Veritas
Part One: Dawning on the Horizon
Chapter Eight - Lord Wallace
Over the next few weeks, Percy was posing as a member of the Order of the Phoenix. He kept his cover in the Ministry of Magic as well. Percy had to file reports to the Veritas. It was a juggling act. The easiest thing to do was his monitoring at the Ministry. He was grateful for it.
Percy did not have to report to the Veritas headquarters at all because all the information was routed to Sidney, who in turn reported all of his findings. The information from the first meeting provided very important statistic data. Gizmo inputted the data from the meeting and created profiles based on Percy's reports. The files were put into the large archives of the Veritas for safekeeping.
The most exhausting thing about Percy's double life, which was actually more of a triple life, was dealing with his family. He had always been rather aloof around them; he preferred to be left alone. His family would not have it that way, especially his parents. His mother awaited his visits home even more so than Bill and Charlie. His father talked to him from time to time at work, but they were careful not to talk about Order business too often. Percy did not like the feeling he got when he was around his family. His guilt had receded a lot since the first time he had gone home. He disliked feeling too comfortable about lying to them all the time. He voiced these feelings when he met Sidney at a Muggle park to play chess.
Sidney Nelsen was waiting for him in a Muggle park in another part of London, far away from the wizarding enclaves and Percy's flat. It was a part of London that Percy had never seen before, but then again there were loads of place that were unfamiliar to him. Percy took a cab to the park.
There were children playing on the playground equipment. They were laughing and running around without a care in the world, unaware that someone out there would want to hurt them simply for being something they could not help being. Percy did not notice any real difference between the Muggle children and wizarding children. There was the absence of magic, but most wizarding children did not develop their powers until puberty; even then they were prevented from using magic. Percy walked slowly until he spotted Sidney in front of a chess board waiting for him.
"Find anything interesting?" asked Sidney as she looked up at him. She was dressed in a pair of hip hugging jeans and a plain white shirt. She had a light blue jacket tied at her waist and a pair of sandals. Her hair was in a ponytail. She didn't wear any makeup.
Percy would have suspected that Sidney would have looked good in an empty sack of potatoes. He took the seat across from her. "I used to just play in the backyard with my siblings," he replied. Sidney nodded, understanding what he was saying.
"How is it going?" she asked.
"Everything is going fine. I expected things to be worse."
"Your information has been very valuable. He wants to meet with you directly," said Sidney nonchalantly. "Are you available?" She moved her pawn across the board. "Your move."
Percy moved one of his pieces as he considered what she was saying. He knew who Sidney was talking about. Percy had never even seen Lord Wallace. He was a recluse in both worlds. He shifted uncomfortably. He was unable to give an answer. "You don't have to worry about him, Percy. He's really not anything to be afraid of," said Sidney reassuringly.
"Have you met him?" asked Percy.
"Yes, loads of times. Every field agent is required to meet with him at least once in a while on active duty," answered Sidney. "You're lucky. He usually doesn't meet with a field agent until they've been on the job for a few years. I first met him two years after I started. I was around your age."
"Lucky me," muttered Percy. "Are you sure he wants to meet with me?"
"Direct orders," said Sidney. "You'll find him to be very reasonable. Try not to be too nervous."
"That's easy for you to say," retorted Percy as he lost a piece. Sidney set it on her side of the board.
"I think he already likes you. I've got no idea why, but he does," said Sidney as she took another one of his pieces. "You keep letting your guard down. That can't be good."
Percy focused on the chess match and moved a piece. Sidney countered him. Within a few minutes, the match was decided, "Checkmate." Percy said as he took her king. "You're the one who shouldn't let down your guard."
Sidney smirked at his words. "The meeting with Lord Wallace will take place at the Tsuki Teahouse," she said as she wrote an address on a piece of paper and handed it to him. "Don't be late."
Percy looked at the address. "What time and day do I have to meet him?"
"Friday, four in the afternoon," replied Sidney. "Is there anything else that you'd like to discuss?"
"Nothing really," said Percy as he pocketed the address. "What about you?"
"Nothing," said Sidney. "Would you like to play another game?" Percy nodded.
