A/N: We are now at the half way point of this story! The final three chapters are all partially written and the hope is to have this story completed by April, preferably a little sooner. In the meantime, the first of my two new stories is being published this coming Sunday and is called Heart & Soul.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own, nor have I ever owned Harry Potter.

Percy waited patiently at the end of the lane, ready to direct guests towards where the wedding was to be held. He felt honoured that his sister had asked him to be an usher, especially given his estrangement from the family during the second wizarding war. Even though he was a part of the family again, he still felt the need to work hard to prove to everyone he had changed from the blind, ambitious idiot he had once been. He knew he didn't need to, as he had been reminded by his own wife and his family many times, but he still felt the shame and guilt from his actions and the pain he had caused everyone.

He was most ashamed of how he had perceived and treated Harry, his sister's future husband. It was, perhaps, one of the main reasons, he had made such an effort to help the young couple organise their wedding. He had known Harry, in particular, was worried about unwanted guests being able to access the property and wanted to find a way to prevent it without causing any major problems for the family. It had been Percy, himself, who had suggested the use of Portkeys to allow all invited guests to bypass the already-extensive wards of The Burrow. Harry's face had lit up at the suggestion and then, expanded on the idea to only send the date and time of the wedding with the Portkey itself after the guests had RSVP'd.

Looking down the lane, Percy saw the first guests begin the walk up towards the property. He was proud to see his hard work pay off, but most importantly provide protection for the couple. He just wished he had been able to provide that protection through their years at Hogwarts.

HP&GW

July 1992…

"Come in," Percy called out after hearing a knock on the door. He looked up from the letter he had been writing to see his baby sister come into the room and close the door behind her.

"Hi, Percy," Ginny said as she looked around his room. "The twins and Ron won't let me play with them. Mum is busy cooking and told me to go and find something to do. Can I sit in here and talk to you, please?"

Percy knew he would much rather be left alone, but, like the rest of his brothers, he could rarely deny his sister of any request she made of him.

"Fine," he responded with a sigh, "but let me just finish off this letter I am writing."

Ginny gave a nod, took a seat on his bed and proceeded to continue looking around his room as though she had never seen it before. Thankfully, she remained quiet for once, allowing Percy to complete his letter in just a few minutes.

"What did you want to talk about?" Percy asked, turning his attention to his sister. He knew it would be better to let her choose the subject if it meant making her happy and keeping her occupied.

"Tell me about Harry Potter," Ginny answered immediately, her eyes lit in excitement.

Percy couldn't help but roll his eyes at the request. Ginny had already spent the past week asking Ron and the twins about the boy, so it had only been a matter of time before she asked him for his own opinion. Hopefully, she wouldn't be angry at him for telling her the truth about Harry, knowing his younger brothers probably made him out to be a larger-than-life character.

"He's a bit of a troublemaker," he told her truthfully. "No, that's not right. He doesn't make the trouble, but he is very good at finding trouble and taking Ron down with him."

"From Ron told me, he was as much a part of the trouble Harry found himself in," his sister said in defence of their brother. "It sounds like you don't like Harry."

"I never said that!"

"You had the look on your face, Percy! The one you get when one of us causes trouble and you think we are acting like toddlers."

"Well…" Percy said, searching for the words to explain himself as he withered under the glare Ginny was giving him. "Ok. I can admit that he isn't a bad person. I think he is overwhelmed by all the new things he is learning and from the unwanted attention he receives. Admittedly, he deserved the attention he received for helping Gryffindor lose one hundred and fifty points in one night."

"Ron said that was because Harry and Hermione had taken a baby dragon up to Astronomy Tower to pass over to some of Charlie's friends. They just wanted to protect Hagrid from getting in trouble for having a dragon."

Percy knew Ginny was right. He, like the rest of Gryffindor, had been angry at the huge amount of points Harry, Hermione and Neville had lost in one go. Yet, he couldn't deny he found it admirable that they had been trying to help someone out by taken a big risk in sneaking a dragon through the castle.

"Well, he certainly belongs in Gryffindor," Percy confessed lamely, not knowing how else to respond.

