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CHAPTER 4Percy didn't want to go to lunch. Truth was he didn't want to see Hermione again, at least not for a while. Not after what had happened. He would also have been lying if he said he was looking forward to the trip to Diagon Alley after lunch. Everyone was going. He wished he didn't have to go at all. In fact he wouldn't have gone if it wasn't for the supplies he still had to buy for the upcoming year. Of course Fred and George wouldn't be with them long since they had to work, and he supposed that Harry, Ron, Hermione and maybe Ginny would go off by themselves to get their school supplies and to gawk at the latest model broomstick at 'Quality Quidditch Supplies' and he knew that his mother just couldn't wait to get hold of the newest in expert cook books, though Percy couldn't believe that she needed any help in that department.
Percy entered the kitchen, not dreading the trip to Diagon Alley nearly as much when he realised he wouldn't have to spend much time with the others at all, and at the sight of what Mrs. Weasley had prepared for lunch his mood improved even more. A large roast beef sat carved in the centre of the table, surrounded by roast potatoes, and every kind of roast vegetable imaginable and he was sure that there was a hint of the unmistakable smell of pudding and apple pie in the air.
Sitting down at the kitchen table thoughts of the incident with Hermione were pushed from his mind. Nothing could dampen his mood not even the fact that he was seated next to Hermione. Sure that was a bit awkward, but all in all even that was pleasant. The smell of her perfume bombarded his senses, her hand brushing against his as they both reached for the carrots, and her smile as he served her a piece of apple pie with custard and ice-cream. Mostly they both acted as if the kiss had never happened, both acted as if it was no big deal, but for Percy it was, especially after the previous night's dream.
The last piece of chocolate pudding was eaten, the apple pie had long since disappeared, the dishes had been cleared away. Percy had the distinct feeling though that something between him and Hermione had changed, sure they were acting like nothing happened, but there was a stiffness in the way Hermione acted around him that he'd never seen before. He knew it was stupid but he felt like Hermione had just broken up with him. Of course it was ridiculous because they had never been 'together' to start with. He'd kissed her once and he was the first to admit that it had been a mistake, it wasn't something he regretted, but it was a mistake none the less.
Percy grabbed the list he'd written of all the things he had to buy before heading down to the lounge room where he found everyone else waiting for him. One by one the group took a pinch of floo powder and disappeared through the fire. Eventually only Percy, Hermione and Mrs. Weasley were left in the lounge room at the Burrow. Percy threw a pinch of Floo Powder into the fire, stepped in after it, stated his destination and one bumpy ride later he found himself in Diagon Alley.
Fred and George were gone their newest stocks in tow as soon as Mrs. Weasley arrived, she glared at their retreating backs, she had finally but very unwillingly accepted the twins venture when she saw how popular their products were. Weasley's Wizard Wheezes was booming, there were always at least twenty young Hogwarts inside searching for a means to seek revenge on someone or another, or searching for a way to get out of class, or just for your average practical joke.
Mrs. Weasley headed off to Flourish and Blotts, in search of some helpful books for the average housewitch. Harry and Ron were off to gawk in the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies at the latest model Firebolt, while Hermione and Ginny were picking out some new dress robes.
Percy headed off to a small shop that specialised in cauldrons, he needed a new one since he'd melted the bottom out of his a few months back.
"Morning, Master Weasley, what can I do for you today?" the shop was empty, almost deserted "Can I interest you in 1 of our latest arrivals self stirring gold plated cauldron, one of a kind"
"No, Mr. Polser you may not, I have simply come into pick up the cauldron I ordered in, along with those books and potion ingredients" Percy hated the shop, it was dark and eerie, it gave him a shiver every time he had to go in there, but it was the best for cauldrons.
"Ah, ah, yes, I'll just get them for you" Percy fidgeted, glancing around the dark dingy shop as he waited for Mr. Polser.
Eventually Mr. Polser reappeared with Percy's equipment "Thankyou, Mr. Polser" Percy paid for his purchases as quickly as he could and left, he didn't want to stay there any longer than he had to.
After a trip to Madam Malkin's for a set of new robes he found himself in a small shop that sold all kinds of odd and ends. He headed straight for the section full of books where he hoped to find a book about the werewolf hunt of 1688.
Twenty minutes later Percy had what he was looking for and with his purchases in tow he went in search of some new quills and a yearly planner. Half an hour after that he was heading back to the Leaky Cauldron to meet the others. Walking past Quality Quidditch Supplies he gave Harry and Ron a hurry along when he found them right in the throng of the crowd around the window, he suspected they'd been there for the majority of the hour.
