A huge thank you for the intense beta by arcanefairy, aka Beta With A Whip. She advises readers to feel the Zen with Dave.

Chapter 8

Penny's kissing Adam.

Penny's kissing Adam and I've fallen down stairs.

Percy remained frozen on the floor, watching as Penelope and Adam moved together in foreign motions that he tried to make sense of.

Intellectually, he was aware of everything that was occurring, even to an exact science; his mind picking out facts and placed them at the forefront of his thoughts to an almost-inhuman scrutiny. He was also aware he'd stopped breathing and blinking. He knew he was going to be late for his meeting with the headmaster. And he was especially conscious of the fact that he should have already crawled away from where he landed, to pretend that this entire incident never occurred.

But he couldn't help the panic that set in:

Oh Merlin, Penny's kissing Adam! He's holding her so tight, I… I need to find my books. I need to get up and out of here. WHY are they still kissing. I shouldn't be looking. I shouldn't be here. I've duties that are elsewhere – not here, not on the floor, watching THIS.

Duties. The headmaster. I'm late for the meeting.

Percy could hardly even hear his thoughts anymore, his heartbeat so loud the entire school should have heard its beating. An earthquake-like shaking that echoed off his body and onto the cold (oh-so cold and hard and solid) stone floor that he seemed to sink deeper into with each passing moment. Except that the moments weren't passing and all time had stopped, and he could almost count the number of times he's swallowed and blinked and--

No no! I must be quiet. They'll hear me! They'll know I'm here, watching them.

But Percy couldn't stop looking. Or ignore the familiar feelings of guilt and shame and humiliation that-- he knew, a part of him just knew – could be labeled as shock and detachment and fear. His pristine, perfect girlfriend, his sunshine and light and sweet-smelling Penelope, was now--

Faulted.

My meeting. Responsibilities. No time for this.

Percy finally turned his head away from the couple. His body was coated with sweat and yet he shivered from cold, trying desperately to stop his teeth from chattering lest he be heard.

Slowly he brought two fingers to his forehead and examined the warm, red liquid on his fingertips.

I'm bleeding.

Go. Now.

Percy rolled to his side and set his back almost painfully rigid as he forced his legs to bend, then rolling himself onto his knees until he made contact with the banister. He held back a cry from the tensions of the fall and the after shock, and suddenly he didn't care about being the stoic good boyfriend.

He scrambled to collect his books, not looking over his shoulder as he raced away.

Good-bye divine intervention. It'd been a fluke, he'd always suspected. A girl – an actual beautiful girl that wanted to be with him. Him! A young man that, as a boy, believed he'd never be privy to such beauty and security at any age-- and it was Check Mark, Weasley! Time to move on now, to the academic and the Ministry and the white picket fence and wee-redheads. Oh yes, it'd be all as the good Merlin intended him to live, and thankyouverymuch for playing the game of life cause – he's already won!

Percy's feet weren't fast enough – he fumbled down the corridor and three more flights of stairs before he realized he had somehow found his way to Dumbledore's office. He yelled out the password and the staircase was revealed, and he hurried up as fast as he could.

Because duty was his alone, involving things that truly mattered to him. Or that mattered to others. It's not dealing with Penelope or ignorant professors or stupid friends keeping stupid childish secrets--

Percy stopped walking, pausing in front of Dumbledore's office door.

Heavy chains seemed to have formed around him as he'd walked, and now they weighed him down. He was tired and numb, he didn't want to care or think or feel or anything.

It was all too much, too soon. His girlfriend, his reputation and Oliver…

He backed up, steadying himself against a wall. Vaguely, he could see two shadowed figures in the frosted glass but he was too far-gone in shock to cry out for help as he collapsed to the floor.


Despite his somewhat impulsive nature, Oliver had always known Dave to be a good listener. And so he was this evening, as quiet and thoughtful, as Oliver knew he could be at times, listening carefully as he relayed his meeting with the faculty and current (marital) woes with Percy. "You're an arse."

"I'm a what?" Oliver blinked at him, surprised.

"ARSE, Oliver. You're an arse, and that was a shitty thing to do, keeping this whole mess from Percy." Dave's tone was quiet and sharp. "What were you thinking, anyways? You were with him almost the entire day!"