"Of course, he does, Percy," Ginny said defiantly. "Where else would he go? He is the Boy Who Lived! The only house he could be in is Gryffindor!"

Percy shook his head in despair at his sister's idealistic view of Harry Potter. Admittedly, it was the same view every child in the wizarding world had grown up with, following the downfall of You-Know-Who, but even he could admit that anyone attending Hogwarts had come to recognise he was just a normal person and so much more than the Boy Who Lived moniker. He could only hope that Ginny would quickly recognise that too. He didn't want her to get her hopes up about who she believed Harry to be and left disappointed that he didn't meet her expectations.

"Maybe he could have gone to Slytherin," Percy teased, knowing Ginny would never accept that idea. "Then again, maybe you could end up there when you start in September!"

HP&GW

April 1993…

Percy's eyes were wide-open in shock and his face felt like it was heating up rapidly. The exact expression appeared on his sister's face as they stared at each other. Neither of them seemed to be able to move despite the awkward position they found themselves in. Thankfully, after what felt like an hour, Ginny turned her back to him.

"Can you give me and my sister a few minutes, please?" Percy said to his girlfriend, Penelope Clearwater.

The Ravenclaw prefect pulled herself away from her boyfriend and quickly tidied herself up before leaving the classroom, closing the door behind her.

Neither Weasley moved or spoke for the moment as they both tried to figure out how to handle what just had happened – Ginny walking into the unused classroom to find her brother snogging Penelope with his hands freely roaming her body.

Percy quickly tidied himself up to look his usual neat and presentable self before walking towards where his sister remained standing with her back to him. He wasn't quite sure what he was going to say to her or how she was going to react. Ginny, in his opinion, had not appeared to be herself over the last few months, but he had willingly dismissed it as her adjusting to her new environment. Plus, with his prefect duties, he had hoped the twins and Ron would help her settle into Hogwarts.

"What were you doing walking into this classroom, Ginevra?" he asked, not wanting to directly broach the subject of himself and Penelope immediately.

"Certainly not what you were doing with that girl, Percy," she snapped back, finally turning to look at her brother.

"Well, I should hope not. You are far too young to be involved with any boy. Even so, you know full well that it is too dangerous to be walking around the castle by yourself, right now. It doesn't matter that there hasn't been an attack in several months, but it isn't worth the risk. Mum would not be happy if she found out that you were taking unnecessary risks."

Percy was surprised when his sister could only glare at him for his comments. Given what he had said about their mum, he had expected her to rant at him for treating her like a little girl. He wondered what had happened this year for her to change as much as she had. Ginny had been looking forward starting Hogwarts, even more so when she discovered Ron had become best friends with Harry Potter. Ron had not exactly given her the opportunity to get to know the boy, but then again, she had done herself no favours when she sent Harry that embarrassing Valentine.

"You're not still hiding from Harry because of the Valentine you sent him?" he asked curiously, even though it had been two months since that incident. "It isn't worth moping over, Ginevra. If Harry has not made the effort to become your friend, then he isn't worth the hassle. In all honesty, I think he finds himself in too much trouble most of the time. Look at what has happened this year, the majority of the school believe him to the Heir of Slytherin."

Much to Percy's surprise, Ginny froze up as her eyes seemed to dart around the room like she was looking for something. Her reaction made no sense to him. Yes, she had been devastated by the attack on Mrs Norris and her friend, Colin, but why would him mentioning the Heir of Slytherin terrify her in a way it had not done to others in the school.

"Do you know something about the Chamber, Ginny?" he cautiously asked her as he slowly moved towards his sister. "Do you know who the Heir of Slytherin is? Is it Harry like everyone suspects?"

"All I know is that it isn't Harry," Ginny stated with absolute certainty. "His mum is a Muggleborn! So, why would he, of all people, start attacking them?"

Percy was taken aback by Ginny's defence of Harry, while also impressed by her argument that tore apart the idea that Harry could possibly be the one behind the events of this school year. Still, something was off when it came her well-being. Yet, he knew she would not open up to him until she was ready.