The Ministry of Magic was working frantically to figure out what Voldemort was up to, but they did not have much luck. For one thing, they were understaffed at the top offices because Delores J. Umbridge was still out on medical leave. She had had some kind of nervous breakdown after her time as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher; Umbridge was unable to give a coherent explanation for what had happened. It was just as well because she would have proven very useless.
Percy found out that Umbridge had all kinds of classified materials that she had kept from the Minister. He did not bother to submit them to the Minister; he gave them to the Veritas instead. Umbridge, like most of the Ministry, was in a state of denial, which was very dangerous. The Ministry had put a lean on the Daily Prophet; this manipulation caused many people to side with the Ministry.
Ironically, the wizarding population was now up in arms demanding that the Ministry do something. Minister Fudge was trying to do something, but many had lost faith. The Daily Prophet reported how much the Ministry covered up what had happened. Rita Skeeter was back in rare form. A year's worth of hardly doing any writing, save that interview with Harry Potter that first appeared in The Quibbler, seemed to make Skeeter more formidable than before. She had immediately written about what had happened in Hogwarts, but Percy knew that most of the things she reported were not exaggerations.
None of this matter at the moment, Percy was at work, trying to focus. It was the day of his meeting with Lord Wallace. He had already put in that he would be going home early that day. He even came in early that morning to get some of his work done. Not to his surprise, the Minister was having some kind of crisis.
"Where are those security reports, Weasley?" demanded Fudge, when Percy came to his office. "I need them immediately."
"They are right here, Minister," said Percy as he dug through the pile of papers on the desk. "Is there anything else you need, Sir?"
"Nothing right now, Weasley. Thank you," said Fudge as he looked through the reports. Percy nodded and went back to his office. He was not really concentrating on his paperwork; he was too busy thinking about the impending meeting with Lord Wallace. He had never been more nervous in his whole life, and that included being summoned to Dumbledore's and Fudge's offices for the first time. Percy attempted to keep himself busy with his work, but with the lack of concentration, it was a lost cause.
When it was time to leave, Fudge was utterly shocked. "Wait, you're going home right now, Weasley?" he asked.
"Yes, Minister. I informed you last week about leaving early today, Sir. I even came in early. The reports that were assigned to have been completed," replied Percy calmly. He did not want to be late, especially after Sidney's warning. "I am leaving now, Sir." He did not want to be stopped and he knew that Fudge would not threaten to fire him. Fudge needed Percy too much to do that.
"Oh, yes. Of course, you did," said Fudge. "I forgot. I'll see you on Monday." Percy nodded and left. He locked his office and put up some wards to protect his files. The last thing he did before he closed the door was put on his cloak. He was walking down the hallway when he saw his father.
"Percy, where are you going?" asked Arthur, noticing that Percy was dressed in his cloak.
"I'm leaving early today," replied Percy.
"Why?" asked Arthur with concern
Percy decided to play on it. "I have another appointment with the Healer."
"But you said nothing was wrong," said his father. "Do you want some company?"
"No. That's unnecessary, Father…but do you mind if I drop by home tonight for dinner?"
Arthur smiled. "Of course not. You're always welcomed at home. It's been weeks since you've dropped by for dinner. Your mother understands. With what's been going on around here, it's not much of a surprise."
"Yes, Father. I suppose the pressure is getting to all of us," said Percy as he gave him a smile. "Now, I have to go. I can't be late, Father."
"I'll see you at dinner," said Arthur as he watched his son's retreating back. Percy's manner did not dissipate the feeling of concern Arthur had for him. But, he was happy that his son was coming around.
The Tsuki Teahouse was a very serene place that transported one from England to Japan by simply stepping through its doors. Percy was immediately taken to one of the private tea rooms where he found an elderly gentleman waiting for him. He had his hand on top of his cane. His blue eyes immediately penetrated Percy's core.
"Welcome," said the gentleman in a soft voice. "You must be Percy Weasley. I am Lord Prometheus Icarus Wallace. I have been waiting to meet you for a long time."
"It is an honor to meet you, Lord Wallace," said Percy, gathering up all his courage.
"How long do you intend to stand there?" asked Lord Wallace with a smile playing on his lips. "Please sit down, Percy."
