A lovely guest reviewer left me a note on The Unlikely Pair in Spanish! I don't look at reviews a lot but since I had to put this one through Google Translate, I wanted to give them a little shout out. Muchas gracias for the kind words!
Where We Left Off (5 Days After The Final Battle)
When they walked down the hall to Fred's room, they heard the voices of their family. But...they heard sobbing. Mum was crying and everyone was talking at once, loudly. Percy's heart dropped into his stomach. George took off at a sprint down the hallway, much like he had at the final battle. Percy was close behind.
Everyone was standing around Fred's bed, so tightly crowded that Percy couldn't see. George shoved his way through and dropped to his knees beside the bed. Charlie reached out and embraced Percy, shoulders shaking. It took Percy one heart-stopping moment to realize that Charlie wasn't crying. He was laughing.
Fred was awake.
Fred gazed through slightly dazed eyes out at the large group of people standing around him. Molly was seated closest, stroking his hair off his face. George quickly squeezed in at his other side, while Percy hung back, feeling out of place.
"Fred," George choked, "Jesus Christ, it's good to see you awake," Fred's eyes widened, and he opened his mouth.
"I…" he huffed, the nasal oxygen cannula under his nose cutting into the curve of his cheekbone, "It. You," he growled deep in the back of his throat and closed his mouth.
"It's okay, Fred. Take your time, son," Dad said from his place at Molly's shoulder. George reached out to Fred and took his hand.
"You. All. Here." Fred said, haltingly, one word at a time.
"Of course we're here, knucklehead," George grinned, "Thought you could get rid of us, didja?" Fred rolled his eyes and swatted George's hand clumsily.
"Your healer should be in any minute," Ginny leaned in and sat on the edge of Fred's bed, "You've just woken up. You've been unconscious for almost a week, did you know that?"
"No,"
"Well, you have. It's Wednesday, May 8th. You were injured during the battle. Harry, Ron, Hermione, George, and Percy were all there with you, and they saved you and got you taken to St. Mungo's. We were all really afraid for you, but the healers did a good job and you're on the mend. Do you understand?"
"Yes." Fred nodded. George had Fred's right hand in his own, so Fred reached with his left hand for Ginny. But instead of a smooth motion, Fred's shoulder jerked, his elbow and hand lagging. He tried again, but only succeeded in getting his fingers caught in an IV line and tugging, which made him yelp.
It was terrible to watch, Percy just wanted to leave. For a moment, nobody moved.
Harry gently reached forward and lifted Fred's wrist over the blanket, untangling the line, and placed it on Ginny's knee. Fred glanced at Harry, and nodded.
"Hello, hello!" Fred's Healer bustled in, "Wow, what a full house today!" A mediwitch followed with a clipboard and dicto-quill, "Fred, it's jolly good to see you! I'm Healer Luyanda. I've overseen your care since you were brought here on Sunday evening. I'd like to do a few tests and evaluations now you're awake, and I'll explain your situation more fully after that, alright?"
"Yes," Fred said.
"This will be easiest with fewer people in the room. Perhaps you all could go and occupy the tea shop, or visit young miss Hermione's room for about an hour?" Everyone glanced at each other, wondering who exactly should go and who should stay.
Healer Luyanda quirked an eyebrow, "George and Arthur can stay. I think the rest of you will be more distracting than helpful," With clear instructions, Percy, Harry, and the rest of the Weasleys filed out. Molly put up a bit of a fuss about wanting to stay, but with a few soft words from Arthur, Molly left the room with everyone else.
"Tea and pastries on me, for anyone who wants to come," Charlie volunteered. Ron, Molly, Bill, and Fleur followed him to the elevators.
"I'm going to take a walk," Harry said, turning and walking briskly in the opposite direction down the corridor. Ginny glanced at Percy for a moment, a tired look on her face, then followed Harry at a jog. Percy poked his head into Hermione's room and saw her sitting up in bed.