"Fine. That makes sense, Ginny. However, I am still worried about you," he told her earnestly. "If you want to talk then I am here. If not, please find someone you feel comfortable with and talk them instead."

"I'll think about it."

Percy sighed, wishing she would just agree, but it was better than refusing.

"Look, let's make a deal. How about neither of us reveal what happened here today? You keep what you saw me doing in here to yourself and I will keep my concerns about you to myself. I won't even tell Mum."

Ginny visibly relaxed and nodded her confirmation. He didn't doubt she would keep the fact he had a girlfriend secret, especially if it meant him not mentioning anything to their mum. He just wished he knew what was wrong with her.

HP&GW

November 1993…

Percy came down the staircase and into the common room to find his sister at a table, poking her wand at what looked like a hand-drawn card. Intrigued by what she was attempting, he headed over to see if he could lend a hand.

"What are you doing, Ginny?" he asked as he took the seat next to her.

His sister looked up at Percy in shock before quickly shoving the card behind her back. He suspected he didn't want him to see it and that it was potentially embarrassing for her, especially given how red her cheeks had gone.

"N… nothing, Percy," she stuttered in reply.

"Whatever it is, I promise not to laugh and to help you with whatever spell you were trying to cast. Remember, I am not the twins or Ron, who know would tease you given half the chance."

"Fine," she said after a few seconds of contemplation. She pulled the card from behind her back and placed it back on the table so Percy could see.

It was a 'Get Well Soon' Card. It was beautifully decorated in the house colours of Gryffindor, so he couldn't understand why she would want to hide it from him or anyone. Then, it dawned on him that there was currently only one Gryffindor in the hospital wing.

"Is this for Harry?" he asked her kindly.

Ginny nodded as her face grew red once again.

While Percy felt that Ginny needed to grow up and move past the crush she had on the boy, he did grasp that it was hard for her to do so when Harry had been one to save her from the Chamber. He realised, therefore, that seeing Harry fall off his broom from a great height the previous day probably scared her a little more than the rest of their housemates. Even so, he still thought it was a nice gesture.

"It scared me too, seeing him fall as far as he did," Percy told her earnestly. "We should be glad that Professor Dumbledore was in attendance as it was his quick thinking that saved Harry."

"The Dementors have a really bad effect on him," she whispered in response. "I don't know what he hears, but it must be really bad for it to cause him to fall off his broom. It isn't nice to hear your worst memories play over and over again in your head."

It wasn't hard to figure out that Ginny heard memories from her experience with the diary when the Dementors were near. However, Percy did not want to bring that up and leave her feeling awful for the rest of the day.

"Well, how about I help you finish off the card, so you can take it down to Harry. Hopefully, it will cheer him up as I suspect he is not feeling all that great being stuck in the hospital wing. What spell were you trying to cast on the card?"

"You are going to think it is silly, but I wanted to make it so that when Harry opened the card, it would sing."

Percy was careful to hide his reaction to his sister's idea, something he thought was a little overboard. He suspected Harry would find a little too much and try to hide it as a result. Yet, after the events of last year, Percy didn't have the heart not to support his sister in what she was trying to do. He needed to be a better brother than he had been, even if it meant helping her put the finishing touch to a card in a way he personally would not.

"It's not about whether I think it is silly, it is about you creating the card the way you want it to be," Percy carefully said to her. "We shouldn't let other people's opinions determine how we do something. Now, try casting the charm again, so I can see if you are making a mistake."

He watched as his sister pointed her wand at the card and said the words of the spell. Nothing happened and he quickly picked up why.

"Your pronunciation is correct," he explained, "but you kept your wand still and you need to move it slightly to make the spell work."

He patiently went over the spell with Ginny until he was confident she would be able to perform it correctly.

"Thank you, Percy," Ginny said when she finally managed to make her card sing when it was opened.

"You're welcome," he told her with a genuine smile. "Why don't you take it down to Harry now?"

Percy watched as his sister left the common room to head down to the hospital wing, hoping Harry would appreciate the hard work that Ginny had put in the card. Somehow, though, he suspected Harry, just like himself, would think the card was a little much.