Percy took a seat across from him. He could feel the power emitting from Lord Wallace. There was no denying how much he was like Dumbledore. Percy had to quell the inferiority he was experience just by being in the same room as Lord Wallace. He squared his shoulders and looked straight at Lord Wallace. "Thank you, Sir," said Percy as Lord Wallace poured him some tea.
"Have you ever seen the Japanese tea ceremony, Percy?" asked Lord Wallace pleasantly. Percy shook his head. "It is quite fascinating. It can take hours to serve a single cup of tea. It is bitter tea that one does not add any cream or sugar to. It is not in the ceremony itself, but people enjoying one another's company. Tea is meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, Percy. It is one of the few illusions of civility I am willing to maintain."
"Yes, civility in a uncivil world, Milord," said Percy in a soft voice as he took a sip of the tea.
"What do you think of it, Percy?" asked Lord Wallace.
"It is very good. It reminds me of the blend I used to drink with my mother, Milord," replied Percy. It was true. His mother would blend different kinds of loose tea leaves to produce something very similar to the tea he was currently having. The aroma reminded Percy very strongly of his mother.
An odd look came over Lord Wallace's dignified features. They seemed to soften. He looked as if he was in another place. Perhaps even another time, but Lord Wallace came back to the moment almost instantly. "Yes, your mother," he murmured as he took a glance at Percy.
"What about my mother, Milord?" asked Percy.
"Nothing. I know the family that you come from, Percy. It must be difficult going into the Order of the Phoenix like that," answered Lord Wallace. "There is no need for you to be so alarmed."
Percy was suddenly bothered by what he had said earlier, "Milord, you said that you had wanted to meet me for a long time. Why is that?"
"You are so young. I wondered why the fire would elect you to be a member," replied Lord Wallace. "After learning more information about you, I found you rather intriguing. I have watched your progress."
"I have only gone on two actual mission, Milord. Both of them are long term missions," said Percy calmly.
"Yes, I know. You have done very well in both," said Lord Wallace. Despite the tone of his voice, Percy took it as high praise. Lord Wallace did not sound like Fudge at all. No, his praise was worth so much more than the Minister's.
"Thank you, Milord," said Percy with a smile. Lord Wallace stared at him for a moment as if he was trying to memorize Percy's features. It did not make Percy uncomfortable at all.
"There is a new mission I would like you to go on. It should not take too much time," said Lord Wallace.
Percy was intrigued because Sidney was usually the one who assigned him missions. "Yes, Milord?" he prompted.
"The fire has selected a new recruit. It seems that the recruits are getting younger and younger. This particular recruit lives in New York City. His name is Jason Rory Quinn. He is only sixteen years of age, but he is a wizard. He is currently attending the wizarding school in New York," said Lord Wallace. "Your mission is to recruit Mr. Quinn."
"Milord, I am afraid that my presence in the Ministry of Magic is required. Or at least, the Minister thinks so. There is the other mission as well," said Percy in a steady voice.
"The recruitment mission should not take more than the weekend to complete," said Lord Wallace. "As for the meeting for the Order, let me take care of that."
Percy did not bother to ask just how far reaching Lord Wallace's influence was. He did not doubt that Lord Wallace and Professor Dumbledore knew each other. Percy would have to trust Lord Wallace. He had to focus on his new mission. "I do have another question, Milord," he said in a quiet voice. Lord Wallace nodded as he took a sip of tea. "Why me? Might I suggest that you send Asmodeus for the task? He's better suited for it. He was my recruitment officer."
"The new recruit is rather young. Mr. Quinn's record is not exactly the most sterling of records. His father was an agent in the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation, while his mother was a member of the Agency for Magical Law Enforcement. Both his parents were killed on different missions, his father was investigating an attack that happened in New York that killed many Muggles as well as wizards. His mother died when she was on a routine mission, but rumor has it that she was gathering intelligence on the Death Eaters."
"Young Mr. Quinn was sent to live with his relatives after his mother's death, but he decided to attend a boarding school on his own. It is very much like Hogwarts. I felt that you could relate to him better than Asmodeus. The boy is extremely talented. He is a hacker, one who can break into computer systems like our network, and he is a Metamorphmagus."
Percy nodded. He understood why Veritas would need someone like Jason Quinn. He was young, but it with a war on the horizon it could not be helped. It would take a year to train him, but by that time he would be old enough to go on field missions. "I understand, Milord," agreed Percy.
