Audrey had indeed had an ulterior motive for her calm dismissal of him earlier. Upon Percy's return, she found him and dragged him to a quiet spot before demanding to be included in the numbers at the Burrow. She had contended that she didn't want to be left behind. That waiting for them to return or not was too much to ask. She could come to the Burrow, she could help Helen and John at the aid station. No, she didn't know first aid, but she could follow instructions. Helen and John were muggles, it was no more dangerous for them than it would be for her.
Percy was immovable. She wasn't coming. She was staying at the Lodge. Helen brought Pins through to them introduced them again and made a sharp exit. Audrey wasn't going to drag the older woman into the argument. She was, after all, a grown up and capable of making her own decisions, a small fact that Percy was running roughshod over.
Eventually, in the face of his outright refusal and not wishing to cause an argument that couldn't be forgiven, Audrey submitted. Not gracefully but none the less she agreed to remain at the Lodge.
When the mirrors chimed, and they all gathered in the hallway before they left, Audrey was calm. She wished them luck and was suddenly alone in the house except for Pins who stood by her, and Ollivander, who was in a room upstairs.
Audrey refused to let herself cry. She was no damsel in distress and crying would do her no good. Percy promised her he would be fine and despite everything, all the possibility and likelihood, she was going to hang her hope on that.
Audrey went back into the library settling down in a chair. Pins vanished and reappeared with a tea service and small cakes. Audrey thanked him and accepted the tea. The cake she put to one side, her stomach wasn't going to be happy if she ate anything. Instead, she turned to Pins. "Please stay, would you tell me about yourself? I know so little."
"Miss Stone is wise," Pins said with a sharp grin. "So few admit they know little."
"Well I'm muggle, and I've known about magic for about a fortnight, so I'm very aware that I know nothing at all. Please stay, I'd like to learn what I can."
Pins hopped into the seat in a movement spryer than she would have given the elderly elf credit for. Once comfortable on the chair he looked over his long nose at Audrey. "What is it you ask?"
Audrey smiled at the sight of the elderly elf. "Well for a start, how old are you? How long have you been in service? Is there a reason your name is Pins and the other elves except Folly have names relating to sewing? I meant to ask Minerva, but I didn't get a chance."
Pins nodded. "Sensible questions. Pins will start at the beginning."
Percy arrived at the Burrow with the Grangers. After he had escaped Kingsley and the prospect of entering his family home he gladly led the Grangers around the back of the house. Percy looked around in shock, the garden had been completely taken over. The elves were bustling about setting up rows of camp beds sheltered by canvass. The hum of activity was everywhere as preparations were underway. Helen and John strode forward eager to make the acquaintance of the healers they would be working with. Lacking in anything else to do, Percy followed. He stood unobtrusively by as introductions were made and provided answers as to where things could be found when they were needed.
The number of people milling around gave him hope. This was the first wave, the others would be called later. If they could count on enough wands, then this might all work as planned.
Whatever signal was being waited for came, and the Order boiled out of the kitchen and set off towards the woods. Harry and Hermione joined the back of the group with Fred and George. Percy set off after them and was joined by Kingsley.
They entered the wood and headed towards the flashes of light that indicated that the Order had already engaged the Death Eaters. Soon enough they came upon the fight and raised their own wands.
Percy held nothing back. He had every intention of leaving this fight in one piece. He would see Audrey again, and he would marry her. They would have a family and live happily ever after.
His magic flew from him seeking targets and bringing them down. He used every advantage he had of knowing the wood he had played in as a child. Percy ignored the surprised look on Kingsley's face, he was aware of his reputation, the persona that everyone saw and didn't look past. He wasn't his brothers, but he was a Weasley. Kingsley got over the surprise and stepped up beside him. Percy was glad to have someone with him, and they moved together further into the fray.
Percy saw the shields in action when Kingsley didn't quite make it behind a tree to avoid the curse sent his way by the Death Eater they had come across. The spell splashed against the air three feet out from Kingsley and disappeared. Kingsley looked around in comic shock obviously confused as to why he was unharmed.
