Here's Chapter Two - Beware, romance follows -
Thanks SOO much to all those who have reviewed. It really really makes a
difference!
You guys know it's all JK Rowlings.
Percy walked quickly through the woods in Regents Park. It was uncomfortable to be off the path, not to mention the fact that he was never very confident in muggle clothes, but he knew his apparition spot like the back of his hand. He knew the bench where he would find her. The sun was sinking quickly, casting an amber glow through the branches above, where tiny tree fairies were just beginning to emerge. Ahead he could see a burst of color as the sky reflected on the lake and he grabbed at a trunk to steady himself as he started down the steep slope toward the spot where small red boats were tied against the dock. His heart beat faster in anticipation. Soon, he would see her soon.
She was sitting on the bench drinking a muggle soda with those odd muggle music players in her ears. Honestly, his father would go mad for this girl.
He stopped to just look at her for a moment. The figure was almost too slender. The dark curls falling over her shoulders were controlled by a neat clasp. The nose was anything but a button. He held his breath as a smooth leg crossed and a narrow foot bounced in a gleaming white trainer. Oh God, Penny.
He slid next to her on the bench, stretching an arm behind her, but she put up a finger in warning, looking left and right before she removed the headphones and drew her wand from her purse.
"Repelio," she said calmly as she drew a circle around them.
"No muggles?" Percy grinned.
"No muggles," she replied as she leaned toward him.
"You do that quite well, Miss Clearwater."
"What is it I've always told you, Mr. Weasley?"
"Practice Makes Perfect," they both recited, lips moving in perfect unison before locking together.
It was like sinking into a warm bath and he was just enjoying the sensation of her fingers under the collar of his shirt when she broke away.
"Quiz time," she laughed against his lips.
"Ugh." Percy groaned. "Kiss first, talk later."
"Sorry, my friend, that isn't how it works," Penelope giggled. "Today's subject is muggle music. Listen, I've made you a tape."
"A what?" Percy asked stiffly.
"A tape. It's a way that muggles trap music so that they can hear it over and over again. But you have to have a muggle machine to make it work. Here, you put these over your ears." She placed the contraption over Percy's ears and pressed a button. Percy jumped.
"Not very comfortable is it?" Percy shouted as Penelope pointed out the off switch.
"You're yelling, dear." she smiled. "You get used to them pretty quickly. Now, here's your quiz," Penelope continued with a mock serious expression. "Name the muggle group who is playing."
Percy listened intently with a puzzled look on his face and then removed the headphones.
"I think it's the bug band."
Penelope rolled her eyes to the sky.
"Well, am I right?"
"The Beatles, boy, the Beatles. What country were you raised in?" She laughed and grabbed his face between her hands, which led to another round of heated kisses.
"Ah yes, the Beatles. I'll have to remember that," Percy muttered distractedly. "God, I've missed you."
"And I've missed you," Penny whispered against his ear. "And I have some important news for you."
He pulled back and surveyed her, trying to keep his expression blank. "I have some news, too."
"Really?" she bubbled. "You go first."
"No, no," Percy braved a smile. "You first."
"O.K.," Penny grinned with excitement. "I have been accepted at St. Mungo's! I start first year Healer training next month!"
Percy puffed with pride, "Outstanding, Penelope, I knew you could do it!"
Penelope rushed on, "And I told my grandmother and she said, 'witch or not, healing was a noble profession' and she is going to help me pay for a flat. My own flat, Percy! What do you think? Should I look in Diagon Alley or should I get closer to St. Mungo's. Of course, I don't mind a muggle flat if you'd help me with the protection charms. Can you believe it? My own flat - some place private," she slowed and looked down coyly while she traced a circle on Percy's knee with her fingernail.
"Private is excellent," he answered quietly, as he gazed across the lake.
Penelope's smile faltered at his troubled expression, "Percy, what's wrong?"
He sighed, and turned, taking both of her hands in his own. "I need you to listen to me very carefully. I have a present for you and then I have something serious to tell you."
Penelope looked confused and opened her mouth to speak but somehow thought better of it. She nodded slowly.
Percy reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out a round rock the size of a small orange,
"This is for you."
Penelope took the rock and turned it around in her hand. This was a puzzle. She tapped it with her wand and muttered a few spells over it. Percy leaned back admiring her frustration.
"O.K., I give up. It's a rock."
"No, you just haven't unlocked the magic yet."
"Alright, alright. What am I supposed to do?"
"You have to kiss it," Percy grinned.
"Really, Percy, you're doing this to make fun of me."
"No, not at all. Go ahead. The magic can only be unlocked by the kisses of the fair Penelope."
With a roll of her eyes, Penelope brought the rock to her lips. Suddenly, the rock began to glow and its rough exterior changed to crystal. Inside a scene began to form - flowers and trees, a lake. A red-haired boy and a dark-haired girl sat on a bench, close together.