"You will receive the information you need," said Lord Wallace. "I know that you will succeed. Now that business is out of the way, would you like another cup of tea, Percy?" His tone was very pleasant.
"Thank you, Milord," said Percy as Lord Wallace poured him a cup. The man was really an enigma. Percy was not sure if he wanted to learn more about him, but there was something in Lord Wallace's manner that was familiar to Percy. Percy could not explain it. Maybe, he was imagining the twinge of fondness he was getting from Lord Wallace. As far as Sidney and Dennis have said, Lord Wallace did not show a preference for anyone.
"I make a point to know more about each of my employees," said Lord Wallace. "Tell me a bit more about yourself, beyond what I have read in your dossier."
"There is not much to say about me, Milord, that is not already in my dossier," said Percy. "Everything is in there." He had seen his dossier himself. Every accomplishment, every accolade was listed for any Veritas member's viewing.
"Not everything in one's dossier, Percy. Tell me about yourself. Tell me about your family," said Lord Wallace patiently.
Family. He wanted to know about Percy's family. True enough, the dossier did not do justice in describing his family. Percy avoided thinking about them on a more emotional level because of the work he was doing. He was deceiving and betraying them. He did not want to discuss them unless it was necessary. Unfortunately with Lord Wallace, it was necessary.
"You come from one of the oldest pureblood families in all of England," prompted Lord Wallace. "As do I. You are one of the few purebloods on my staff."
"Yes, Milord," said Percy. He should have known better. Lord Wallace was only interested in learning because of his bloodlines. He was not ashamed of them; he just did not want to be judged by them.
"A truly noble family indeed," said Lord Wallace thoughtfully. "Although, your mother comes from a more noble family than your father's."
Percy looked up rather surprised. "My father's family is a fine one, Milord," he said, unable to stop himself. Lord Wallace laughed good naturedly at his words. Percy opened his mouth, but closed it again. "My apologies, Milord. I was out of line."
"Young people are so amusing," chuckled Lord Wallace. "You did nothing wrong. So many people are afraid of stepping on my toes. I find this conversation most refreshing." His blue eyes were sparkling with a life that Lord Wallace had thought long extinguished.
Percy was taken back by Lord Wallace's reaction. What other word in Percy's vocabulary did he have to explain this man other than enigma? Lord Wallace was as eccentric as Professor Dumbledore. There was wisdom in their madness. Percy was not so sure if he wanted to find more.
"Other than your parents, you have quite a few siblings," said Lord Wallace.
"Yes, Milord," said Percy. "I have two older brothers, three younger brothers, and a younger sister." He smiled slightly as he thought of them.
"Family is very important, Percy," went on Lord Wallace, his voice slightly rough with an unreadable emotion. Percy thought it was pretty odd for him to say that considering how most of the Veritas had to give up their families for their work. As cruel as it was, Percy could not imagine Lord Wallace having a family. Lord Wallace was too cold and calculating for that.
Oddly enough, Percy could feel a certain amount of kinship with Lord Wallace. They were very much alike. The feeling of familiarity was also a little disarming for Percy. The man acted like he knew Percy rather well. It gave Percy some discomfort. It was not like Sidney or Dennis knowing him, but rather Lord Wallace acted as if he had known him long before the Veritas. That was, however, quite inconceivable. Percy had never met Lord Wallace until that day. Yet, Lord Wallace acted as if he had known Percy his entire life. Very odd indeed.
"Do you have any family, Milord?" asked Percy bravely.
The expression on Lord Wallace's face had undergone a few changes in emotion. At first, his expression had softened for less than a moment before going into a pained one, and finally settling back into a neutral one. His eyes told Percy nothing. "Everyone has a family, Percy. Whether or not they chose to acknowledge it or not. We are what we are, Percy," replied Lord Wallace cryptically. Percy did not understand the last thing he had said, but decided to leave it at that.
Lord Wallace put his hand on the silver lion that adorned the top of his cane. It was an unconscious signal that he made when he wanted to indicate he was ready to leave. "This has been a very enlightening afternoon, Percy. I hope that we can do this again soon," he said as he rose to his feet.
