Chapter 5: Percy's promise

Again, the meeting with Hermione had not gone as planned, since Percy ended the evening with the engagement ring still in his pocket when he went home about an hour later. No amount of planning or researching could have prepared him for how the discussion had escalated between them, to a point where it took all of his willpower to stay calm and not lose his composure. Even then he slipped.

Hermione had unknowingly hit his weak spot, addressing one of the only things Percy regretted having done in the past: not him continuing to work for the Ministry but him breaking ties with his family. It was the mistake he could not shake off, even after a year of having reunited with his family. They had forgiven him, yes, but none of them had forgotten and maybe never would.

In the end, he and Hermione ate their food in silence, Hermione's eyes kept drifting over the sea, as if she wished to be far away instead of at his side. She probably did, going by what he had learned from talking to her.

Discouraged by the girl's obvious dislike for him, he had not dared to make his proposal, the violins he had ordered to play in the background suddenly unnerving him. This wasn't him, no matter what those books suggested, and going by Hermione's pained expression this wasn't her either. It meant that following through with his plan to propose could only lead to more rejection, there was no way this proud woman would accept the ring now, after they'd just had a disagreement and after he'd confronted her with one of the mistakes she'd made. He knew that her parents must still be a sore spot for her and still he'd used his knowledge about it as ammunition to fight back when she pointed out one of his. It had been the cowardly thing to do, he knew, and yet it had been the only thing that came to his mind at that moment.

Now that he was back at his flat, he came to regret his rash words but he knew he couldn't take them back, no matter how much he wanted to. It hadn't only painted him in a bad light for Hermione, it had also made him realise that he still had a long way to go when it came to personal character development. Especially with his own marriage approaching, he would have to learn how to be more patient and understanding, especially as he only slowly began to realise what a challenge awaited him being Hermione's husband.

The following days he spent brooding, secretly hoping that Hermione would contact him and ask for a meeting. He knew time was running out and they still had not set a date or even talked about their upcoming nuptials. It was a disaster and yet Percy couldn't bring himself to approach Hermione again.

Therefore he next saw her during Ronald's wedding, where she of course was invited as one of the guests. Wearing an elegant red dress and matching red lipstick, Hermione was as beautiful as Percy'd ever seen her. Her hair was arranged into an elegant updo, a few loose strands playfully framing her face. He couldn't help but stare at her throughout the whole ceremony, drinking in her smile, her eyes. There was a sad glint in them and he realised that Bill might have been right, claiming that she was secretly still attached to his younger brother, even though her behaviour towards him and his new wife suggested nothing but friendship. And yet… Seeing Hermione and Ron together made his insides ache, a deep longing filling him that he couldn't explain.

Percy was sure he wasn't actually in love with this young woman (he wasn't quite sure what love was) and yet the lonely part of his heart longed for her to look at him like Hannah did at his brother, or with affection at least. They, too, had an arranged marriage and yet they both seemed to have settled naturally into this new relationship. He couldn't help but envy them for it.

"You and Hermione didn't come here together, did you?"

Bill came to find him after the ceremony when they were on their way to the venue the newlyweds had booked for their festivities. "Things aren't going well, are they?"

Percy shook his head, frustrated. "We had a somewhat heated discussion when we went on our first date, last week.

"Oh?" Bill asked. "How did it go?"

"Poorly," Percy muttered, his cheeks flaming at the admission. "Since then we have not spoken, as neither of us felt like making contact with the other one."

"You'll have to talk to each other eventually though," Bill answered, patting his shoulder. "And I'd say you start sooner rather than later. Believe me when I say that there'll always be something you'll disagree on. Sometimes it's small things, like household chores, sometimes bigger ones. It's important that the two of you learn how to work through them, factually and without hurting each other. It's one of the secrets for a successful marriage."

Percy nodded, thankful for his brother's advice. "Did you and Fleur learn how to do it? If so, may I ask how…"

Bill grinned at him. "First we fight. The wolf and the Veela do have quite a temper. Then we fuck and finally, we talk."