"Shield," Percy called sending his own spell back towards the Death Eater. The Death Eater dodged but the follow-up spell hit, and he dropped to the ground, blood gushing from the slice across his neck.
Kingsley nodded his thanks, sending a pitiless glance at the downed Death Eater. He summoned the wand from the dead wizard and disillusioned the body, marking where it was so they could return for it later. Percy kept watching while Kingsley worked, once he was finished Kingsley indicated they should continue.
They were nearly through the wood a slew of injured, incapacitated or dead Death Eaters left in their wake. They had found a rhythm that worked for them and brought it to good effect. The bright flash of light brought them up short, and they exchanged glances.
"Hermione and Harry?" Percy said panting and resting his hands on his knees as he caught his breath. He had been expending his magic at an alarming rate, and his job did not lend itself to battling through trees, exposed roots, brambles and uneven terrain and that was before the darkness of the winter evening was added. He was sure that not only were his shoes ruined but his ankle would be very sore from where he went over on it earlier.
"Possibly," Kingsley agreed, sounding slightly winded himself. "Come on," Kingsley said pushing himself off the tree he had leant on. "They need witnesses. We need to get over there."
Percy nodded and drew himself up. A quick point me spell, and he turned in the direction of where the final confrontation was to take place.
"There's a potion in your pack," Kingsley said. "It will perk you up."
Percy nodded. "Not yet. I'm alright yet."
Kingsley shrugged. "Don't let yourself get too run down."
They began moving in the direction they wished to go, but at the sight of the numbers of Death Eaters on the field, they exchanged a look before apparating.
They arrived at the edge of the lit space. Moving carefully so not to interrupt the tableau in front of them Kingsley led Percy closer to the Death Eaters that had arrived and clumped together. More of the Order arrived, and the area was soon surrounded by the Order, the volunteers, and Death Eaters alike.
Percy watched in horror as the plan unfolded in front of him. He had understood what had been discussed but watching it was something else. When Severus disappeared, Percy felt himself gasp in shock. Seeing Harry face down Tom had Percy clutching his wand and wishing to do something, anything to help. He gritted his teeth as he was forced to stand and do nothing. Percy saw Severus reappear from under the disillusionment and haul Minerva to her feet, both turned together, and the bright green spells left their wands slamming into You-Know-Who.
Kingsley clutched at his arm as the body hit the ground, and they began moving through the crowd. The Order was cheering, and Percy could already hear the sound of disapparition as some of the Death Eaters sought their escape. Others turned, howls of madness ripping from their throats as the spells once more began to fly. The Aurors came at Kingsley signal, they turned on the Death Eaters. Those in the Order and the volunteers closest cut short their celebrations and went after them as well throwing their wands into the last part of the fight. The Death Eaters began to panic as they were incapacitated as they tried to flee. The confusion allowed some to get away, but there were many more bound and wandless being guarded over by an Auror in uniform.
Once the initial requirement of apprehending the Death Eaters was completed Percy joined in with directing the milling crowd back the Burrow. Kingsley sought him out again as he sent the exhausted witches and wizards the most direct route back towards the Burrow.
"Percy, we need to get the Death Eaters away and to the cells. My Aurors can't get through, and they need to start clearing out the cells for the new arrivals. We need to know if Riddle did something at the Ministry before he died."
"Oh," Percy said, having momentarily forgotten he had locked everyone out of the Ministry. "I can probably do something."
"Then do it," Kingsley said. "And quickly."
Percy nodded. "Which of these potions did you mean earlier?" he asked Kingsley pulling them from his pack. "I have to say now I've stopped, I'm beginning to feel it."
Kingsley nodded sagely. "The bright green one. Harry and Hermione call it Rockstar potion."
"Merlin," Percy muttered putting the other potions away in his pack again then shoving the pack back into his pocket. He eyed the potion but shrugged and knocked it back. "Not terrible," he commented.