HP&GW

December 1994…

Percy had not been able to help the smile that had spread across his face when he had seen his sister walk into the Great Hall on the arm of Neville Longbottom. He had thought she looked beautiful and grown up in the robes their mother had purchased for Ginny to wear. No longer she did look like the scared little girl she had been the summer after the events of the Chamber. However, he was even more grateful that she had secured a date with someone other than Harry Potter. He felt that meant she had finally moved past the schoolgirl crush she had on him and recognised that he was, at least in his opinion, more trouble than he was worth.

He was still in two minds over whether the boy had entered himself into the tournament or if he had been set up as he claimed. The boy had always found himself at the centre of the events that had happened here at Hogwarts from the moment Harry had first stepped into the castle. So, in his mind, it was not hard to think that Harry was, in fact, a willing participant of the tournament. However, the only question that continued to linger was how the Goblet of Fire had spat out a fourth name under a fourth school when it was only to select three participants. He didn't know if Harry was capable of casting the necessary spells to make that happen, but he was certainly powerful enough, given that the boy could cast a Patronus, a charm many wizards and witches could not cast themselves.

Percy decided to push those thoughts to the side for now, knowing he would probably find the answers he wanted any time soon. Instead, he walked through the crowd of students that was gathered on the dancefloor and approached his sister, who he felt needed rescuing from her toes being continually trod on by Neville.

"Excuse me," he politely said as he reached the pair in question, "but, may I cut in and have a dance with my sister?"

Neville just nodded and placed one of Ginny's hands in Percy's.

"What are you doing here, Percy?" Ginny asked as he began to move them around the dancefloor.

"No hello, Ginevra?"

"Hello, Percy. Nice to see you here at Hogwarts," she responded with a forced politeness. "Now, would you care to tell me how it is that you are attending the ball, instead of your boss?"

"I have been promoted," he answered proudly. "I am now Mr Crouch's personal assistant. He asked me to represent him here, tonight, as he has not been feeling too well lately. I was happy and honoured to do so, especially as it meant attending such a prestigious event."

"And you haven't taken the chance to keep an eye on your siblings' behaviour?"

"Someone has to tell Mother that you all behaved yourselves here at the ball," Percy replied, not remotely surprised that his sister had figured out his other reason for attending. "Mother is convinced you are going to do something that paints Hogwarts and our family in a bad light. The twins have already accosted Ludo Bagman tonight, though I did manage to chase them away before they did something to embarrass themselves."

"You are allowed to relax once in a while, Percy. Not everything has to be business."

"I am here representing Mr Crouch and our department, Ginevra. I cannot behave in a way that reflects badly on Ministry."

"Fine," Ginny said with a slight huff as Percy twirled her. "I noticed Harry sat next to and interacted with you at dinner."

"I thought he would appreciate sitting next to a familiar face," Percy told her, knowing now was not the time to bring up his opinion on Harry and him being the unexpected fourth champion. "I am surprised to see you here with Neville Longbottom. I would have thought you would have been Harry's date if given the opportunity."

"Well, Ron suggested the idea and Harry certainly did not object," Ginny explained as she looked across the dancefloor at something or someone. "Neville had already asked me though and I was not about to break my promise to attend with him just to be Harry's date. It wouldn't have been fair to him."

"That was very honourable of you. I think that it was also the best choice as it does not look like Harry has been the best date to the young lady he brought tonight."

"No, instead I chose to have my toes trodden on constantly."

Ginny said nothing else as her eyes lit in excitement at something behind Percy.

"My apologies for interrupting as you dance with your brother," the unknown boy formally said as he reached the siblings, "but may I have this dance?"

Ginny looked to Percy, a hopeful look in her eyes.

