AN: I apologise for the lateness of this update. It was going to be before Christmas... but I couldn't think of where to take the chapter. I finally worked it out. I hope you all had a great Christmas and a happy new year and enjoy!

Percy walked cautiously to his father's office. He felt it was almost purpose that Ernie had decided that Percy would take the files to Arthur. "Mr. Weasley…" Percy knocked on the door. Maybe he should have called him father? Maybe it would be taking things to quickly?

"Yes?" Arthur called. Nervously, Percy walked in, and put the papers on the desk. "From the Minister… articles for the paper. He wanted to make sure it showed Sirius Black in a good light." Percy looked down at his feet.

"Thank you," Arthur said coolly. "Is that it?" Percy swallowed hard, trying to ignore the tone of voice.

"Yes… yes that's it."

"Good." Percy looked up at his father, about to say something, but Arthur already had his back to him, as he pulled some papers down from the shelves behind him.

Percy walked out of the office, upset and angry. His family would never forgive him, and why should they? He had hurt them. More than he thought he ever could. "There's not even a point anymore…" he mumbled.

There was no point in carrying on this way. Maybe he should get a new job? He was sure that there would a shop that needed an assistant or something. He would never have to see anyone in his family again if he went somewhere they never went.

Would anyone miss him if he moved away? Would Pansy be upset? These questions played on his mind all day as he sat down, copying out letters.

- -

Percy looked up to see the Minister standing outside of his door as Percy walked back from eating his lunch. "Can I help you Minister?" he asked.

"Yes… may I talk to you in private?" Percy nodded and unlocked the door. "Thank you." Ernie followed Percy in, and took a seat at the desk. Percy took the seat opposite.

"There are two things I wish to talk to you about," Ernie started. "The first is a pay rise. A certain person, giving no names, mentioned that you are struggling to pay for your accommodation. I thought you were being paid appropriately, but it appears that my predecessor was not at all generous with his money."

"Sir…" Percy began, but Ernie cut him across.

"Mr. Weasley, the receptionist is being paid more than you and you are doing such a fine job for me… it does not seem right to me that you are paid so little in comparison."

"Thank you sir," Percy muttered.

"The second thing, is your father. I know you have not being talking for a very long time…"

"I do not seem to be rude Minister, but I am afraid that is not your place to talk about." Ernie swallowed hard.

"I understand that Percy, but… I do believe that maybe you should try and talk to him."

"I am doing my best, but these things take time. I would prefer it Minister if we could keep our relationship strictly business. I do not wish to bring my family problems to work." Ernie nodded.

"I understand. And it has not affected your work… The pay rise will come into affect immediately. Good day to you." Ernie left Percy's office. Percy sighed. Who had told the Minister that he was struggling, and how many people were wondering about his situation with his father?

- -

Percy knew that Pansy would be waiting for him in their usual meeting place, at the small bar, just before the entrance to Knockturn Alley, but he felt like being alone for a while.

His father had hurt him just a few hours ago, more than he thought any member of his own family ever would. Even Fred and George, who often liked to be mean about and to him, never hurt him the extent his father had hurt him today. On top of that emotional pain, was his boss and who had been speaking to him.

Part of him wished another member of his family had spoken to his boss, but he had a feeling they wouldn't have gone to all that trouble. It could have been Pansy but he didn't feel that she would have bothered, or even thought about it, despite how aware she was about his family and money problems.

Percy sighed, the pain from the whole situation easing slightly, with the cool air pressing against his face. He rubbed his hands together as he stood outside of Bangel and Japes watching people walk down the street, minding his own business.

And with that thought fresh in his mind, he began the walk to meet Pansy.

- -

"You're later than usual," Pansy noted, glancing up at the clock above the bar.

"I went for a walk," Percy muttered in reply.

"You okay?" she asked. "You seem sort of distracted."

"I'm fine. Uh...Pansy?"

"Yeah?"

"Someone spoke to my boss today about my wages and the uh... situation with my family. It wouldn't have been you would it?" He stared at her coolly for a few moments.

"I wanted to give you something... but I needed Ministry permission to get it and of course, the Minister asked questions, and the conversation went elsewhere. You know what I'm like with the talking." Percy covered his face in his hands.

"I didn't need the world to learn my personal problems thank you." Pansy could tell his was speaking as calmly as he could through his anger.

"All I wanted to do was to show you something. Give you a gift. It would have been illegal without permission. I apologise if I said something you didn't want me to or something but I only wanted to help." Percy sighed. She smiled at him. "It takes me a lot to apologise you know? Slytherin pride and all."

"Thank you. What gift was it?" Percy asked. Smiling, Pansy bit her lip, stood up and walked over to the bar.

"Can I have a bowl of water and some Starfish Salt please?" The barman obviously found it a strange request, but said nothing as he handed Pansy what she had asked for. She gave the man some money and walked back to where Percy sat.

"Pansy what..."

"Shh," she told him, staring into the water as she added some of the Starfish Salt. It turned the water a light red colour. "Just look into the water and don't look away," she explained.

Percy did as she had instructed. "Emcob limaf," she muttered. It took a few minutes for her words to take affect, but soon, the water became a pool of swirling reddish water. Pansy grabbed Percy's hands in her own, as a picture appeared in the water.

"Pansy I..." but she shook her head.

"Don't talk. Just watch."