Kingsley nodded in agreement. Percy felt the difference as the potion hit his system, the tiredness caused by the end of his adrenalin rush suddenly vanished leaving him feeling fresh again. Percy eyed Kingsley. "Have you taken this stuff?"
"Yes," Kingsley said. "About five minutes ago. It's good stuff."
Percy nodded. "I'll be a moment," and he apparated away.
In the office of the Minister for Magic Percy altered the wards allowing the Aurors to come and go and uncovered the door to the cells he had asked the Ministry wards to create. Satisfied Percy returned to the field.
"The Aurors should be fine to transport people. They'll find a new door in the cell block leading to more cells," Percy told Kingsley.
Kingsley eyed him. "They will?"
Percy nodded.
"We're going to have a chat you and me, Weasley," Kingsley said. "Not now but it's coming."
Percy nodded. "As you say."
Kingsley clapped him on the back. "Stick by me. I think I'm going to need your help sorting this mess out."
Percy stayed with Kingsley. He had no desire to return to the Burrow. He had no wish for someone to see through his disguise and expect an explanation. Kingsley set the authors off in groups to collect up the death eaters that had been incapacitated in the wood. Those still breathing were divided by their needs of medical attention, and Percy found himself returning to the Ministry to open another portion of wizarding space. There the injured death eaters could be held in until healers could be found. The dead were placed into another wizarding space. You-Know-Who's body was taken by Kingsley himself to a cell that Percy created. Once the body was placed inside the door sealed and vanished.
Percy met Kingsley back on the field and waved off the questioning glances Kingsley was sending him.
The field soon became empty of those still able to move under their own power, and the two men headed back towards the Burrow. Outside the field hospital, they stopped to speak to the healers who rattled off the numbers of wounded and dead. Percy was relieved that the walking wounded far outweighed the dead and none of his family was listed. Kingsley accepted the list which Percy took from him and placed in a folder he had snatched from his desk on one of the trips to the Minister's office. Information was coming to Kingsley thick and fast. Percy was happy and able to step in as secretary enabling Kingsley to keep making decisions while Percy kept track of the details.
As they finished up with the healers, John approached.
Kingsley looked up at the sound of his name. "Yes, John? Something I can do for you?"
"Yes actually. It's Narcissa Malfoy." John answered.
"What about her?" Kingsley asked puzzled.
"She didn't participate in the battle or with the Death Eaters. She followed her husband, and she's currently alone in her house where all the people who escaped still have access to. Could you arrange for her to go into protective custody?" John requested.
"Can I ask why you would be remotely interested in such a thing?" Kingsley asked a look of confused shock passing over his face.
"Draco, he asked me just before he left," John explained
"Draco Malfoy?" Kingsley said dumbly.
"Yes, he was here, Severus asked us to keep him safe, so he was here with us helping," John said looking at Kingsley with impatience.
"Draco Malfoy?"
John frowned in exasperation. "Yes, is this a problem?"
"He's marked," Kingsley answered.
John shrugged. "He did nothing but what he was instructed to, he saved a few people while he was at it and he wants to keep his mother safe. I said I'd ask."
"The blond apprentice you had with you?" one of the healers spoke up.
"Yes, that's him," John confirmed.
"Huh, he didn't look like a Malfoy. Does he not have his father's hair? Bet that went down well with the arrogant prick."
"He does," John replied. "We disguised him so not to cause a panic."
Kingsley turned to the healer. "You spoke with him?"
"Oh no," the healer said. "But he followed orders, held people together until we could get there and dished out water mostly."
Kingsley rubbed a hand over his face. "Where is he now?"
"Back at the school, Dobby took him back once Harry and Hermione returned," John answered promptly.
Kingsley looked at John with concern. "I'm not sure I can offer anything. She's not going to answer the door if we go knocking and the Ministry won't treat her any better than the Death Eaters."
Percy listened silently to the exchange between Kingsley and John. His brain was suddenly analysing a lot of information as the possibilities tumbled around inside his head, his gut told him he had to say something.
"Kingsley," Percy said hesitantly, shooting a look at the healers who were avidly listening.