Oliver stood, glaring down at him. ""How was I suppose to tell him, Dave? 'Perce, I know you've a bit on your mind right now, with the assignment and your own duties but whatdoyaknow, turns out we're married, and…' "

"And what, Oliver?" Dave exploded, standing also. He held out his arms, palms up, and altogether looked very imposing to Oliver despite his modest 5'7" height. "Percy finding out tomorrow, that would make things better? Allowing him to wander around the school without giving him a heads-up, and-- Merlin! He's at Dumbledore's right now, we've got to tell him before he gets tied up in the lounge with--"

"No!" Oliver interrupted, grabbing his sleeve. "You can't tell him!"

"Are you going to tell him?"

"No!" Well, that makes sense, Wood.

Oliver backed up a few steps, biting the bottom of his lip. He knew he sounded childish, that Percy would have to be told the truth. But it still seemed too otherworldly to him.

A strange calm came over him. After all, is it really that much of a big deal?

"You're not telling Percy?" Dave's eyed him suspiciously.

Well… "No."

"And would you care to elaborate on why?"

Flinching under Dave's stare, Oliver began to pace. After a few steps, he began to hit the back of his hand in a sort of backwards clap. "It's complicated, Dave. Look, I told him we have to talk. But he's a lot on his mind right now and I don't think he could handle this news." The scene of his argument with Percy flashed forefront in his mind. He took a quiet breath through his mouth and let it out slowly, but continued pacing. "I just can't seem to make heads-or-tails of anything anymore."

That's an understatement.

"You're tired," Dave said simply, crossing his arms. "And you're stressed, I get that. But what you're doing, Ol, is barmy."

Oliver stopped and gave him a look, crossing his arms as well.

His lax stance propelled Dave into full gear. "Why wouldn't you tell Percy? Oliver, marriages in the wizarding world are serious. You're not an idiot! There are reasons why people don't go off and get married. And there are reasons why people don't get married at seventeen! What happens if Perce finds out first, eh? What happens if it's leaked before you've a chance to prepare him? Merlin! Oliver, if this is what you call friendship, then you can--"

"I can what?" Oliver spat back. "Then you're going to-- Oomph!"

What the--

Dave had lunged at him, wrapping his arms around Oliver's head and holding him down in a headlock. The newly healed bruises from his confrontation with the Slytherins began to ache again from the sudden movement.

Damn! "Get off me, Sharp. I've a game tomorrow!"

"Oliver, I swear to all things Merlin, I'll--"

Oliver kicked Dave's leg hard, sending the smaller man to the ground, clutching his leg and staring back at him in disbelief.

Oliver rolled his neck to release the tension before holding out a hand to Dave to help him up. He tried to match Dave's hard stare – trying at least, to put on his game face. But everything sounded a lot worse coming from Dave and he couldn't form an excuse for his past actions. Even he couldn't explain what he'd been thinking, keeping this secret from Percy. Except perhaps--

"I suppose I was expecting the situation to correct itself," he finally muttered, only just arriving at such a realization. He rolled his shoulders, hoping the tension wouldn't mount in his shoulders and contribute to the bruising he'd already put his body through today. "It always seems to work out with him, doesn't it?"

"Well, that's just brilliant reasoning on your part." Dave was holding the back of his neck, watching him with dark blue eyes.

Don't walk out of that door. Don't leave me to figure out things by myself.

The continued intensity of his stare was all Oliver needed to see the disappointment he'd produced in his normally jovial friend, and he remained silent, unsure of what he could say that would relieve Dave of the burden he shouldn't have mentioned in the first place.

Dave slowly shook his head and blinked his eyes at Oliver, sorting himself out of what appeared to be a deep reflection. He walked up to Oliver, this time placing his hands gently on his shoulders and squeezing tightly, as though in a reaffirmation of their friendship.

"I'll help you tell him. Now," he whispered, drawing Oliver into a quick hug.

A wave of gratitude passed over Oliver, and he found himself reaching for strength to remain standing, not to give into the weakness in his knees or the overwhelming sensation Dave's hug sent straight to his heart, feeling every burden unleashed with his confession and now this acceptance.

And perhaps with such a good friend as Dave, he'd understand that… Oliver stepped back, opening his mouth to say something but his breath only hitched.

"There's more," he finally whispered. "It's about Percy and myself. We-- I…" He passed a hand over his eyes wearily. Come on, Dave. Guess it all. Make everything easy for once.

"What about you and Perce?"

Breathe.

"I've been doing some thinking lately. About us. And I think…" Go on, you've gotten this far. "I think that our friendship is different now."

"Different? Because of the argument?"

"No, Dave," Oliver said with obvious patience. "Different because… Because I think our friendship has kind of turned… er-- evolved, into something more." He looked at the floor.

