. "Can I help you?" he asked.
"Um…I was wondering if, you…" the girl fumbled over her words.
"He's waiting for me," said another voice. The three girls turned their attention to the woman speaking. Their hearts collectively sank.
This was no ordinary woman; she looked like a fashion model off a catwalk or a magazine cover. She was tall and her figure was something that most females would die to have. She wore a pair of dark brown, shiny boots that went up to her knees. Her burgundy skirt ended her mid thigh. Her black blouse was sloped at the neckline, showing off her shoulders. She had a belt that was hung on her slim hips. Her hair flowed loose, allowing the light to catch it. Her natural highlights of copper red gleamed under the light. Her hair framed her oval-shaped face, showing off her high cheekbones and straight nose. Her eyes were inquisitive, and her lips were in a perfect smile, showing off her white, straight teeth.
The girls looked absolutely flabbergasted. Most of the people were staring at the young woman who had stepped in. In the meantime, Percy finished off his bagel and drank his last gulp of coffee. "Are you done?" asked Sidney.
"Yes," answered Percy as he got up. He gave the girls a smile as he walked off with Sidney.
One girl said something that phrased the situation perfectly, in a very exasperated voice, "Why do all the good looking people go together?"
"I couldn't fight him. If had I defied him, I would have ended up in the mailroom," said Percy as they found a quiet place to talk.
"Our contact in the hospital said that Fudge's health condition isn't optimal. He's been under a lot of stress lately," Sidney informed him. They were walking arm in arm. To all appearance, they looked like a young couple out on a date. Sidney was a few years older than Percy, but it really made no difference.
"I'm not that surprised. Any person can tell that just by looking at him," he said. "I talked to my brother, Charlie. He doesn't suspect a thing."
"Then you're doing your job," said Sidney as she paused to look at some flowers in a shop. "Such beautiful flowers. I really don't have the time." Her hand remained on Percy's arm. He was getting the feeling that she was trying to prevent him from running off somewhere. "Your brother has always had a very easygoing in nature, Percy."
Percy looked at her briefly before saying, "You knew both my brothers, didn't you?"
Sidney nodded without looking at him. "Yes, I knew them both. Too bad I didn't get to know you all that well when you came in." She pulled Percy forward to continue walking.
"You were Head Girl with my brother, Bill," said Percy.
Sidney did not look at him. There were moments when she thought about how much Percy resembled his brother. They were alike in physical form. She had not seen Bill in years. She had stopped thinking about him about three years ago. She could not remember when she stopped thinking about him. However, being around Percy proved to be difficult. He was a remainder of the life she had given up. She gathered her reserve again.
It was time to get back on topic. The mission. It was a vital mission. "This week will not be wasted. True, you'll lose some data from the Ministry, but so far the Ministry hasn't been active enough. That was partially the reason why you were assigned to field duty. The information you will gather on this assignment is more valuable than what you can get at the Ministry. It is imperative that you find a way in," said Sidney in a quiet, yet serious voice.
"I understand," said Percy.
Sidney gazed at him. Her hypnotic eyes focused to read him more clearly. She could tell what was going on inside him. He was not even trying to stop her. "You will have to do better than that. I know that you have the talent to stop me. You cannot let your guard down for a single moment. Remember that or get yourself killed. Get what we need by any means necessary," her voice sounded stern and cold. It was amazing how many moods one woman could go through in a matter of minutes.
Percy nodded. "I don't intend to die so easily," he assured her.
"Hardly anyone in our line of work intends to die at all," she told him. "By the way, you have to go to the medical offices to have a physical examination."
He shook his head. Percy did not really want any medical personnel poking and prodding. Healer, doctor, or otherwise. "I already had one when I was recruited," he said.
"We do that with all of our recruits. This one is for a more thorough examination," said Sidney. "Be prepared for things that you've never experienced before. I know that you're not going to be used to it."
"I wasn't used to it when the doctor told me that my vision had to be corrected," said Percy with a slight grimace at the memory. It was hard to get surgery for his eyes at first. He had had his doubts about Muggle technology. His vision was not just 20/20, but 20/10. "I don't like Healers. And doctors are nothing more but Muggle Healers. I would rather stay away from the lot of them."
"Aw…don't tell me you're scared of hospitals, doctors, and healers," teased Sidney, unable to stop herself. Her laugh sounded like bells.
"Fine," said Percy, very annoyed with her already. "Just tell me when I need to be there."
"Well, today is Saturday. How long are you off exactly?" asked Sidney.
"I'm off until Monday after next. More than a week, but the Ministry isn't opened during the weekends," said Percy. "I normally go in during the weekends anyway, but it seems that I am banned until my time off is over."