Percy blushed. Suddenly he wished he hadn't asked. "That might not work for Hermione and me," he told his brother, leaving open which part of the strategy he was referring to. But the other man only shrugged.

"You never know, Perce. Just don't give up, yet. Hermione might need more time to adjust and to get to know you. Talking to her would certainly help. Or how about you ask her for a dance tonight?"

Percy frowned. He'd never been a big dancer, mostly because there rarely was someone he could dance with. But he'd practised extensively, hoping that he might need the knowledge one day and maybe the day had finally come. There certainly wasn't anything for him to lose.

Bill was right, they couldn't go on like this. He and Hermione needed to talk, properly, and start spending more time with each other. They could not enter this marriage as strangers as they would have to seal the bond during their marriage night. Doing so would be challenging enough for them and it would be so much worse if they barely knew each other.

"Alright, I'll ask her," Percy promised Bill, watching the others disappear through the floo one by one. When it was Hermione's turn he saw her turning around to him, looking at him for a long moment before she said her destination and the flames swallowed her.

Bill clapped his shoulder. "Of course you will. You were sorted into Gryffindor for a reason."

And so was she, Percy added in his mind before making his way to the fireplace.

sssss

Throughout the whole wedding ceremony, Hermione found herself switching between panic and jealousy. Soon, it would be her and Percy standing in front of the Ministry official but they wouldn't be so happy, nor could Hermione see herself wearing such a pretty dress, or having her parents congratulate her with such happy smiles as the Abbotts or the Weasleys did. Until now she hadn't even dared to tell her parents about the marriage law because after being confronted with the developments of the last years only recently, she couldn't see her parents taking kindly to her daughter being forced into marriage by magic law. Yet, she needed to tell them she was getting married, not only because she wanted them there. They were back in her life now and soon Percy would be a part of her life as well. Which was why she needed to explain things. But how?

"Hermione, you look beautiful tonight."

Hermione had felt Percy's gaze on her throughout the whole day. Even though she'd tried not to look at him, she seemed to know where he was. It was like she suddenly had an inner compass, and it was pointing at him.

She knew he was coming to find her eventually and she'd dreaded and anticipated the moment he would at the same time. Now that guests had started to mingle, glasses of champagne in hands, he was suddenly there, his blue eyes studying her as he spoke.

"Thank you, Percy. Ginny insisted I wear this dress…" she explained. "You look very handsome as well."

It was true. Percy had impeccable taste when it came to clothes. Today, he was wearing formal wizarding robes in black and white and it looked good on him. He wore them with ease, not like Harry, who always looked a little out of place when he wore anything else but casual clothing or his Quidditch gear.

"Thank you. I came to apologise to you, Hermione. The last time we met I said some things I do regret now. I acted immaturely and I promise to be more considerate from now on. Your decisions are your own and I promise I'll respect them without judging, past and future ones."

Hermione wanted to point out that marrying him wasn't her decision, but she decided to hold her tongue. He was trying, and as Ginny had pointed out the night after Hermione ranted about her terrible date, Hermione hadn't exactly been a peach. Instead, she replied: "I'll try to do the same. That is only fair I suppose."

Percy nodded, seemingly satisfied with her answer. "I would appreciate that."

For a while, they watched the guests around them in silence. Many of their former school friends were invited, mostly Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs, and they stood in pairs or small groups, chatting and laughing. Hermione found it strange how happy most of them looked despite all of their lives being influenced by that blasted law. Looking at her former classmates now, it appeared like none of them minded being ordered around by the Ministry but that couldn't be true, could it? So why were they dancing, holding hands or snogging like this was what they wanted?

"Hermione? Would you like to dance?"

Percy's words stopped her train of thought, bringing her back to the problem at hand, their problem. They were getting married, no matter how little she liked it, and if they didn't want to spend the following year being miserable, they'd better find a way to deal with the situation.