"It's fine," he told her, genuinely pleased she was finally showing interest in a boy who was not Harry Potter, even if he felt the boy had been more formal than need be. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

HP&GW

July 1995…

Percy still couldn't believe his luck at receiving such a prestigious promotion at the Ministry. He had been certain when he had been called in to see the Minister for Magic that he would be let go for the mistakes he had made in his first year working there. Given how much trouble he had found himself in for not recognising that Mr Crouch had not been himself, he had expected to lose his job and was willing to accept that outcome. However, it seemed the Minister, himself, felt that Percy had been untreated unfairly and had done the best he could have given the position he had unexpectedly found himself in.

Walking into the house, Percy was happy to see his family sitting around the table, having just started to eat dinner.

"I am pleased you are all here," he greeted them cheerfully. "I have some unexpected, yet wonderful news to tell you."

"Take a seat, Percy, dear," his mother said as she stood from her seat. "I will get you a plate of food while you tell us your news."

Percy did as he was asked, taking the spare seat next to his sister as his mother began serving food onto a plate for him.

"What is your news, son?" his father said, a look of concern on his face.

"I was called to the Minister for Magic's office today," Percy began, choosing to ignore his father's expression. "I was expecting to be told I was no longer an employee of the Ministry, but it turns out that the Minister wished to offer me a promotion to a position in his office. You are now looking at the newest and youngest Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic."

His family's reaction was not the one he had been expecting or hoping for.

"How?" Ron asked bluntly.

"Excuse me?"

"What I think your brother is trying to ask," his father politely said, "is how is it you have managed to gain such a promotion after the trouble you found yourself in just last week?"

"The Minister felt I had been unfairly treated by those who had questioned me and tried to place a portion of the blame on me," Percy stiffly explained. "He felt that I handled the situation the best I could have and that I could not be to blame for not noticing the problem with Mr Crouch. He said I had shown initiative, dedication to the job and loyalty to the Ministry and that, as a result, deserved a promotion to a position that would be reflective of those qualities."

"Do you not see the problem of your promotion, Percy?" his father asked with a tone of concern.

"No, I do not, Father. Nor do I understand why there would be one."

"I am assuming that you are aware that the Minister has been trying to find out who in the Ministry has a close connection to Dumbledore. Fudge believes that I am one of those people who does and has therefore promoted you to a position through which he can spy on our family and to some extent, Dumbledore."

Percy felt stunned that his father could think that way. The only reason he could come up with for his father not being impressed was jealousy. His father had never risen beyond being the head of the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office, a small department that was routinely overlooked, except when needed.

"You should be proud of the promotion I have been given," Percy declared to the room. "Instead, you are acting like you are jealous of me for climbing through the ranks of the Ministry much faster than most people do!"

"Excuse me?" his father's voice dropped dangerously low, though Percy ignored the warning sign of his father's anger.

"You heard me, Father! Do you know how much of a struggle it has been for me since I began working at the Ministry? I have had to prove, day after day, that I am not like you. You have a lousy reputation amongst the Ministry workers, one which I have had to work hard to overcome just so I can advance my own career. Your lack of ambition has resulted in the money struggles this family has. It's like you don't even care about the need to feed and clothe your children!"

"How dare you!"

Percy neglected to note how the rest of the family remained stunned by their brother's outburst against their father. He refused to acknowledgement how his mother was in tears over what was happening in front of her. More importantly, he did not recognise how his ambition to do well at the Ministry had suddenly become a priority over his family.

"It needed to be said," Percy replied in defence. "My loyalty lies with the Ministry and not with a man who is making wild accusations that is leading him into big trouble. If Dumbledore keeps up with this nonsense, then he will no longer retain the many positions he holds in our world."

"It isn't nonsense, Percy!" Ginny said furiously, interrupting her brother's tirade against the Headmaster of Hogwarts. "Harry was there! He watched Cedric be murdered, unable to do anything to stop it. He was used in a ritual to bring back You-Know-Who! For what reason would Harry lie about something that serious?"

"You only believe him, Ginny, because of that stupid crush you have on him! When are you to grow up and see Harry for the troublemaker he truly is?"

"Apologise to your sister, right now, Percy!" his father demanded as his sister recoiled in shock from the harsh words he had said.

"Why should I? I only told her the truth."