"Aren't you a regular boy scout?" said Sidney. She was referring to a typically American group. Percy did not know what she was talking about. "Never mind," she added. "Anyway, your appointment will be this coming Monday at eleven hundred hours. You know the usual place."
"Yes, I do," replied Percy. "Where do we go now?"
"We don't go anywhere. This is my car," said Sidney. Percy blinked. They were standing across the street. He had not even noticed how she led him around. She gave him a smile. "Keep your eyes open. Remember that. Don't forget your appointment," she said all this as she climbed into her BMW.
Percy didn't say a word until he saw her car speed off. He shook his head, not knowing what he was getting himself into. Sidney Nelsen had proved very hard to read. Perhaps, he should heed her advice. Meeting around her, Percy was reminded just how much he did not know about his group. It was enough to make him think twice about trusting anyone, even her.
"I didn't think I could get away from the Dursleys' this time," said Harry Potter as he stepped through the fireplace at the Burrow. He shook off the extra soot from his clothes. Ron appeared behind him in a whirl of green flames with Ginny. Arthur Apparated in after them, appearing next to the breakfast table in the kitchen.
"Harry, they seemed pretty eager to get you out of their house," said Ron. "It was so easy this time. I think that Moody's gotten to them."
"They did look kind of relieved just to see us," said Ginny thoughtfully. "Wasn't your uncle muttering about 'At least, it's not the others?'"
Harry tried to smile at that. Ever since that night at the Ministry, Harry was not smiling as much. Ron and Hermione were worried about him. "Harry, it's good to see you," greeted Hermione as she came up to them.
"It's good to see all of you," said Harry softly.
"Well, you're home now, so you have nothing to worry about," said Molly as she hugged him. Harry accepted her hug, which lingered longer than she normally would have done with her other children. The only child she would hug as much at that very moment was Percy. Arthur didn't exactly say when Percy would be coming over.
"Let's go to my room, Harry," said Ron. Harry and Ron grabbed Harry's trunk on either end and carried it up to Ron's room.
They walked up the stairs until they reached Percy's room. "Mum said you can stay here," said Ron. "I think you're immune to anything that Percy might have left behind. Hermione is bunking with Ginny as usual. Mum thought that this time around you'd like to have your own room."
Ron opened the door to reveal a very neat, very empty room. Molly had cleaned up the dust and put in new bedding. Percy did not leave anything behind when he stormed out of the Burrow over a year ago. He had shrunken his effects to make it easier to transport. "Are you sure your Mum is okay with this?" asked Harry. "Don't tell me that Percy is still not talking to any of you."
"Actually, he wrote Dad to meet with him during on Friday. That same day Fudge told him to take a couple of days off," Ron informed him.
"How did you find that out?" asked Harry.
"Charlie found out when he went to go see Percy. It was odd because Percy didn't throw him out of his office," answered Ron. "I think that he might be coming for a visit."
"That's good," said Harry with some relief.
"Why are you so happy about it, Harry? He was the one who insulted you and didn't want us to be friends," Ron reminded him.
Harry looked around the room for a moment before speaking, "It's just that there are so many things that aren't stable around me, Ron. Yes, the Dursleys are about the same as ever, but not your family. It just doesn't feel right that you all aren't on the same side."
Ron was about to say something sarcastic, but he stopped himself. Harry had lost his godfather not too long ago, and he was already an orphan. Ron decided to count his blessings instead. Harry needed something constant in his life. Even school had changed the year before. Ron knew that Harry wanted things to get back to normal, even the Weasley family. Ron cleared his throat, "Don't worry, if he comes back, mate. He's got his own place in London. And if Mum wants him to stay, then we'll bunk in my room like we always do. Are you okay?"
Harry had been staring off into space. It seemed that he did not hear half of what Ron had just said. Ron was worried about him, but he did not want to press him for information. It would be fine with Ron, if Harry wanted to tell Hermione these things. He was not so good with dealing with feelings. However, if Harry needed him, Ron would be there.
"I'm fine," replied Harry after some silence. He glanced at Ron. "I'm really fine, Ron," he assured him, even smiled a little.
"Do you want to play some Quidditch later when the others get here?" suggested Ron. "I could use the practice, Ginny too."
Dumbledore announced that all the teams were back to normal. Ron still needed some practice as keeper, while Ginny was trying out as chaser. She was practically promised the position, while Harry got his position back as seeker. Harry nodded. "Just give me a moment to get settled," he agreed.