"Come in," She beckoned, smiling when she saw Percy. He came in and gave her a quick kiss, careful not to get his glasses caught in her oxygen cannula. (That had already happened once, and boy, was it embarrassing)
"Enjoy your nap?" He asked, settling beside her on the bed. She leaned her head against his shoulder.
"I suppose. I had wanted to send a few letters, but I just got so tired," She gestured to the self-inking quill and parchment on her lap, "I'm trying to get into contact with the Australian Ministry,"
"About your parents?"
"Yes. Australia's ministry has a robust Muggle Relations Department. I'm hoping that they can locate my parents so I can find them and reverse the memory spells. There can't be that many Wendell and Monica Wilkins who are both dentists, married to each other, who've moved to Australia within the last year. It takes a long time for mail to get all the way to Australia and back, though. 5-7 business days, one way," Percy winced, but Hermione looked determined, if not a little frustrated. They devolved into small talk about Fred, Percy's work that day, and a few different topics.
Eventually, Arthur poked his head in.
"Hermione, my dear, you are looking better every day,"
"You say that every time you stop by," She smiled at Percy's dad.
"Well, it never ceases to be true," Percy was amused at the easygoing relationship that Hermione and his father seemed to have, and was once again struck with a bit of jealousy that it seemed to come naturally for her, whereas he felt awkward in his interactions with nearly everyone in his family.
"The healer seems to think it best if we allow Fred the evening to rest, rather than overwhelming him with more visitors tonight," Arthur continued, "George is going to stay tonight, and I'm ready to find Molly and the kids and head home,"
"Charlie took most of them up to the tea room. I think Harry and Ginny went on a walk," Percy supplied.
"Thanks, I'll see if I can't join them for a cuppa before we go," Arthur smiled.
"If the nurse lets me, do you think Fred would mind if I popped in tomorrow to say hello?" Hermione asked.
"I think he would like that. He's having a bit of trouble with his speech right now, but I think he'd appreciate seeing you," Arthur said, "You kids need anything? Otherwise, I'll see you at work in the morning, Percy,"
"I think we're good. Good night, Dad,"
"Good night, Arthur. Thanks for stopping by,"
Hermione continued to work on her correspondence for a little while longer, but Percy could tell she was exhausted. He encouraged her to turn in early, and bade her goodnight so that he could return home to care for the animals and head to bed.
1 Week After The Battle
Final Order of the Phoenix Meeting, The Burrow
Kingsley, Remus, Molly, and Arthur had rallied the full Order of the Phoenix for what some might call a debrief, others might call a reunion. There was food on every flat surface in the kitchen and dining room, and people socialized in the Burrow's spacious backyard in small groups. Alicia had been invited by Kingsley, and she'd brought Penny, so Percy chatted with the two of them.
Harry was, again, the man of the hour. Percy couldn't help but notice that Harry looked a bit worse for wear. There were bags under his eyes, and he looked like he was having trouble staying awake. He continued to sip from the glass in his hand as various Order members from all walks of life introduced themselves and shook his hand.
Kingsley called the meeting to order while everyone enjoyed slices of Mum's peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream. The May weather was balmy, and they sat on picnic benches and blankets on the grass.
"I felt it was appropriate to call us together, one last time. The Order of the Phoenix, has, by the power of Merlin, no more purpose in the Wizarding World," People raised their glasses and cheered.
"I thought it would be appropriate to recognize you all, as well, as this meeting, by letting you know that each and every member of the Order of the Phoenix will be receiving an Order of Merlin, 3rd Class, for your service,"
Another round of applause.
"I nominated a few members of the Order to receive awards of the Order of Merlin, 2nd class. That vote was taken by members of the Morgana Selection Committee this morning. I am pleased to say that the following members of the Order of the Phoenix will be honored with this award at a ceremony in July," Kingsley paused, for dramatic effect.