"Dumbledore believes Harry and he, too, has no reason to lie about something as serious as this. He recognised the signs that You-Know-Who was going to return and now he has. All of us here believe in Dumbledore and Harry and we will be supporting them. War is coming, Percy!"

Percy couldn't believe his family would willing take the word of a boy who was forever getting into serious trouble over their own son. There was no evidence for You-Know-Who returning and the Ministry confirmed that he had been killed nearly fourteen years ago.

"Harry's words are the only evidence you can present and it isn't good enough! You are an idiot for following Dumbledore, Father. It will only lead to him bringing you down with him when you are proven wrong and traitors to our world. If you feel the need to betray our Ministry, then I have no choice but to make it known to everyone where your true loyalties lie. It is obvious to me that I am no longer a part of this family."

Percy stormed out of the room and upstairs. If he was no longer an accepted member of this family, then he would pack his belongings and leave. There was no point staying where he was no longer wanted.

HP&GW

December 1996…

Percy felt awkward as he watched the Minister for Magic and Harry exit the kitchen to take a stroll around the garden. He didn't particularly want to be here in his former home with his family after the way he had treated them the last time he had been in their presence. However, he knew that he was being used just so the Minister could finally speak face to face with the boy they were calling the 'Chosen One'.

He could feel the cold stares of his siblings and his father as he averted his gaze from looking directly at them. He wasn't a fool to believe that they would give him a piece of their mind, given the chance, about how he had been wrong to believe the Ministry over Harry about the return of You-Know-Who. He didn't need to see their smug faces if he turned round and told them he had been wrong to ignore Harry's claims about what had happened at the end of the third task. In his defence, the Ministry had not been given solid and credible evidence that would have backed up what his family believed.

"I hope they are not working you too hard at the Ministry, Percy," his mother said, breaking Percy out of his thoughts.

"We are very busy at the moment, Mother," he replied curtly. "With the unexpected return of You-Know-Who, everyone is expected help in the best way they can to help keep as many people as possible safe. It has meant the Minister's office has been left working around the clock most days."

"Well, please don't overwork yourself. You will be no good to the Ministry if you do not take good care of yourself," his mother responded kindly that left Percy wondering how she could still worry about him after the way he had spoken to the family last year. Perhaps, maybe, given the way she was treating him, it was time to admit his mistakes and apologise.

However, before Percy could say anything to his mother, he felt something hit his glasses. Reaching up, he wiped a finger through the substance and quickly discovered that one of his siblings had been childish enough to throw mashed parsnips at him. Though, the amount that was running down his glasses, to the point that his vision was beginning to be obscured, he suspected that more than one of them had thrown the food at him.

"I think I shall be going, Mother," Percy said stiffly. "It seems I am not welcome here and I certainly do not want to be remain in the presence of those who choose act like children."

He turned and headed for the door, wiping his glasses off as he did so.

"Perhaps you should have believed Harry when he told everyone that You-Know-Who was back!"

Percy froze at hearing the words from his sister's mouth. She was right, but now was not the time to admit that. He chose, instead, to ignore the internal voice that was telling to admit his mistake and stormed out of the door.

HP&GW

May 1998…

Percy stumbled back slightly in shock at hearing the heartbroken screams come from his siblings and their best friend. The pain that was evident, particularly in his sister's cry of the Boy Who Lived's name, had truly stunned him. Had Ginny's crush on Harry Potter developed into something deeper and more meaningful? His stubbornness that had prevented him from admitting his mistakes had stopped him from seeing whatever relationship had developed between the two teens and now Harry was dead.

He could only watch in a daze as the events unfolded around him. He could see Ron and Hermione holding Ginny back from attempting to take on You-Know-Who herself, making him realise that his sister had probably just lost the boy she had fallen in love with. She would be heartbroken, but the way she fought against being held back told Percy that she would fight with everything she had to make sure that Harry's death did not mean You-Know-Who's victory.

Percy knew he had a lot to make up for after the way he had behaved over the past two years. Therefore, he made a promise to himself to do everything in his power to help win this battle and the war, but to also to be there for Ginny as she worked way through her grief and heartache over the loss of the boy she had fallen for. He had ignored her when she needed her family once before, but he would not do that again.