"Okay," said Ron as he smiled and left the room. Harry sighed as he looked around Percy's room. Despite all the horrible things that Percy had done to him and the rest of the Weasley family in the previous year, Harry felt a little guilty about staying in his room. It just did not seem right. Things weren't really going to change.
On Sunday, late afternoon, Percy Apparated to his parents' house. He decided to go through the front door rather than apparating directly inside. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. He was dressed like he normally was in the wizarding world, complete with his glasses. He ran his fingers through his hair again, while waiting. He hoped that he did not look too different from before.
The door opened slowly. Bill was the one who answered it. "Hey, Perce," he said. "Why did you knock? Why didn't you just apparate in?" He was grinning ear to ear. "Come on in."
Percy was careful not to take a deep breath as he walked in. He looked around and noticed how everything was the same. Everything was always a little too messy for his tastes, but now it seemed much more in order than his neat flat in London. "Don't just stand there. We're not going to attack you," said Bill with a laugh.
"I thought that there would have been more protective wards put up around the house, considering that Harry Potter comes here often," commented Percy, assessing the situation as quickly as possible. He had to look for possible entryways into the Order. Bill had proved to be as accessible as Charlie. Very trusting. Too trusting. "Where is everyone?" he asked.
"They're outside," replied Bill. "You're kind of late."
"Am I?" said Percy in a light tone. He had done that on purpose. He did not want to make a loud entrance. "It's amazing how one loses track of time when one is on vacation."
"I heard. It's not that bad, is it?" asked Bill as they walked together towards the backyard.
"I have my ways of keeping busy," replied Percy, thinking of Sidney's orders. He did not want to think of the medical tests she was forcing him to undertake the next morning at eleven. Suddenly, Percy's glasses felt heavier than usual. He had spent too much time without wearing them. He wanted nothing more, but to take them off, so that people could really see him for what he really was.
"Yeah, Dad told Charlie about your little trips into the Muggle world," said Bill. Percy looked at him for a moment. He thought about what Sidney had said earlier about knowing Charlie. Based on what she had said, she would have been in the same year as Bill. Percy knew better than to mention it because he did not want to explain how he knew Sidney. Before Percy could think of something to say, they were already in the backyard.
Percy and Bill watched everyone for a moment. No one seemed to notice that they had come. Percy choked down the bad feeling he had about what he was about to do. This was for the greater good.
"Percy!" exclaimed Molly, taking notice of her third son. She rose to her feet to greet him. Percy fought the compulsion to pull back from her. "Oh, you're home!" She gave him a big hug, which he reluctantly returned. No one noticed it. "How are you? You look like you've lost weight! What have you been doing to yourself?"
Percy had not lost weight. He had gained muscle. He had a chance to look around. He saw various pairs of eyes on him. At least four of them were disproving, angry eyes. It was just fine by him. Their expressions were calm, but the anger was in their eyes. They gazed at him unrelentingly.
Surprisingly, his heartbeat was normal along with his breathing. Percy realized that his work as a spy in the Ministry of Magic had prepared him for this kind of work. He had learned to control himself. This was not going to be a problem at all. "I'm sorry about what happened," he whispered softly to his mother.
Ron was the first one to say something, "What is he doing here?" He glared at Percy. "He doesn't belong here."
"He's your brother! Of course, he belongs here!" snapped Molly as she placed herself protectively in front of Percy.
"It's all right, Mother. It's fine. He has a right to be angry," said Percy calmly. "I was invited, Ron. Father invited me."
Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny whirled around to look at their father. He smiled at them a bit. "He's still a member of this family. You need to learn to forgive."
"It's all right, Father. Don't make them do anything," said Percy, calming. He had predicted their behavior perfectly.
"Never mind them. Come on, let's all sit down and have something to eat," said Molly as she guided him to a seat next to hers. Percy took a seat. "I'm fine. I haven't been starving, Mother," he told her, but she still piled food on his plate.
"I can only imagine what you've been doing to yourself," said Molly as she fussed over him. He stole a glance at Harry who looked back at him. Percy guessed that Harry was the one who was being fussed over before his arrival. "And you should eat something, too, Harry," she said as she heaped on some food on his plate.
"Yes, Mrs. Weasley," agreed Harry with a smile.
Everyone settled down to eat something. Percy studied everything around him. Everything that was on the surface. It was just as he remembered it, but things had changed. They had no idea that they had a stranger in their midst.
Written by kirikarin
Beta Read by IvyDragon
AN: What will Percy do next? What's up with the medical tests that he has to undergo? I've been watching a lot of crime dramas and reruns of shows like The Profiler and The Pretender. I love those shows. They are great shows about human nature.
kirikarin.livejournal.com
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. This story belongs to me and cannot be posted anywhere else without my permission.