"For Auror Hestia Jones," Kingsley swallowed, "For your 40 years of work dedicated to the service of the Magical United Kingdom, including your incredible leadership and bravery in the last year, protecting not only the muggle prime minister, but at-risk muggle families as well. Auror Jones will also accept an Order of Merlin, 2nd Class, on behalf of Dedalus Diggle, who has earned the award posthumously," Auror Jones, a few yards away from Percy, sniffled.
"For Remus Lupin, for your work with the werewolf packs in Europe, and for your efforts in magical creature relations and diplomacy," Kingsley paused, "Remus is, to the best of our knowledge, the first werewolf to ever receive an Order of Merlin award," Remus, who sat at a picnic table with Tonks holding his newborn son, ducked at the applause. Percy smiled.
"For Lee Jordan and Angelina Johnson, who risked incredible danger to themselves in order to connect the Wizarding world and communicate current events, concerns, and happenings during the war," Raucous cheering and more than a few wolf-whistles for Lee and Angelina.
"And lastly, for Percy Weasley and Alicia Spinnet, who single-handedly implemented over 83 civil rights laws, procedures, and progressive policies in one year. Mr. Weasley and Ms. Spinnet are responsible for most, if not all of the current reform that we are going to lead the Wizarding UK with in the coming years,"
Well, that was unexpected. The applause and cheering came most loudly from Tonks and the rest of the Weasley family. Penny gave Alicia a kiss on the cheek, and then gave Percy one as well. Alicia squeezed his hand.
"The Morgana Selection committee is currently looking over submissions for Order of Merlin, First Class, which will be announced in two weeks," Kingsley looked meaningfully at Harry and Ron, "And I can imagine that a few of our own will join those numbers as well,"
A final round of applause, and then everyone began to socialize again. Kingsley began to make his way around the crowd, but he kept making eye contact with Percy and Alicia, so they stayed where they were.
"Percy, Alicia, I trust that you'll be at the Wizengamot meeting tomorrow," Kingsley approached them at last.
"Yes sir,"
"I have been given a heads up about some information, and I felt I owed it to you to pass it along," Kingsley looked grave.
"Of course, what is it?"
"I've been informed that the Wizengamot is likely going to nominate other people to fill your seat, Alicia's seat, and the "Vice Minister" seat that you've created in your new legislation. Seems that the general consensus of the governing body is that apparently it's not appropriate to allow two 20-somethings to run the country," Percy felt like his stomach had dropped onto the floor.
"It was appropriate the last 3 years, wasn't it?" Alicia snapped, bitterly.
"I suspect there are other political motivations at play. The Wizengamot knows that its constituents are wanting to take control back over their government, and pleasing the people seems to be the name of the game, at the moment,"
"But Alicia and I made so much progress in the last year, with the laws we've passed and everything. We've just won an Order of Merlin, for pete's sake,"
"You have," Kingsley said, diplomatically. Percy fumed. Years of hard work and dedication apparently did not matter one bit to the ungrateful Wizengamot.
"Do you know who they are going to be nominating to take over our jobs?"
"Hestia Jones will likely come to fill Alicia's role. She's long due for a promotion and has been working for the ministry in a variety of roles for the last 40 years. She's more than earned her desk job, and she's excellent at liaising with muggles. Amos Diggory is nearly a shoe-in for the Vice Minister position. He's not got much experience in politics, but he and his wife are media darlings after the loss of their son, and he's got a good head on his shoulders," Kingsley had not completely answered Percy's question.
"And my job?" He pressed.
Kingsley hesitated.
"They are wanting to bring back Cornelius Fudge to take on your job,"
"FUDGE?" Percy said, too loudly. His voice bounced off the silencing shield that Kingsley had erected around the three of them.
"Yes, Fudge. He has many years of political experience, and despite his tendency to sway under bribery, he does have a keen eye for diplomacy. Hestia, Amos, and Arthur will be helping me to keep a sharp eye on him,"
"Pardon me, sir. But that's utter bullshit. Fudge is a brown-nosing coward who has nearly ruined the wizarding world more than once. Percy and I have earned our roles in the executive office, you know we have," Alicia took a step forward and glared menacingly up at Kingsley.