A bit startled, Percy rose to his feet as well. "Thank you for meeting with me, Lord Wallace," he said as he bowed.
Lord Wallace held up his free hand as he shook his head. "That is not necessary. I dislike such things," he said in a rather stern voice. "And before you can apologize, it is unnecessary. I do not require such things from you. Good day to you, Percy. Mr. Weasley."
Blinking in stunned surprise, Percy waited until Lord Wallace was gone before leaving the teahouse. He quietly shut the door behind him as he left, feeling more puzzled than ever.
There was no time for Percy to linger on his thoughts because he had asked to attend dinner at the Burrow that evening. He had said it as a way to pacify his father. Percy decided that he did want to go dinner after all. He felt as if he needed some familiar surroundings to ease the stranger, vexing feelings that were churning inside him. At the moment, Percy did not want to try and figure them out. He just wanted to be around people he knew. Furthermore, the talk about family was enough to make Percy long for his own. He would never admit that to himself.
Percy Apparated into the warm kitchen of the Burrow to find that his father had not arrived yet. Bill and Charlie were also still at work, but Fred and George nearly fell out of their chairs in surprise when Percy Apparated between them. He rather enjoyed the shocked looks on their faces.
"Don't do that!" exclaimed Fred.
"What are you doing here?" demanded George.
"I decided to come for dinner," replied Percy mildly.
"Shouldn't you be at work?" asked Fred suspiciously. They were doing some bookkeeping on kitchen table. It was only five in the afternoon. Dinner was not until six. "Did you get fired? You know we could use more staff at our place. Besides, you like doing stuff with numbers."
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I was not fired. I had an appointment at the Healer's," said Percy.
"Again? Didn't you have an appointment just a couple of weeks ago?" asked George. "Are you sure there's nothing wrong with you?"
"Are you trying to have a sense of humor implanted?" said Fred. "Because you don't have to go to the Healer's for that sort of thing…"
Percy was about to say something, but his mother had come in. "How are you boys getting along? Hermione said that she would correct your work as soon as you were done? Have a seat, Percy," she said, but suddenly seemed to notice him. "Percy! What are you doing here?"
"I told Father that I was dropping by for dinner," explained Percy. "I'm early because I had an appointment at the Healers—"
"Again? But, you said there was nothing wrong, Percy," interrupted Molly with a worried look on her face. She looked at him carefully before announcing, "You do look a little pale. Have you lost weight? Sit down." Percy obligingly sat down. "Your eyes look tired."
"Mother, I'm fine—"
"Have you been sleeping at all? Surely, the Minister would give you more time off, if you asked. What did you do on your vacation? You didn't to anything relaxing at all, did you, Percy? Maybe, you should rest here…" Percy stopped her by putting his hand on top of hers. Molly gazed at him. He stood up.
"I am going to go see what Ron and Ginny are up," he said quietly. He walked out of the room before his mother could ask anymore questions. Ginny was sitting on the sofa watching Harry and Ron play chess. Hermione was reading Harry's Defense Against the Dark Arts books. They were not expecting him. "Percy," exclaimed Ginny as she stood up and to greet him. "What are you doing here?"
"Just waiting for dinner. I had an appointment today, so I got off early," answered Percy. He took a seat on one of the chairs. "Getting ready for the next term already, Hermione?"
Hermione looked up from her book. She nodded, "Yes, well, it's never too early." Percy could sense the eyes of Ron, Harry, and Ginny flickering. He knew about Dumbledore's Army. He knew that they did not want him to know about it. "Yes, it's never too early to get a jump start on the N.E.W.T.s."
"You're kidding right?" asked Ron exasperatedly. "We just had the O.W.L.s, Percy."
"I know," said Percy. "And Ginny, you'll be taking them this coming school year." Ginny looked at him with her nose scrunched up. "Don't worry too much about it. You don't have to aim so high. Just beat Fred's and George's scores, and you're home free."
"I heard that!" exclaimed Fred indignantly as he entered the living room. "Hermione, do you mind taking a look at our math?"
"Sure, no problem," said Hermione as she took one of the books. "How did you do this?"
"We did it separately, but our numbers didn't agree," said George with his own set of books in his hand.
"Give them to me," said Hermione. George handed them to her. "I'll see what I can do."
