Last time, Harry read Dumbledore's obituary in the newspaper. And, while helping the Weasleys setup for the wedding, Harry's scar erupted in pain. It seemed that something has really gotten Voldemort's goat. Our story continues three days later. Fleur's family had arrived. (note: I'm not going to write about that so I can write about the important parts.) This chapter, the Weasleys receive an unexpected visitor. On with the show!
Chapter 4: The RequestHarry woke up to hear a commotion coming from the kitchen. He went down and was astonished to see Percy Weasley sitting at the kitchen table, smiling. Apparently, he decided that he was wrong, and Mr. Weasley was right. "Besides," he said, "I must be mad if I'm going to miss my brothers' wedding." Mrs. Weasley was crying with joy. So the Weasleys were reunited again. Harry however, felt that Percy was here for more than family reasons.
The next day, Harry was outside in the backyard when Percy walked up to him, and asked if he could talk with Harry alone. Okay, here we go again thought Harry. "What you said at Dumbledore's funeral seemed to have an inspiring effect on the community." Said Percy "I just want to say," But before he could continue Harry interrupted. "What does Rufus Scrimgeour want now?" he asked.
Percy looked at Harry, realizing that Harry didn't want any B.S. "Mr. Scringeour is willing to help you in any way he can said Percy, "All he wants in return is for you to say a few reassuring words every now and then. Just to boost moral among the people." Harry felt, not disgusted, but annoyed at the ministry's continued requests. Can't they take a hint? He thought to himself. "You can tell Scrimgeour what I told him twice, NO." he said.
"But Harry…" started Percy, but Harry interrupted him again. "What gives you the right to come here under the pretense of attending your brother's wedding, when all you really want is to recruit me as the ministry's new Poster Boy." Percy continued, "It's just that, the lack of Death Eater activity is really upsetting everyone at the ministry. In truth, we're desperate; Mr. Scrimgeour is desperate; Mr. Fudge is desperate, even Under-Secretary Umbridge is desperate."
At the mention of his former Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, all the rage and hate that had been bottled up inside of him came explouding out of Harry. He glared at Percy, and if looks could kill, Percy would be dead before he hit the ground. "Umbridge can take a walk off a cliff for all I care!" he spat. "And so can Fudge!" Harry raised his right hand, where the words 'I must not tell lies' were permanently carved into the back of his hand. "Do you see what that bitch Umbridge did to me?" he yelled at Percy. "Do you have any idea at what your precious ministry has done to all of us? Have you any idea what you have done to your family? Or are you sow ambitious that you fail to see the grief you have caused your mother?"
Harry turned around, and began to walk back to the house. "Harry, I'm sorry. But we're desperate." Said Percy. "We need your help. "It's too late for that." Replied Harry. He was about to go inside when he heard Percy yell, "What do you want from us?" This caused Harry to stop and think. He had every right to ignore what Percy said, but a sudden idea occurred to Harry. He turned around and walked back to Percy. "Here's what I want." He said.
Five minutes later, Percy and Harry shook hands. Ron and Herminoe were watching. They walked up to Harry. "Just what did you say to him?" asked Rom. "I just told Percy," said Harry, "That if I agreed to give an occasional statement to the press, Scrimgeour would let you and I have our Apparation licenseses now, no questions asked." "Excellent!" said Ron."Percy also agreed to a few othe roccomidations." Said Harry. "Like what?" asked Herminoe. "Well, the ministry is going to ignore the three of us, and not ask questions as to what we are doing, magic wise."
"That's going to simplify things when we go after the Horcruxes." Said Herminoe. She stopped and asked Harry, "You didn't tell Percy about the Horcruxes, did you?" "Neither Percy not the ministry have any idea that Voldemort even made Horcruxes," Said Harry, "and I would feel better that no one else knows if it can be helped."
As our heroes walked back to the house for lunch, Herminoe saw her cat Crookshanks chasing after Lawn Gnomes again. "Oh, that reminds me," she turned to Harry and asked "Is it alright of I bring Crookshanks along with us?" Harry had no objections, but then Ron spoke "If your cat is coming, then I'll have to bring along Pig " All three laughed, and went inside.
The end of chapter 4. Next chapter, it's Bill and Fleur's last night of being single. Get ready for some drunken humor, and Herminoe reveals a secret to Ginny.