"I didn't know you danced," Hermione admitted, nodding shyly at the redhead. "For me, it's been a while. But we can try if you want."

"I do." With a smile, Percy offered her his arm which she accepted after only a moment of hesitation. Slowly, he led her to the dance floor, where a slow waltz was already playing. Hermione felt her belly flutter with nerves, probably because she wasn't quite sure if she'd remember all the steps. Percy seemed to be completely at ease though, as he quickly took in the right position before leading her across the dance floor with confident steps.

It took a while for Hermione to relax but slowly she did, letting Percy lead her as they danced the waltz and then another one. She was surprised by how easy it was and how much fun she had. When Percy slowed their steps, bowing towards her as the dance ended, she almost felt a twitch of regret.

"Thank you, that was lovely," he told her as they walked back towards the quieter areas of the restaurant.

"It was," Hermione agreed, taking a glass of water from a passing waiter. "You're a very good dancer, Percy."

The smile she got from him as an answer was almost shy. " That is good to know. Now… would you mind taking a walk with me? It is already dark outside, I know, but there's a lovely path illuminated by fairy lights and candles. Also, the grounds around the restaurant are well warded, not only against potential attackers but against nosy visitors as well. They're also Animagi-proof," he added meaningfully. "The Ministry was very careful when securing the location for Ronald's wedding. I imagine they'd be happy to do the same for you, should you request it."

Hermione didn't question his words, because as a Ministry employee and Ron's brother he would know. "I see." Gulping her glass of water down, Hermione nodded and motioned towards the exit. "We can take a walk outside. In fact, I wouldn't mind the fresh air."

Shortly after, they were walking through the garden, following a narrow path that wound itself around a small pond and a number of trees. The place was still empty, as most guests were still amusing themselves inside, but Hermione had no doubt that it would be much different in a few hours. Because walking under the trees and fairy lights felt romantic, or would have, if she'd been here with the right man.

"I received the Ministry's notification of our matching about two weeks ago," Percy suddenly said, as he walked by her side. "As I previously said, I was very pleased to learn that we had been chosen as partners, I still am. I automatically assumed it would be the same for you but slowly, I begin to understand that this might not be the case. So tell me, Hermione, is this marriage something you can see yourself giving a try?"

Hermione halted her steps and immediately Percy did the same, stepping in front of her and studying her face. She felt the urge to avoid his gaze, to look at her toes as she nibbled at the bottom lip, unsure of what to tell him. He probably wasn't a bad person, not at all, he just wasn't right for her. But how could she tell him that without hurting him?

"Hermione? Look at me." His voice was gentle, calm and suddenly she felt his hand cupping her chin and lifting it. She jerked out of instinct but Percy just sighed understandingly before moving away. "Are you afraid of me or ashamed? I would never hurt you."

Sighing, Hermione forced herself to make eye contact, her heart fluttering nervously in her chest. "I'm not afraid of you, Percy," she croaked, thinking that her sweaty hands could very well be interpreted as a sign of fear. But she knew better. "Or ashamed. But you're right when you think that I'm not happy about this whole situation. It isn't necessarily that I think you'd make a bad partner, I wouldn't know that as I barely know you. It is just that I hate not having a choice in that matter. It is either marrying you or living as a muggle from now on and honestly, I don't see how this is fair after everything Harry, Ron and I did. Haven't we already done enough?"

Percy didn't say anything to this but behind his glasses, his blue eyes shone with sympathy and kindness.

"We almost died while we were on the run, not just once. And even though I understand why they implemented this law, I can't help but long to finally be happy, to be free instead of being trapped in some sort of golden cage."

"I promise I'll try to make you happy," Percy said, his hand jerking back to wipe away a tear before he caught himself. Rather, he dropped his hand at his side and just watched her. "I already told you I'll respect your decisions and I meant it. There is no cage, Hermione, please believe me."