"Like what?" Dave asked, his blunt question causing Oliver to raise his head. Dave's face was twisted in confusion, and his hair was standing just as wild and crazy as Percy's did at times. As some point, he'd ripped open his robes and unraveled his tie.

It's not too late to take it all back.

"Oliver. Are you…" Dave broke through his thoughts but hesitated, appearing to sort through some internal conflict. Finally he managed, incredulously: "Do you have feelings for Percy?"

The Ravenclaw didn't wait for an answer, instead backing away and treading a small path in front of the bed. Before Oliver could open his mouth, he ordered, "Sit down and don't move! You're not leaving here until we deal with this!"

Oliver sat down on the edge of Percy's bed, leaning forward, his palms running up and down his thighs.

Dave threw him a look of disgust.


Percy was flattened against the cold stone, trying to focus his eyes on the headmaster's door. At some point his lenses seemed to change prescription, and the world appeared more bright and clear to him now. He was certain he could see every speck of dirt on the floor in front of him, every paint stroke that went awry on the walls, every nick in Dumbledore's door.

It's all very dizzying, really. He remained on the floor silent, trying to regain some composure before he chanced standing up. Mental composure, he thought, though he was growing increasingly aware of his physical ailments. His head was still pounding after finding Penelope and Adam together, though he thought that perhaps his fight with Oliver was also contributing. His bones ached from his falls, and his stomach growled in reminder of the missed meal.

Why did I even take Plum's class this term? I could have gotten out of it, I'm sure. Talk Dumbledore into some self-study nonsense that would – at least – be useful after graduation.

As he attempted to crawl his way to the door, voices drifted out at him. Voices that, he supposed, were present earlier but that he'd only just now had the sense of mind to hear them.

"Albus, don't you turn away from me. I've only just started with you!"

"Dear, watch your pressure! Albus, why aren't you answering us?"

The strained squeak of a dragging chair came to Percy, and now he focused all his attention on what was occurring behind the closed doorway.

"If you'll only hear me out, I'm certain we can--"

"What are you trying to prove? He's seventeen! He's a seventeen-year old boy. My son. Do you even remember being that age? Hell, were you ever that young?"

Dumbledore chuckled. "Of course, I--"

Glass shattered.

The headmaster!

Percy winced as yelling voices came together, making the conversation now inaudible to an eavesdropper. He knew he should draw himself back onto his feet, to break into that office and sort things out. But still raw with hurt and a growing rage over the afternoon's events, he couldn't bring himself to care.

"I already explained--"

"And I've already explained that you're not here to parent my child. Damn it!"

"Dear, why don't we go sit over--"

Objects (sounds like books) were being broken and tossed against a wall, shaking the floor.

"Well, aren't you going to do anything about this?"

"I want this fixed, Albus. You've no right to do this to him!"

"Molly, Arthur. Percy is coming into his own as a young man. He can take care of himself. It's nothing for you to worry yourself over, my friend. We're getting to the bottom of things."

Mom? Dad? Those voices… My parents are yelling at the headmaster? About me?

"Where's Plum? Why isn't he here, Albus?"

"Look, it's already known around the Ministry. How is he – How are they going to get through this when it becomes public tomorrow morning? Albus, I want to speak with Percy and Oliver now. They have to come up with some sort of plan. They have to know that this was a fluke of some kind, and that we're trying our best to set things right again."

Set things right? What's gone wrong? Percy remembered Plum's uncooperative attitude towards him in class. He fought the sudden nausea that came over him, anticipating what would be said next.

"Molly, just put down those books and come over here. Let's rationalize the situation. Since Plum alerted us yesterday, we've done everything in our power to ensure that the magical world has remained uninterrupted by this marriage. Percy and Oliver have a strong friendship, as any of our professors will tell you. They have been suitably paired in marriage, and we've been quite fortunate that this sort of mischief was confined to such well-adjusted young men."

Marriage? Percy leaned back on his elbows, staring at the door in disbelief.

Marriage? Oliver and… He can't mean that I'm… That we're…

"Don't give me that, Albus! I want them in here right now! I want to--"

"Molly, please! Listen to what I'm saying. Percy and Oliver will handle this situation fine. The matter to be concerned about here is how we react to their pairing. As long as their friendship – no, this bonding remains stable, there will be no affects on our world. But how do you think they would react if you were to speak to them now, in your state? The potential for disaster is much broader than any teasing by their peers."

Then… It's true? We are… Married?