"Percy, it's our spot, here in the park. Oh it's beautiful. I love it."
Slowly, the light left the sphere and it began to darken, turning back into a plain gray rock.
Percy lifted Penelope's chin as she gazed sadly down at the cold stone.
"You see, Penelope, it isn't what it appears to be."
"What do you need to tell me?" she whispered.
Percy locked eyes with her, "Do you trust me, Pen?"
"You know I do."
"I have been offered a position at the Ministry as a Junior Assistant to the Minister of Magic. It is a position I cannot refuse as it offers a tremendous opportunity."
He paused for a moment letting his words sink in. Penelope sat in silence.
"This position will require the appearance of the utmost loyalty to the goals and aims of the Ministry. This, of course, conflicts with my family's views, so I therefore have found it necessary to move out of my parents' home and will not be speaking with them."
Penelope's face lost all emotion.
"What is more, I must not be seen to associate with anyone who is a supporter of Dumbledore or who believes the statements made last month at Hogwarts."
"That's enough," she interrupted.
She stood rapidly and walked to the edge of the lake. Percy watched her aim her wand at the water causing little fountains to spurt up before he rose and walked down to stand beside her.
"It's just like before, you know," she said bitterly. "I'm tired of it, Percy, sneaking and hiding. I, I thought we were ready for more. For all the world to know."
Percy placed his hands in his pockets. He knew what she meant, knew where they were headed, but the time wasn't right. Not yet.
"They will, Pen, I promise you," he said softly. "I know it's a lot to ask, but you have to be patient."
"It's just not fair."
"No, it's not. I'm afraid nothing is fair right now."
He took out his own wand and moved behind her. Placing his wand next to hers in her right hand and covering her hand with his own, he pulled her close.
"Ready?" he whispered.
She nodded slowly drawing in her breath.
"On three, then. One - two - three -"
Together they aimed for the center of the lake and a fountain erupted like brilliant fireworks, so high and glorious it reached the top of the trees.
Slowly the waves across the lake calmed. They leaned together in silence for a while, not needing to say anything, but watching the sky turn from violet to indigo.
At last Penelope pointed upward, "There's Venus. And up a little, there's Mars."
"Venus is brighter, tonight." Percy smiled.
She turned to rest her cheek on his chest, "Do you think we could stay here, just for a while?"
"We'll stay as long as you like, my love."
If anyone had walked along the lake of Regent's Park that night they would have heard the sound of water lapping against boats, a lonely screech owl crying from a willow tree, and the whispered pledges of two young lovers.
But, of course, no one ever heard a thing.
You guys know it's all JK Rowlings.
Percy walked quickly through the woods in Regents Park. It was uncomfortable to be off the path, not to mention the fact that he was never very confident in muggle clothes, but he knew his apparition spot like the back of his hand. He knew the bench where he would find her. The sun was sinking quickly, casting an amber glow through the branches above, where tiny tree fairies were just beginning to emerge. Ahead he could see a burst of color as the sky reflected on the lake and he grabbed at a trunk to steady himself as he started down the steep slope toward the spot where small red boats were tied against the dock. His heart beat faster in anticipation. Soon, he would see her soon.
She was sitting on the bench drinking a muggle soda with those odd muggle music players in her ears. Honestly, his father would go mad for this girl.
He stopped to just look at her for a moment. The figure was almost too slender. The dark curls falling over her shoulders were controlled by a neat clasp. The nose was anything but a button. He held his breath as a smooth leg crossed and a narrow foot bounced in a gleaming white trainer. Oh God, Penny.
He slid next to her on the bench, stretching an arm behind her, but she put up a finger in warning, looking left and right before she removed the headphones and drew her wand from her purse.
"Repelio," she said calmly as she drew a circle around them.
"No muggles?" Percy grinned.
"No muggles," she replied as she leaned toward him.
"You do that quite well, Miss Clearwater."
"What is it I've always told you, Mr. Weasley?"
"Practice Makes Perfect," they both recited, lips moving in perfect unison before locking together.
It was like sinking into a warm bath and he was just enjoying the sensation of her fingers under the collar of his shirt when she broke away.
"Quiz time," she laughed against his lips.
"Ugh." Percy groaned. "Kiss first, talk later."
"Sorry, my friend, that isn't how it works," Penelope giggled. "Today's subject is muggle music. Listen, I've made you a tape."
"A what?" Percy asked stiffly.
"A tape. It's a way that muggles trap music so that they can hear it over and over again. But you have to have a muggle machine to make it work. Here, you put these over your ears." She placed the contraption over Percy's ears and pressed a button. Percy jumped.
"Not very comfortable is it?" Percy shouted as Penelope pointed out the off switch.
"You're yelling, dear." she smiled. "You get used to them pretty quickly. Now, here's your quiz," Penelope continued with a mock serious expression. "Name the muggle group who is playing."
Percy listened intently with a puzzled look on his face and then removed the headphones.
"I think it's the bug band."