"I want to," Hermione answered, her body starting to shiver from the cold. She'd left her jacket at home, thinking that she could still cast a warming charm in case she felt cold in the middle of summer, but right now she felt too tired to even raise her wand.

Again, Percy proved how observant he was. Before Hermione could say another word he shrugged off his outer robe and draped it over her shoulders, steering her towards the closest bench that was standing right below a big oak tree. Sighing, Hermione sat down, kneading her hands as she continued. "My parents don't know about the law. I couldn't bring myself to tell them, not so shortly after things are finally back to normal again. They wouldn't understand and how could they? I can't see them agreeing to an arranged marriage, but at the same time, I feel like it would be wrong to lie to them again… I promised them I wouldn't after they'd forgiven me for wiping their memories."

"You feel like you're going to lose them either way," Percy observed his left hand coming to rest on top of hers. This time, rather than an intrusion, it felt like a lifeboat.

"I do, which is probably another reason why I find it difficult to accept this law. I feel like it's driving another wedge between me and my parents and it's just not fair!"

"It's not," Percy agreed. "But I feel like it doesn't need to be that way. What if we met them together? We could visit them at their home or invite them for dinner at my flat if you're comfortable with that. Then we could talk to them, give them all the facts they need to understand your decision. Whatever it might be."

"And if it's no?" Hermione challenged quietly. Percy's face fell for only a moment before he morphed it back into a visage of understanding. Hermione's heart panged at the sadness he couldn't quite clear from his eyes.

"Then it's a no," Percy said quietly. "It would be difficult. And likely painfully embarrassing for us both. But I won't force you into anything Hermione. Ultimately, the choice is yours."

Somehow these last words touched something inside her, making her realise that Percy was still uncertain about what decision she'd make. But there was only one way for her and it was only fair to him to let him know.

"You're an honourable man, Percy, you truly are. I am lucky to have been matched with someone as understanding and considerate as you. This isn't what I wanted, and no I don't love you. But I think we could reach… an agreement of sorts. At least for now."

"Does this mean…?"

"Yes," Hermione sighed, both tired but a bit excited in spite of herself. "I'll marry you."

"Thank Merlin."

Before she knew it Percy had pulled her into a hug, his clean-shaved chin resting against her forehead as he held her. Thankfully he didn't try to kiss her. "I will be the very best husband I can be. I will take care of you, and honor you, and provide. You won't regret this, I promise you won't."

"I hope you won't regret this either," Hermione murmured against his chest.

"I could never…"

Slowly, Percy pulled back and got up from the bench only to kneel down right in front of her. Hermione's eyes widened as she spotted the ring box in his hands.

"Percy, what… please get up!"

He shook his head. "Not before you accept the ring Hermione. I know this is not the marriage proposal you dreamed of and I am not… I'm aware I am not what you were hoping for but I give you my word that I'll be always on your side. I'll be faithful and loyal to you. You'll always come first, before my family, the Ministry or anybody."

Hermione nodded, her throat suddenly feeling tight. She couldn't promise Percy nearly as much and felt selfish for it. Silently, she took the box from him with trembling hands and when she opened it, she found a beautiful golden ring with a small embedded ruby. She hadn't even looked at it before.

"It's beautiful," Hermione gasped.

"Will you wear it?" Percy inquired, the nervousness apparent from his voice.

She nodded. "I will."

"And I'm allowed to call you my fiancée?" he inquired further.

"Yes."

Smiling, Percy took her left hand and very carefully, he slipped the ring on her finger. Then, he pressed a gentle kiss onto the back of her hand. Hermione's stomach made a cartwheel.

"Thank you, my dear," he whispered, blue eyes shining with happiness and affection. Seeing Percy like this, touched something inside her, making her feel lightheaded and queasy - but not in a bad way.

"Thank you, Percy," Hermione answered, her lips turning into the slightest smile.

They were engaged now, she was wearing his ring and even though she knew it would be spotted as soon as they entered the restaurant again, she found herself thinking that, perhaps it wasn't the worst thing after all.