When Percy was five, he thought his big brother Bill was the coolest boy in the world. Bill was off to Hogwarts and he looked so unafraid.

"Aren't you scared?" Percy had asked, and Bill shook his head.

"No, I'm not. Because I know I'll be fine."

Percy wished he had his brother's confidence. "I'll miss you," he'd said, gazing up at Bill with his eyes watering.

Bill's face softened. "I'll miss you too, Perce. C'mere." With ease, he scooped Percy into his arms. "How about one last broomstick ride before I go?"

Percy nodded, grinning.


When Percy went to Hogwarts, Bill was starting his sixth year. Bill was popular, and Percy could see why — his infectious laugh, his easygoing nature, his studious behavior. He was naturally gifted with magic, so all of the teachers loved him. Percy just hoped he could live up to his brother's standard.

He met a boy named Oliver Wood on the Hogwarts Express. Two older boys were teasing him for his name, so Percy stepped in.

"Back off!" he snapped, his voice quivering but standing up tall, like Bill had taught him.

"Oh look, it's a Weasley," one of the boys sneered — Percy noticed he was wearing a loose silver and green tie, so he must be a Slytherin. "You're one to talk — I hear your father's —"

"Is something going on here?" Bill's voice interjected as Percy shied away, quaking. The two Slytherin boys turned, and their faces drained of color when they saw who it was. Seemingly, Bill's reputation preceded him.

"Nothing," the boys muttered in unison.

"Well, you're lucky I'm feeling generous today," Bill said, "otherwise I'd report you to Slughorn and dock points from Slytherin, but we don't want to start the year off on a bad note, do we?"

The Slytherins wisely kept their lips sealed and shuffled down the train, glaring balefully at the three of them.

"Thanks, Bill," Percy said, the tremors beginning to subside.

"It's not a problem. If they keep harassing you, tell me and I'll take care of it."

"Thanks," Oliver said softly, causing them both to jump — they had forgotten he was there.

"You're Oliver, right? Why don't you come and join us in our train compartment? Mum gave me a little extra pocket money this year so I'll buy us a bunch of sweets off the trolley." Bill smiled invitingly at the boy and Oliver nodded gratefully.

"Sounds good. Thanks again."

Bill clapped him on the shoulder. "It's no problem."


422 words

Auction: Percy&Bill