"I'm not saying it won't be difficult for them," the headmaster continued. "But they'll adjust. No, our job is to ensure that they accept this change with as little damage to the bond."

"Low-key," a defeated Arthur's muffled voice came through the door.

"Low-key. That's why we chose to single out Oliver this morning, to tell Percy the news. He's known him longer than anyone at this school."

"How did he handle the news?"

"Oliver was… shocked, just as we all were. But as long as one of them remains calm and centered while the other is given this information, we should see no adverse affects."

"And he told Percy?"

A pause. "I think so. Yes."

No! No he didn't! Percy wanted to yell at the door.

He was… Married. There was something wrong with those charms yesterday. Somehow, Plum performed a real marriage bond on us. And now everyone's upset… He tried to recall some of the conversation he'd overheard. Because our bond wasn't approved. Because we're young and we're not in love, and such a bonding could seriously disrupt the other wizards.

And Oliver knew. All day, Oliver knew that we were married, and he never said a word to me. Percy's mind was trying to grapple at the flood of questions that came at him. Dumbledore couldn't have told him everything. He's been pushing me away all day instead of trying to tell me. If he knew what could go wrong with us, he would have told me immediately that we were…

Married. Can it be? The feeling of cold, bitter liquid filled Percy's heart. Oliver had known they were married since that morning, and chose to close himself off. He'd rather sacrifice our magic than be with me.

Percy rolled his neck. His clothing felt too tight but there was nothing left for him to loosen. He wanted me to find out tomorrow morning, with the rest of the students. Is he ashamed? Does he want to… mock me, in front of everyone?

He laid his chin on his chest, staring at the floor. In the muddle of the evening's events, Oliver had gone from being his best friend to his worst nemesis, even including Adam Jones.

His mind fought to maintain some semblance of composure, still working through the conversation.

Didn't Dumbledore say there's been no effect from the bonding so far? How can that be? We just had a huge fight that's been building all afternoon. Certainly something's off there.

"I'm… sorry. Truly I am, Albus. I didn't mean to--"

"That's nothing. I understand your frustration. Leave that mess right there, I'll get that cleaned up later on."

A heavy sigh. "We know that this matter has to be handled delicately, and that you're overseeing things here. The boys are taken care of."

"That they are, Arthur. Soon this will only be a memory." A throat cleared. "Lemon drop?"

Percy felt his hands grow heated, the sensation spreading up his arms and into his body, propelling him to stand. He was surprised to find he felt tall and energetic. He scowled at the headmaster's door. And in a quick gesture, tore his head boy's badge from his robe. He tossed the badge over his shoulders, walking down the staircase mindless of his aches.

He didn't look back.


In the Gryffindor dormitory, Oliver watched with detached disinterest as Dave tried his best to comprehend his recent confession. He sat on the bed as his friend paced, mumbling to himself and occasionally throwing scowls his way.

Go ahead, Dave. Give me all you can, I deserve it.

But Dave wasn't about to oblige his silent wishes, instead sitting down on the bed next to him and placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Percy's a great mate. You know I love him like a brother. Not that he needs another one."

There's a 'but' coming. He wouldn't look at Dave.

Dave continued in an uncharacteristically soft voice. "Percy has a gentleness to him that few people seem to understand. He's sensitive in nature, but he's also passionate. He's a great guy. It's not hard for me to understand why you… think you're feeling a certain way about him."

"But I don't--"

Dave's grip tightened. "Listen to me. You want to take care of him. And you've been placed in a role where you're given the opportunity to justify caring for him. He's--"

Oliver shrugged his shoulders, ridding himself of Dave's grip. He stood. "I know Percy can take care of himself."

"Really, Ol? And this little song and dance you've been doing since you found out about the news, what has that been? How about hiding those injuries from the Slytherin team, hmm? Treating him like a second-rate friend, rather than the guy you've roomed with for over six years?"

That's it, keep yelling. "It's not as black-and-white as that!"

"Oh, I do think things can be just that clear. In fact, I think your little crush might just be a mask. You want to be alone. Oliver, face it," Dave's was gesturing with his hands. "You've a crush that you can never be with. Heaven forbid the kingly Oliver Wood lowers himself to asking out the common man!"

"Now, just you hang--"

"This convenient crush also happens to be the man you know better than anyone else, that you see all the time. What better way to reinforce your pity trip? To have your unattainable guy sitting right in front of you, sleeping right beside you, all the time?"