"What have you guys been up to?" asked Fred. "By the way, Percy good job in the kitchen getting Mum all worked up again."
"What did he do?" demanded Ron.
"He let it slip that he had another appointment at the Healer's," answered George. "So, what's up with you, Perce?"
"Don't say nothing again. No one should be having that many meetings with the Healers," added Fred.
Percy sighed as he looked at them over his glasses. "There is nothing wrong with me. They had do some blood work that's all."
"Blood work?" echoed Ron. Even Hermione was looking Percy. Harry had started when Ron stopped paying attention to the game.
"Nothing major. The Healer just said that there was something that needed to be tested," said Percy shrugging. He was careful not to say the letters DNA. He was positive that Hermione knew what that meant, and that Harry probably had a vague idea of what DNA was. "You never really cared before, Fred. George. Just leave it alone."
"What do you mean just leave it alone?" demanded Fred. "Mum and Dad are upset. And you're saying that it's nothing?!"
"It is my business. I don't have to give an answer or an explanation," said Percy coolly. He wanted to take off his glasses because they felt restrictive. The twins were hovering over him, demanding answers. He looked at them coldly, silently daring them to say something.
"You're right. It's your business," said George as he turned away. Fred looked at George. "Wait, George."
"Let him handle it," said George with a shrug. "We shouldn't waste any time on him, Fred."
The twins went to their room. Percy waited until they were gone. "Hermione hand me one of their books," he said.
"Why?" asked Hermione.
"Because it's going to take you a while to do them. I'm sure our numbers will match up," offered Percy. Hermione handed him the book. He picked up a quill and started to correct Fred's work.
The twins' business was very successful for a first quarter. It came as a mild surprise to Percy. Part of the books listed which merchandise sold the best. Most of the names Percy did not recognized, but he decided it was better not to ask. He really did not want to know what some of it was. The only thing that mattered were the numbers. He finished several minutes earlier than Hermione.
"Are you sure that there's nothing wrong with you, Percy?" asked Ginny quietly, when she noticed that he was done. He could tell that she was trying not to agitate him.
"Everything is fine, Ginny. If there was, I would have said so already," replied Percy.
The rest of the time Percy was observing Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny. Ron and Harry played three games. Ron won two, while Harry barely won one. Ginny was now looking through Harry's Defense Against the Dark Arts books, while Hermione had finished correcting the books. She had compared them with Percy's work and found the work was identical.
"Done," announced Hermione.
Arthur, Bill and Charlie arrived at that moment. Percy could hear them talking in the kitchen. At first, he could hear them greeting each other, but soon enough their voices were muffled. It was not a surprise. Percy easily deduced that they were discussing him. They were not doing a good job of hiding what they were doing. He waited for them to come into the living room.
Bill was the first one to enter, followed closely behind by their father and Charlie. Before Bill could ask, Percy answered, "I'm fine."
Charlie's mouth was agape for a second before he shut it. He and Bill looked at their father. "What did the Healer say exactly?" asked Arthur gently.
"Nothing much. Just some blood tests had to be run that's all. There was nothing," said Percy. "Just a bit of a mix up, I think."
Apparently, it was enough for for Arthur because he smiled a little. "Oh, is that all? Why didn't you just tell your mother that? You have her all worked up," he said.
"I haven't had a physical in a while, Father. That's why I went to the Healer's," explained Percy. "Besides, I was getting some headaches when I was at work. The Healer told me to take it easier. He was right. All I needed was that week off really."
Only Arthur could understand the stress that Percy was under. He knew that the Minister of Magic was overworking his staff. Arthur knew that Fudge was relying more and more on his staff. Percy was probably getting the brunt of it. He could imagine how difficult it was for Percy to work for a man he did not have any respect for.
"It's time to get ready for dinner. Bill. Charlie. Percy. Would you mind setting up the tables?" asked Mrs. Weasley. "Ron, go and get Fred and George. I need them to set the table."
"Do you need any help, Mrs. Weasley?" asked Hermione.
"No, dear, that's not necessary," replied Mrs. Weasley. She returned to the kitchen. Ron and Harry went up to get the twins, while Bill, Charlie, and Percy went outside to set up the tables. Ginny and Hermione followed them to the backyard.