Kingsley followed the look and smiled at the healers. "If you'll excuse us this might take some time. As your patients are being moved onto St Mungo's feel free to grab some refreshments. We'll take your full statements tomorrow if you wish to get some rest."
The healers made polite noises clearly disappointed they wouldn't be hearing anything more and moved away. Kingsley rolled his eyes and threw up a privacy charm around the three of them. "Go ahead, Percy."
"If Draco Malfoy stayed here helping, and it can be corroborated with witnesses, any trial he is subjected to, can use it to offer clemency," Percy said.
"He's marked. I don't intend to let those who are marked get away this time," Kingsley replied firmly.
"That might be difficult since Severus killed Tom," John pointed out.
"Severus has been on trial for joining the Death Eaters once already. We can't charge him with the crime again," Kingsley said with a wave of his hand. "Draco on the other hand."
"Was underage when he was marked," John rebutted. "He wasn't legally responsible for his actions, his parents were, and I presume from what I've been told his father is a piece of work."
Kingsley frowned at John, Percy cut across them both before the men started an argument. "Of course we can't. His being underage and helping here means clemency can be offered. If we protect her son, Narcissa Malfoy is more likely to help us."
"So rather than charge a child, you're going to leverage his mother?" John asked.
"Yes," Percy said firmly. "The network the Malfoy's control can topple any government we try and put in place if they are free to do so. We need to pull their teeth before they can regroup and we end up back here again."
John shook his head. "One family?"
"One family rich as Croesus and have been collecting dirt on people for years," Percy added.
"Percy's right," Kingsley sighed. "We need the information they have."
The bubble around them shimmered then broke as Minerva came through it.
"Gentlemen," Minerva said. "Albus wants a word Kingsley, he's getting tetchy."
"We'll be right in Minerva," Kingsley said.
Minerva looked between them. "Something the matter?"
"You don't have another safe house where we can stash Narcissa Malfoy do you?" Kingsley asked. "I imagine the Lodge is pretty full at the moment."
"Any particular reason you want to do such a thing?"
"Yes," Kingsley answered.
Minerva raised an eyebrow at him waiting.
"Long story. We need to get her out of Malfoy Manor and somewhere safe," Kingsley allowed.
Minerva paused and thought for a moment then nodded. "Yes. I can, she can be put in one of the castle guest suites."
"Can you do that? Doesn't Albus need to sign off on it?" Kingsley asked in surprise.
"Of course I can," Minerva said. "Do you have a way of getting her from the Manor? Severus can't go."
"I was going to suggest Dobby, he's familiar with the place after all," John replied.
"Fine," Minerva said briskly. "Tippy," she called as John called for Dobby.
An elf appeared at her feet. "Tippy go with Dobby, retrieve Narcissa Malfoy and enough clothes and such for a fortnight. Then take her to the guest rooms nearest my rooms then ward the door. No one goes in or out without me."
"Yes, Mistress," the elf bowed.
Percy reached for his parchment and quill as the elves were called and given instructions to retrieve Narcissa Malfoy from her family home. Quickly Percy drafted an executive order allowing the Aurors to enter the Malfoy property with the expressed permission of Narcissa Malfoy, to apprehend those witches and wizards on the property. The draft was then shoved under Kingsley's nose.
"Sign this," Percy said handing over the quill. "Once Minerva has the agreement of Mrs Malfoy you can let the Aurors go in."
Kingsley scanned the document in surprise. "Percy, you've just written this?"
Percy nodded. "Charmed quill and a template draft. It saves time. This keeps the raid on the Malfoys legal. Mrs Malfoy, depending on the marriage contract, might not have executive authority over the estate. It might fall to Draco immediately on the demise of Lucius. This gives you legal authority to take her permission over whoever the head of the household is."
Kingsley nodded scribbling his signature on the bottom of the page. "Keep hold of it for me. I'll need your notes from the healers." Kingsley said as they set off towards the house. Minerva exchanged a few last words with John and followed them