Oliver spoke through clenched teeth, "I hardly see Perce that much when--"

"And, since you've a crush on this man – a man that, by the way, you're MARRIED to, that gives you the right to rule his life. To keep secrets from him when you see fit. Boyfriend of the Year, right here." Dave turned his head quickly, his face full of disgust.

Oliver watched him, trying to ignore the pieces of himself he felt shatter inside. He felt hollow and empty, as though the world didn't make sense to him anymore. And he wondered how it was that he could have ever felt so different at a time, when hope of a something seemed to balance out the bad. And now –

The scale dipped. Dave's right. How would things work themselves out? How could there be a possible future for their friendship after he's mucked everything up so badly? It was a perception he inherently knew would never change, and it was one that he didn't want to live through.

I am an arse. I deserve every wrong the world throws at me.

Dave walked over to the window, staring outside. "What the hell were the professors thinking, getting you to tell him? There's something not right about this whole business."

He turned quickly, catching Oliver's eye. "You're going to tell him. Now. Or I'm going to do it, and that won't go over well in my current temperament."

Oliver just looked at him, numbed.

Dave ran a stressed hand through his hair. "You have to let this idea go. Tell me, Ol. How many guys have you been with?"

Oliver felt his face heat up with a blush, and he turned his head away.

"Yeah, thought so," Dave muttered. He walked to Oliver, bringing a hand to his shoulder. "Did you ever think that maybe you're just lonely?"

Lonely? A wave of hurt came over Oliver. He was too emotionally drained to even consider arguing the question. And there was something familiar about that word. It was only an hour ago I asked Percy if he was lonely. His stomach sunk, remembering the argument that followed.

Oliver nodded at Dave. He's right. Let it go.

Dave matched his nod with a sad smile. "All right. We'll deal with this some other time, all right? Priorities first. We have to tell Percy. He'll be at the lounge by now. And you've a big game to get set for tomorrow. Get your books, all right?"

All right. Oliver tried to quell the tears that threatened to emerge as he grabbed a stack of schoolbooks and playbooks and other papers he didn't notice, tucking them under his arms. Buck up. Deal with this. Be strong. Follow Dave.

Get over this. And don't cry.

He started to walk out the door when Dave turned around, his face red. "Oliver? Man, I'm sorry. It's just… We can't fool around with this sort of thing."

His arms full of his own books, he managed an awkward crushing hug.

"I know," Oliver muffled into Dave's cloak. "I understand." He took a deep shaky breath, letting go to give him (what he'd hoped to be) a reassuringly smile. "Arse that I am."

Dave exhaled, his features dissolving into a wicked grin. "Got a couple Sickles on that game tomorrow, anyways." He gave Oliver's shoulder a light punch with his free hand before walking briskly past him.

The mood had lifted like a muggle light bulb turning off, Oliver reflected as he focused on Dave's disappearing form, racing behind him. They'd returned to boyhood as they ran down the corridor and towards the prefect's lounge. And then--

Dave will handle things.

Oliver focused on Dave's words, knowing that his advice was sound. It's for the best, he repeated.


Percy didn't remember the walk from Dumbledore's office to the Gryffindor dormitory. He was certain he didn't set out for his room, though he also knew there wasn't any other place he wanted to be. The only thing he was certain about was that he needed to keep moving, as though his feet could carry him faster than the time it would take his problems to find him.

Upon reaching the dormitory, he barely glanced around the room as he walked over to his chest, dumping his books inside. He slammed it with such force that it echoed throughout the dormitory, he was sure, but also gave him an ache in his shoulder. His stomach growled.

He sat roughly on his bed and folded his arms, reflecting on the days' events. I'm married. I'm married to Oliver Wood, who is so embarrassed at being involved with me that he doesn't want anything to do with me. That he'd rather everyone's magic suffer than be with me.

He rubbed his hands over his eyes. It just doesn't make any sense. Why would he keep everything from me? Why wouldn't he have--

Is that my… desk? Oh, good Merlin! Stunned, Percy remained on the bed, blinking through his fingers at the mess in the corner. That… That mess can't be mine!

What now? Wasn't today enough? That now I have to come back to my room and find my desk split in two? It wasn't some random prank, he knew, his eyes catching the desk items rearranged neatly on the parts that still stood.

It was Oliver.

And he knew way. He can't handle being with me. He doesn't want anything to do with me.

He drew his knees up to his chest and rested his forehead on them, feeling the tension that had gathered in his neck. Penelope and Adam forgotten, and his head boy's badge far removed from his thoughts, he focused only on the one person that he'd considered to be his closest friend. The one person whom, he thought, would have never wronged him.