Penelope rolled her eyes to the sky.
"Well, am I right?"
"The Beatles, boy, the Beatles. What country were you raised in?" She laughed and grabbed his face between her hands, which led to another round of heated kisses.
"Ah yes, the Beatles. I'll have to remember that," Percy muttered distractedly. "God, I've missed you."
"And I've missed you," Penny whispered against his ear. "And I have some important news for you."
He pulled back and surveyed her, trying to keep his expression blank. "I have some news, too."
"Really?" she bubbled. "You go first."
"No, no," Percy braved a smile. "You first."
"O.K.," Penny grinned with excitement. "I have been accepted at St. Mungo's! I start first year Healer training next month!"
Percy puffed with pride, "Outstanding, Penelope, I knew you could do it!"
Penelope rushed on, "And I told my grandmother and she said, 'witch or not, healing was a noble profession' and she is going to help me pay for a flat. My own flat, Percy! What do you think? Should I look in Diagon Alley or should I get closer to St. Mungo's. Of course, I don't mind a muggle flat if you'd help me with the protection charms. Can you believe it? My own flat - some place private," she slowed and looked down coyly while she traced a circle on Percy's knee with her fingernail.
"Private is excellent," he answered quietly, as he gazed across the lake.
Penelope's smile faltered at his troubled expression, "Percy, what's wrong?"
He sighed, and turned, taking both of her hands in his own. "I need you to listen to me very carefully. I have a present for you and then I have something serious to tell you."
Penelope looked confused and opened her mouth to speak but somehow thought better of it. She nodded slowly.
Percy reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out a round rock the size of a small orange,
"This is for you."
Penelope took the rock and turned it around in her hand. This was a puzzle. She tapped it with her wand and muttered a few spells over it. Percy leaned back admiring her frustration.
"O.K., I give up. It's a rock."
"No, you just haven't unlocked the magic yet."
"Alright, alright. What am I supposed to do?"
"You have to kiss it," Percy grinned.
"Really, Percy, you're doing this to make fun of me."
"No, not at all. Go ahead. The magic can only be unlocked by the kisses of the fair Penelope."
With a roll of her eyes, Penelope brought the rock to her lips. Suddenly, the rock began to glow and its rough exterior changed to crystal. Inside a scene began to form - flowers and trees, a lake. A red-haired boy and a dark-haired girl sat on a bench, close together.
"Percy, it's our spot, here in the park. Oh it's beautiful. I love it."
Slowly, the light left the sphere and it began to darken, turning back into a plain gray rock.
Percy lifted Penelope's chin as she gazed sadly down at the cold stone.
"You see, Penelope, it isn't what it appears to be."
"What do you need to tell me?" she whispered.
Percy locked eyes with her, "Do you trust me, Pen?"
"You know I do."
"I have been offered a position at the Ministry as a Junior Assistant to the Minister of Magic. It is a position I cannot refuse as it offers a tremendous opportunity."
He paused for a moment letting his words sink in. Penelope sat in silence.
"This position will require the appearance of the utmost loyalty to the goals and aims of the Ministry. This, of course, conflicts with my family's views, so I therefore have found it necessary to move out of my parents' home and will not be speaking with them."
Penelope's face lost all emotion.
"What is more, I must not be seen to associate with anyone who is a supporter of Dumbledore or who believes the statements made last month at Hogwarts."
"That's enough," she interrupted.
She stood rapidly and walked to the edge of the lake. Percy watched her aim her wand at the water causing little fountains to spurt up before he rose and walked down to stand beside her.
"It's just like before, you know," she said bitterly. "I'm tired of it, Percy, sneaking and hiding. I, I thought we were ready for more. For all the world to know."
Percy placed his hands in his pockets. He knew what she meant, knew where they were headed, but the time wasn't right. Not yet.
"They will, Pen, I promise you," he said softly. "I know it's a lot to ask, but you have to be patient."
"It's just not fair."
"No, it's not. I'm afraid nothing is fair right now."
He took out his own wand and moved behind her. Placing his wand next to hers in her right hand and covering her hand with his own, he pulled her close.
"Ready?" he whispered.
She nodded slowly drawing in her breath.
"On three, then. One - two - three -"
Together they aimed for the center of the lake and a fountain erupted like brilliant fireworks, so high and glorious it reached the top of the trees.
Slowly the waves across the lake calmed. They leaned together in silence for a while, not needing to say anything, but watching the sky turn from violet to indigo.
At last Penelope pointed upward, "There's Venus. And up a little, there's Mars."
"Venus is brighter, tonight." Percy smiled.
She turned to rest her cheek on his chest, "Do you think we could stay here, just for a while?"
"We'll stay as long as you like, my love."
If anyone had walked along the lake of Regent's Park that night they would have heard the sound of water lapping against boats, a lonely screech owl crying from a willow tree, and the whispered pledges of two young lovers.
But, of course, no one ever heard a thing.