Dragging himself from his thoughts, Percy focused his eyes on what was going on around him, allowing them to settle upon Neville Longbottom as he strode forward with a determined look in his eyes. He slowly and carefully moved himself towards where his youngest two siblings stood, noticing his other brothers were doing the same. Whatever Neville was about to do felt like a sign that everything was about to change and Percy was determined to be ready. The end of the battle was coming and Percy knew that no one was going to let it be a victory for the wizard who had destroyed so many lives. It was time to end this.

HP&GW

June 1998…

Percy paused at the door to the living room and watched his sister and her boyfriend, who were curled up on the sofa, talking. He couldn't deny what a sweet scene it was. Both teens looked the most relaxed he had ever seen them to be in the last few years. It wasn't a surprise to him, or anyone who knew the couple, given that the war had finally come to an end just a few weeks ago. However, given his estrangement from the family for the past three years, he had held his distance from most of the family, allowing him the time to understand the dynamics and how they had changed.

For him, it had been Ginny and Harry's relationship that had shocked him the most. He knew he could freely admit that he had done everything he could to turn Ginny from the idea of pursuing a relationship with the raven-haired wizard. Now, he'd had the time to watch them, he was glad that his sister had ignored everything he had told her and chosen to choose her own path in life. The problem was that he needed to do the one thing he had been avoiding since he had come back into his family's lives.

"Sorry to interrupt," Percy said as he finally stepped inside the living room, "but can I have a private word with Harry, please?"

"Anything you have to say to me, you can say in front of Ginny," Harry replied civilly, proving to Percy why he needed to be the Gryffindor he was and own up to his mistakes. "I have no secrets from my girlfriend."

While Percy had hoped to have the coming conversation in private, he was not a fool to believe that Ginny would not eventually find out what they were about to speak about. It was obviously going to easier to just talk to Harry with Ginny present.

"I wanted to apologise to you, Harry," he said, looking directly at the wizard in question. "I have said and done some truly awful things when it has come to you. I will not make any excuses for my behaviour, but, and as much as some people may not believe this, I can admit when I am in the wrong, even if it does take me some time to accept that."

Percy kept his eyes on Harry, nervous to look at his only sister, fearful she would whip out her wand and hex him so badly that he wouldn't be able to sit for a month. It seemed, though, that Harry was taken aback by his words and was not sure how to reply to his apology.

"Well, it's about damn time, Percy," his sister responded with an underlying tone of anger. "We have been telling you for years that Harry was a good person. Do you really think that Mum and Dad would have …?"

Ginny stopped talking as Harry placed a calming hand on her shoulder. Percy could only watch as they appeared to have a silent conversation and was surprised when Ginny looked as though she was going to back down from having a rant at him.

"It's fine, Percy," Harry calmly told him. "We all make mistakes. It would be wrong for me not to accept your apology when I have lost count of how many times Ron has needed my forgiveness for the mistakes he has made. The very fact you can admit you were wrong and apologise for it makes it much easier to say that I accept your apology."

Percy didn't know how to respond to Harry's acceptance. He knew, thanks to Ron and Hermione, that Harry would accept his apology, but for him to accept so easily, that he had not been expecting. All Percy could do was to finally accept that Harry Potter was a good man, no matter what his previous opinions on the Boy Who Lived had been.

"You have yourself a perfect match, Ginny," Percy quietly said to his sister before turning to leave, missing the shocked expressions on the couple's faces.

HP&GW

Percy shook himself from the memories, knowing it was no good to dwell on the mistakes he had made when it came to Harry and Ginny. Checking the time, he saw it was just a couple of minutes until the wedding was due to begin. Knowing that there were no more Portkeys due, he headed back to the house.

"Father," Percy said as he stepped inside of the kitchen, "all of the guests have arrived. Whenever Ginny is ready, the wedding can begin."

His father gave him a nod of thanks before Percy turned and walked back out. Pleased to have played his part in the wedding, he headed towards to where the guests were now seated, ready to see the young couple have the happy ending.