Except for now.

He felt the rush of emotions ball up in his throw, and he finally allowed the tears to fall from his eyes.

I'm done.


"Where's Percy?"

Oliver heard Dave's question as he entered the lounge behind him, surveying the groups of prefects that had gathered in house clusters around the room. He remained in the doorway, watching as Dave drew their attention to his presence.

"Anyone know?" He questioned, looking at each person in the group, as though they were personally at fault for not knowing his whereabouts. It occurred to Oliver that Dave's height incurred no prejudice, and that he could be just as intimidating off the Quidditch field.

Penelope walked forward with Adam closely behind. Her hair was ruffled but her cheeks were flushed. "I haven't seen him," she said flatly, looking directly at Dave and (it appeared to him) avoiding Oliver's gaze. "You just missed Fred and George. They said they're going to try to find him."

Weary from the day's events, Oliver's still managed to bite his tongue and not give in to the urge to voice his thoughts. Why haven't you seen him? That's what he said about you – that you wouldn't give him the time of day. And why not? Can't you see that you've been hurting him?

Oliver tried to ignore the voice in his head that reminded him he was just as guilty as Penelope for not knowing where Percy was.

"You know Percy," she chuckled, looking over her shoulder at Adam and giving him a knowing smile. "Probably realized that he'd forgotten to dot an 'i' on his last essay scroll."

What's gotten into her? Oliver gripped his books tighter, shifting his gaze from Penelope to Adam and glaring. But he was met with a dead stare that seemed as though he were challenging Oliver to make a move.

Mr. Personality.

Just then, a sharp something poked him in the back and Oliver jumped.

"Shit!" He turned quickly to see a tired Karen, giving him a small smile.

"Sorry about that, Ol," she said sheepishly, holding up her pen. "I suppose we're crashing the prefects party tonight, eh?"

"Merlin" Penelope muttered under her breath, turning away from the group with Adam.

Karen's face flashed with a brief grimace, though she recovered quickly, looking back at Oliver and shrugging slightly. He tried to give her a reassuring smile but she broke away from his gaze, looking down at the floor and shifting her feet.

She's a lot on her mind too, he thought, remembering the day's events in Plum's class and the vial with the dark blue cloud. I can't leave all my problems on Dave. It's not fair for their relationship.

Dave had moved on to a group of Slytherin prefects, appearing (to Oliver) to be issuing patrolling chores for the evening.

Where's Percy?

Oliver noticed some pairs of prefects looking his way and, remembering he was still in the doorway (on their turf), he said to Karen, "Corner table?"

"Sounds good to me."

He led her to a small table, where they laid out their books and papers and seated themselves in comfortably, ready for a night that promised to call on their patience.

"Think they'll be here long?" Oliver asked.

Karen was staring at the table but looked up to answer. "Nah. Like Dave says, there's always someone eager to fill in for night patrolling around here, especially fifth years."

Oliver nodded, too drained to continue small talk. Where's Percy?

"You got along all right this morning?" Karen asked cautiously, her weary eyes now focused on Oliver. "When McGonagall called you out of class?"

Oliver took a deep breath and nodded slightly, giving her a curt smile. "Well, 'got along' is one way to put things. There's a bit of a story to things, but I think Dave'll fill you in later on." Don't-ask-don't-ask-don't-ask!

To his relief, she only nodded and looked away, watching as Dave held a clipboard and motioned to it with his wand. Some prefects had left the room, already sent on their rounds.

As Oliver watched, Penelope and Adam walked up to him. "You should probably wait for Percy to arrive before you finish delving out the evening's responsibilities. You know how he gets."

Oliver could hear Dave sigh heavily. "I'm almost through with things here."

"You?" Penny said, exchanging another smirk with Adam.

"I've done this before. It's not a problem, Pen" Dave said quietly. He looked across the room at Oliver and gave him a look, though his expression noticeably softened when he noticed Karen next to him.

And then Oliver realized that Karen had refocused her attention back on the table, her brow furrowed in deep concentration.

Something's wrong. It's worse than I thought.

And where's Percy? If I can straighten out what's wrong with us, then maybe we can help Dave and Karen.

Dave had turned away from Penny and Adam, now (apparently) refereeing a disagreement between two Hufflepuffs.

Oliver tapped his fingers on the desk, watching him. Percy lives for this stuff, why isn't he here?

To Be Continued