Percy took a deep breath as he paced the front yard of the burrow.
"Weasley, the pacing is driving me mad" Oliver Wood snapped. "Just go in there, apologize and make nice. Got it?"
Percy glared at his best friend for a long moment then hung his head, "You're right" Percy admitted. 'Just go in there and get it over with right?"
Oliver nodded his head and gestured to the front door. Percy walked slowly to the threshold and hesitated, trying to decide if he should knock or just walk in. It had been a long time since this was the place he called home. Five years had passed since the night he stormed out and so much had happened. He had grown and changed, he was a much better person now. He only prayed his family could see it.
The war had devastated the wizarding world and Percy was glad that the Weasley family had been left relatively unharmed. Their side suffered casualties but all members of his family were alive and well.
Percy felt a sharp jab in his ribs that brought him back to reality. He glared at Oliver once more before lifting his hand and knocking on the door. He held his breath wondering who would open it. He was shocked when it opened and revealed a beautiful woman with long dark hair.
"Percy" she exclaimed looking shocked. She reached out and put her arms around his neck. It took Percy a moment to realize who the woman in his arms was.
"Hermione" he said, pulling back to take a look at her. The last memory he had of Hermione Granger was cloudy, he couldn't remember the last time he saw her, but he did know she certainly didn't look like this. "Wow" was all he could say.
Hermione giggled and took his hand. 'it took you long enough" She remarked playfully. 'Welcome home"
Percy hoped his family was happy to see him as Hermione but somehow he knew that wouldn't be the case. 'Don't look so pleased" he mumbled. "They may not accept me home"
Hermione led him inside, turning to greet Oliver politely. "Everyone is outside" Hermione explained as she led him through the kitchen. "Were having a birthday party for B.J." At the confused look on Percy's face Hermione explained. "B.J., Bill Jr" she explained. Percy nodded but remained silent.
The scene outside was overwhelming but heart-warming. Bill was throwing a ball to a toddler who screamed in delight when she caught it. Molly and Fleur were fussing with a cake and everyone else was scatter around having separate conversations. Hermione cleared her throat. "Excuse me all" She started, "there is someone here who wants to join the festivities.
"Percy"Mrs.Weasley cried. She left Fleur's side and rushed towards her long estranged son enveloping him in a bone crushing hug. He stroked her hair lightly and she sobbed into his shoulder.
"Hello mum" he whispered, "Sorry it took me so long"
"Percy" His father greeted him. Arthur pulled Molly off of him and gave him a tight hug. "Good to have you home". After Percy released his father he took a step into the yard. Bill and Charlie both stood to meet him half-way. The stared for a long moment.
"How are you?" he asked, his voice wavering slightly at their silent scrutiny.
"You're just in time for cake" Bill said a moment later. "Join us?"
Percy grinned and shook his older brother's hands. He turned to survey the rest of his family, wondering about their reactions. Ginny had grown and it broke his heart. While I was off being a pompous self-centered prick she became a woman, he chastised himself. She grinned and let Percy pick her up and spin her around.
"Isn't this the sweetest thing" Fred spat. George grumbled and nodded in his agreement. "Percy being welcome home with open arms.
"Guys" Percy started but was cut off quickly.
"They forgive and forget" Ron interjected, "That is their poragative, however I have no use for warm and fuzzies and I have no use for you". Before Percy could find the words Ron and the twins brushed past him and into the house. He made to follow them but a pair of gentle hands stopped him.
"Give it time" Hermione urged quietly.
He nodded and let his gaze fall on her face. The sun was setting and cast a glow on her delicate features. "You're right" Percy agreed.
"Who's that?" a little voice asked. Percy turned and faced his nephew. A small freckled face kid that reminded Percy a lot of Bill as a child.
"B.J" Fleur said kneeling down to her sons level, "This is you're Uncle Percy. You have seen pictures remember?"
He nodded, 'Hi" he said. "I am four today"
Percy grinned at B.J., "happy birthday" he told him.
"Thanks" he replied. He grabbed Percy's hand, "It's time for birthday cake and you're in luck because my mom makes the best cake."
Percy tried to put the scene with Ron and the twins out of his mind as he settled between B.J and Charlie at the picnic table. He knew coming home wouldn't be easy but he needed to do it.
Charlie and Oliver were getting into a heated quidditch discussion. Ginny let Harry put an arm around her shoulder and began to discuss what sounded like wedding plans with her mother and Fleur. Harry nodded and Percy and smiled.
"Ron is bit of an idiot" Harry said, "Good to have you back, how have you been what have you been up to?"
"Not tom much" Percy told him. "I quit the ministry. I actually work as Oliver's publicist and manager." Oliver was one of the wizarding world's most famous Quidditch players. He was keeper for the Chudley Cannons now and doing quite well for himself, as was Percy. Harry nodded appreciatively.
"Must be interesting" Harry commented and Percy nodded. He looked up and saw Hermione was gone.
"Where is Hermione?" Percy asked. Harry looked around and then grinned, "Probably off giving Rona piece of her mind"
"So, what have you been up to Potter?" Percy asked changing the subject. He felt a little sick when he thought about the ugly looks he got from Ron and the Twins.
"Ron and I own a Quidditch supply store" Harry told him. "I was offered a job as an auror but after the way the ministry treated me" Harry trailed off and shrugged. "Let's just say it wasn't for me"
Percy and Harry were commiserating on the evils of the ministry when the back door burst open and Hermione stormed out. She plastered a fake smile on her face and sat next to Harry across from Percy.
"Sorry about that" Hermione chirped. She took a plate with a piece of cake from Fleur and thanked her. "Ron is a complete waste of time. Talking to him is like talking to a brick wall sometimes."
The rest of the Weasley's laughed and Hermione shrugged, 'oh, well what can you do?" Hermione took a deep breath, "So, Mr.Weasley. Tell me all about you're self"
"You first" Percy said.
"Ok"Hermioen relented. "I am working at Ron and Harry's shop. They do all the fun things and I balance the books and keep the place from exploding. The three of us share a flat above the shop and that is pretty much all" Hermione grimaced playfully. 'My life is a little boring on two dimensional.
Hermione's smile was contagious and so was her enthusiasm. He knew this was different girl then the one he knew at Hogwarts and he wanted to get to know her. She is certainly beautiful, Percy mused. He took in her round and perfectly constructed features then let his eyes travel lower also checking out her curves. And she filled out, he thought. He mentally chastised himself for the thought. She was too young for him and she was Ron's best friend. No, Hermione Granger could be nothing more than a friend.