Bill and Charlie started their usual table battle as soon as they were in the backyard. Percy watched them with Hermione and Ginny. Ginny was giggling at the sight. Hermione had a small smile on the face, while Percy looked at the scene impassively.
"GO FOR IT BILL!" shouted one of the twins.
"NO! GO CHARLIE!" cheered the other twin.
Another fifteen minutes passed before dinner began. Everyone gathered around the two picnic tables. Percy took his usual seat next to their father. He did not want to discuss Ministry business, so he listened to other conversations around the table.
The conversations were filled with carefree discussions about the Gryffindor Quidditch team, dragons, and other things. Percy was an outsider to all these things; even Harry and Hermione joined in without any trouble. Percy was constantly alert, looking and hearing for any new information.
"Percy? Are you paying any attention?" asked Charlie, snapping Percy out of his train of thought.
"What, Charlie?" he said, not knowing what they were talking about. He blinked in surprise.
"No, I wasn't," admitted Percy. "What did you just say?"
"I was talking," said Arthur. "I was wondering where you moved to. You don't live at that flat in Diagon Alley anymore, do you?"
Percy was not about to announce that he was currently living in a Muggle neighborhood. His father had no idea that he had visited Percy's neighborhood. Percy never submitted his forwarding address to the Ministry. "I don't, Father," he replied.
"The owl that you sent after your appointment before last wasn't Hermes," said Molly. She would have known; she was the one who picked Hermes.
"I was in Diagon Alley picking up my robes, so I decided to send it along with one of those owls. Besides, Hermes stays at the Ministry's Owlery because I usually use him there," explained Percy. "I live in a nice neighborhood. It's in London. I haven't got any flatmates."
Bill thought it sounded strange. Percy usually bragged about things, but these days he was a man of few words. Every once in a while, Bill could swear that Percy was annoyed with him about something. "What about the girl you're seeing? Or is that none of our business, too?" asked Bill jovially.
"She works in London. She's an expert in string instruments," said Percy, remembering that Sidney played. "She doesn't perform that often."
"Doesn't sound like a witch, does she?" asked Charlie musingly.
"She's Muggle born," replied Percy. "She's not English, but she was raised in England." None of the things he was saying were lies, per se, because he was really seeing Sidney from time to time. He was sure that she did not mind. "She is a witch, but she works with Muggles. Like I said, she's a musician. Most of the audience attending her concerts are Muggles."
"So, she probably went to Hogwarts?" quipped Fred, immediately picking up on Percy's mention of England.
"I'll leave you to figure that out. Her parents weren't from England. You can't just assume that," said Percy. He was having fun with this question and answer game. He wondered if Bill or Charlie had figured out who he was talking about, but he doubted it.
"You should invite her sometime," said Mrs. Weasley thoughtfully. "I would like to meet her."
"Perhaps," said Percy noncommittally.
The evening waned. Percy left right after Bill and Charlie. He helped his mother more with the clean up; she said it was not necessary, but he insisted. His father was in the living room with the others. When Percy was done helping his mother, he kissed on the cheek goodbye.
"I have to really get going. I promised that I would go in early tomorrow, Mother," said Percy.
Molly looked a little surprise as if she had not expected him to leave. She had no idea why she was like this with him and not the others. "Yes, you take it easy at work," said Molly as she kissed him on the cheek. "Go and say good night to your father before leaving, dear." He nodded.
He wandered his way over the living room. "Dad, I've got to go now. I said that I'd be early tomorrow," he said.
"I'll see you at work then," said Arthur, raising to his feet. "Good night, Percy."
"Good night, Father," said Percy as he Disapparated from the Burrow.
Written by kirikarin
Beta Read by IvyDragon
AN: That's it for this chapter. Yet more information for you to keep up with. Lord Wallace is an enigma. A cool enigma. The next two chapters will close this first part of the story before the rest of the story comes into fruition. Jason Quinn will be introduced in the next chapter. He's going to be a lot of fun to write.
Anyway, I did very well this term but at the sacrifice of the people who actually might keep up with this story. There are lots more chapters after this and three arcs have been planned. I am currently working on the last arc of the story. I doubt that anyone actually pays attention to this story, but I intend to finish this.
kirikarin.livejournal.com
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.