Walking past Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions, Percy could see his sister staring intently at a sparkling orange dress. He was sure she would look stunning in it. That was when he saw her. The dress shimmered as if it was covered with small diamonds. It was royal blue and reminded Percy of the night sky, it flowed beautifully and fitted Hermione perfectly. It took a great deal of self control for Percy to turn away.
He scolded himself the rest of the way to the Leaky Cauldron. He'd almost been caught, by Harry and Ron, no less, gawking through the window of Madam Malkin's at Hermione. It wasn't like he was in love with Hermione or anything, he'd just never seen her look quite so stunning, yeah that was it. he was just surprised, he wasn't attracted to Hermione in the least. He couldn't be. To Percy Hermione was just his little brother's best friend. Right?
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Twenty minutes later the last of their group had arrived in the Leaky Cauldron. They sat in a dark musty corner, surrounded by books, robes, quills, a cauldron and a few potions supplies. They sipped their butterbeer and Percy let the conversation of school, future and graduation wash over him.
Percy let his gaze wander from the shifty looking wizard sitting at the bar to the Hogwarts students coming in and out. He was sure he recognized a few and there were even a couple of people he was sure had been in his year. Then he saw a boy he couldn't forget.
Neville hadn't seen them yet, and Percy was almost glad. Neville Longbottom was one of the most useless, accident prone wizard's Percy had ever met. But Neville was a Gryffindor in the same year as Hermione, Ron and Harry, and apart from being so hopeless Neville really was a nice guy and his heart was in the right place.
Percy poked Hermione in the side and gestured towards Neville. Hermione looked up and smiled a little as she spotted him "Oi, Neville" the nervous teenager almost hit the roof before he realised who it was.
"Oh, it's you Hermione" Neville blushed as he made his way towards the booth. Hermione smiled warmly at him, nodding her head as a hello, and Neville blushed more profusely, before knocking over his chair when he tried to sit down.
"So Neville, we've just been talking about our future. What do you wanna do when this year's over?" Ron had asked the question, but even as he gave the answer Neville's gaze didn't once waver from Hermione.
"Well, I really want to be an auror like my parents, but I'm not much good at anything, so I think maybe I'll do something to do with herbology, it's my best subject you know"
"I think that's a great idea, Neville, you should go for it" Hermione smiled at him and Neville blushed even more and stared down at his butterbeer.
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville chatted (with Percy and Ginny's occasional opinions) about school, graduation, homework, exams and of course teachers. They all wanted to know who the new potions teacher would be, since Professor Snape had finally managed to get the job he'd always wanted as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. There was also much discussion about Professor Binns and History of Magic lessons. It was rumoured that he'd been sent to some sort of Ghost Home, a kind of mental institute, apparently he'd gotten a bit of a shock when he realised that he was in fact dead. "It's about time too" Ron said "I mean honestly, you'd think he would've have noticed that he wasn't BREATHING"
It wasn't until old Mrs. Longbottom, Neville's gran turned up looking for him, that they any of them realised how long they'd been talking. She seemed to appear out of thin air. Mrs. Longbottom was seething with anger, it was like nothing any of them had ever seen before. With her hair emitting red sparks and smoke pouring from her ears, it looked as though she'd overdosed on pepper up potion. Neville was already hiding under the table, and Percy was quite tempted to join him, Mrs. Longbottom made Professor Snape look like a fluffy bunny rabbit in a muggle magic show.
"Neville Longbottom, you get over here right now young man or I shall have to cut your allowance for a month." Despite looking terrified Neville scooted towards his gran, who dragged him off immediately yelling about him being an hour late for something or other.
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One evening as the end of the summer drew near found the Weasley children and their guests playing Quidditch. Well, practising Quidditch. Percy however had opted out of the little game, favouring a little research for his newest post. Pulling out a thick leather bound book from his bookshelf, he grabbed a new roll of parchment, a quill and some ink and headed downstairs. It would be quieter down there he decided, the potion bubbling in the corner of his room, was rather distracting, so were the constant yells, he could hear coming from outside.
The stairs creaked under his weight, as Percy marvelled at the silence surrounding him and how nice it was to just walk down the stairs without being knocked over, or bashed into, or even teased. It was nice. Before he knew it he'd reached the bottom of the stairs, he barely remembered even beginning the journey.