"Yes, I know you have," Kingsley was remaining entirely too calm.
"Excuse me," Alicia dismissed herself abruptly, storming off. Percy fought the urge to join her. His stomach hurt with how unfair this was.
"So, am I going to be fired then?" Percy asked, after a moment.
"Oh, no, absolutely not!" Kingsley looked shocked, "You've both been critical workers in the Ministry over the last several years. You and I both know how many people you saved, and you've certainly proven your loyalty to Magical UK's citizens. In five or ten years, if I am still in office, I am going to fight hard to get you both your jobs back if that's what you want. I have a plan," Kingsley continued, "I am certainly not going to let you and your skills escape to the private sector. I have job offers for you, and for Alicia, in the ministry. Ones that I hope you'll accept,"
"What sort of job offer?" Percy asked.
"Well Percy, my offer for you is in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Dora Tonks is going to take over as the Director of the DMLE so that I can nominate myself for Minister of Magic tomorrow, and I am confident that my run will be unopposed. However, we've realized that there is going to be a lot of scrutiny regarding our department in the coming months as we begin the Death Eater trials. Tonks is an excellent auror, but what she and her department need most is a second in command, an assistant director. Someone who is very familiar with ministry workings, excellent attention to detail, down-to-earth, a solid sense of right and wrong, paperwork savvy…"
"And you want to offer the job to me," Percy finished. He was angry, of course. But it was a reasonable offer, even a flattering one.
"I had hoped you would be interested. I truly am sorry to see you go from my executive office. It was the least I could do to give you a heads up before the meeting tomorrow, and help you and Alicia find meaningful work as quickly as possible,"
"Thank you, sir,"
"Now, I do not need your answer today. Tonks is working on writing up the job description and responsibilities, and we'll be contacting you in a couple of days with a formal offer: benefits and salary and other details,"
"Yes, thank you, sir. I appreciate you letting me know about all this now, rather than tomorrow,"
"If you see Alicia, would you let her know that I'll be sending her an owl to discuss her job offer tomorrow afternoon?" Percy nodded, "Excellent. Now, I have a few matters to discuss with your brother Bill, if you'll excuse me," Kingsley departed.
Percy left soon afterward. Alicia had already gone, and he didn't feel much like spending time with anyone, at the moment.
He apparated straight to St. Mungo's, to spill the whole story to Hermione. She was an excellent listener, outraged at all the right points, and sympathetic where he needed it most.
He lay beside her on the bed after he was through, exhausted.
"This feels just like when Fudge offered me the job in his office a few years ago. When I realized that he was only offering it to me because he wanted to use me. I feel like I've been used now,"
"I'm sorry, Percy, it's so unfair that this is happening," She leaned over and pressed her lips to his cheek, tickling him with her hair.
"I've worked so hard. So has Alicia. We literally spent hundreds of hours doing the job of 5 or 6 government officials, just the two of us, to be sure the country didn't become an anarchy. And now they're ousting us just as soon as the job has been done? I just…" Percy bumped his head back into the pillow, "Oh, Alicia stormed off on Kingsley like a teenager. I thought she was going to slap him. I just want to do the same. I want to throw a proper tantrum about this,"
"You deserve to," Hermione agreed. But Percy knew that he wouldn't. He was outraged, mad, wanted to yell and pout. But...Kingsley had been fair to warm them ahead of time, to seek them out employment within the Ministry that would be a good fit. To assure them that he would do everything he could to get them their jobs back.
But damn. Cornelius Fudge was going to take over Percy's job? That was so infuriating.
Eventually, Percy calmed down enough to share a cup of vanilla pudding with Hermione for a late night snack, before wishing her a good night and heading home to his apartment. Juno and Crookshanks curled up with him as he lay down to sleep.