Percy's breath hitched in his throat as he took in the sight before him. Hermione was sitting curled up in the oldest most moth eaten chair in the living room, wearing a pair of track pants and a sweater, a large thick official looking book resting on her knees. It seemed she'd discovered Percy's favourite chair. She hadn't noticed him yet, and he hadn't said anything. Percy couldn't help it he had to stare.
She wriggled a little, to get into a more comfortable position and then turned the page, and that was enough to break Percy out of his spell. He shook his head, trying to shake images of Hermione, and took a few steps across the room.
"What you reading?" he asked. Startling Hermione from her book.
"Oh, hey, Percy. Just something I picked up in Diagon Alley about the Ministry."
Percy smiled. "Is that what you want to do after Hogwarts?" he asked coming around behind her chair.
Hermione nodded and turned her head slightly. "Yeah, one day I want to be the first ever female minister for magic." She stated excitedly, Percy's grin grew. "I've never told anyone that before" she said a hint of sadness in her voice.
"You know someday you'll be a great minister for magic, that's if I don't beat you to it" Hermione laughed. Percy leaned closer, to whisper in her ear. "You remind me so much of myself" he said quietly, his breath warm on her neck, and her hair tickling his cheek. Not knowing what to say, Hermione turned further towards Percy, and smiled.
Her eyes caught his, and Percy's breath caught in his throat again, he couldn't breath, and he was sure she could hear his heart beat, her mouth was so close to his, and he could feel her breath on his face. He wanted so desperately to kiss her, but didn't know how she would react. He wanted so desperately to reach out a hand and touch her face, but he didn't dare. He couldn't be sure, but he thought she seemed closer to him than before. He was sure that there had been an inch more space between them before. He let his own body move forward a little, and he saw Hermione's eyes close, he could almost feel her lips against his.
Just as Hermione's lips pressed gently against Percy's, a loud humming began. Percy jumped back immediately; his cheeks turn a deep shade of red while Hermione tried to wipe the surprised look from her face. It became immediately obvious where the humming was coming from as Mrs. Weasley strolled into the room, the laundry levitating in front of her. It was a few seconds before she noticed Percy and Hermione.
"I didn't know you two were still inside, I thought you were out playing Quidditch with others" Mrs Weasley said cheerfully not even noticing the tension in the room.
"I thought I'd get a bit of reading done" Hermione said
"I want to do a bit of research on some stuff"
"Oh well then, I better get this washing folded and put away" Mrs Weasley continued through the living room and up the stairs, toward the bedrooms.
Percy and Hermione were left alone, but neither of them knew exactly what to say. So neither of them said anything. However the longer they were silent, the more the tension between them grew. Percy searched his mind desperately for something to say. Anything.
"Did you get your badge back?" he asked lamely.
"Oh… What?" Hermione asked seemingly disoriented.
"You head girl badge, the twins stole it this morning, remember?"
"Oh yes, I did get it back" Hermione looked down at her hands, fiddling with the corner of her book, wondering what to say now.
"Did they do anything to it?" Hermione was thankful he at least seemed to know what to say.
Hermione thought about it for a moment, and realised that she honestly couldn't remember, she hadn't looked at it or thought about it since before they'd left for Diagon Alley. She fished around in her pocket for a moment, pulling out her badge, looking at it, she realised for the first time, that it was no longer silver but a horrible vomit like colour and read SPEW, instead of Head Girl. She wondered if people would ever stop mocking her about the organization she had started in her fourth year. She doubted it. Not while the Weasley's were still around.
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"Fred and George Weasley, you get out here right now" Percy yelled at the closed bedroom door
"One minute" came the answer.
"NO, not one minute, right now"
"Ok, Ok" the two emerged through the door, careful not to open it too far.
As the twins stood before Percy and Hermione the anger on Percy's face much surpassed the anger on Hermione's. "What did you do to Hermione's badge" he yelled.
"Cool it Perce, we were just having a bit of fun"
"I don't care, whatever you did reverse it right this second or I'll tell mum"
"Ease up Perce"
"I will not ease up, until you reverse whatever spell you put on that badge"
"Wow, looks like poor little Hermione can't even do her own dirty work, she sent her little boyfriend to do it for her"
"Oooh, just you wait, George Weasley, I'm gonna get you for that comment, she is not and never will be my girlfriend" but even as he said it some doubt was aroused in his mind. Especially after what had almost happened in the living room earlier.
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A.N: Well that's the end of the chapter folks, so now press that nice button, and review. Pretty please. And I promise the next chapter will be here sooner. And I'm sorry again for this one taking so long.