QLFC — Round 7 — Captain: write a character being open about their faith

Chudley Cannons Team Challenge: have a character talk about your favourite [anything] (I chose favourite holiday, which is Christmas)

Tumblr dialogue prompt: "You always look beautiful."

Summary: Percy and Audrey are two very different people, from two very different worlds, and this is their very first Christmas together.

Warning: discussions of religious beliefs (Christianity)

WC. 2949

The Best Christmas Yet

It was Christmas — Percy's favourite time of year. The promise of the holidays seemed to put everyone in a good mood, and getting through the last few weeks of work were made a lot easier by the cheerful chatter that filled the halls of the Ministry, along with the loud whistling of Christmas carols as people left for their homes each evening.

Even Percy — who never hummed — found himself singing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing as he left the Ministry of Magic on Christmas Eve, waving cheerfully to his brother, Ron, as he passed the fireplaces.

He always liked Christmas, but this year was going to be a particularly good one. He was spending it, not with his family, but with Audrey.

His girlfriend.

That still baffled him every time he thought about it, and he had to remind himself that she didn't know about anything he'd done in the past. She knew nothing of how he'd abandoned his family, of how he'd refused to speak to them for years. She didn't even know that he was a wizard — something that he did intend on telling her… eventually — and that he worked as Head of Magical Transportation at the Ministry of Magic.

She saw him for Percy, the young man who'd grown up in a large, poor family, who'd then moved to London to find his way in the world, and was now leading a whole department of workers.

And she liked him. That was definitely the best part.

Still humming as he Disapparated from the Ministry of Magic to his home, Percy stripped of his work robes and pulled on something more casual. He wasn't entirely sure it was appropriate Muggle attire, but he thought he'd done a decent job at dressing himself for the occasion. After all, on the few dates he and Audrey had been on, she'd not once mentioned his clothes, nor had she looked at him strangely when he'd shown up to the Muggle restaurant, or when they'd gone to the winter fair and sat atop the ferris wheel together.

He liked Audrey a lot, and he was determined to impress her; though he did find it strange that she hadn't seemed interested in kissing him yet. On the one attempt that he'd tried to take the lead, she'd pulled away, looked at him horror-struck, and ended the date there and then. Though, after thinking he'd messed things up entirely, she'd asked him on another date two days later without mention of what had happened on the previous one.

Percy found it odd, but he hadn't pushed the matter since. He supposed she was just nervous. Maybe she'd never had a boyfriend before.

Either way, he was happy to be spending Christmas with her.

Once dressed, he threw together a bag of a few things — pyjamas, toothbrush, toothpaste, a few changes of clothes. She hadn't specified how long he would be allowed to stay with her family for, but if the worst came to worst, he'd simply Apparate home, grab a few more things, and head back. No one would need to know.

After he'd packed, he placed the present he'd bought her on top of his bag, closed it up, and then left his flat with a smile. This, he knew, was going to be the best Christmas yet. He could feel it.

…

Audrey had just placed the angel on top of the Christmas tree when there was a knock at the door. She jumped, unable to contain the nerves that fluttered into her stomach. He was here. Percy, the boy — or man, really — she'd invited to spend Christmas with her and her family.

If she was being honest, he was quite a funny man, with many peculiar traits. She had to admit that he seemed quite dense at times, especially when it came to their dates. Despite his best efforts, he always seemed to get lost when it came to paying for things — even something as easy as a coffee from a local cafe — and would end up asking her for help.

There were other unusual things about him, too; things that made her a little uncomfortable, but he seemed to be really interested in her, and most importantly, she rather fancied him. And when she'd told him about her beliefs — something she always mentioned to someone she met — he'd merely nodded, smiled and said that was okay.

In fact, he seemed the most understanding out of anyone, but she had a sneaking suspicion that he may not have understood at all. At least, his actions following that, seemed to suggest as such.

But it would be a learning curve for both of them, she was sure.

Sucking in a deep breath and calming her nerves, she opened the door, unable to hide the smile that crossed her face. There he was, Percy Weasley, tall, red hair and glasses, looking just as nervous as she felt.

For a moment, they stared at each other, and then, smiling, Audrey said, "Come in. Thank you for coming!"

"That's quite alright," Percy said, in the same tone he always used when she offered him a compliment.

He stopped over the threshold and looked around, taking in the quaint three-bedroom house Audrey shared with her parents. Audrey watched nervously, watching his expression, but after a moment, he turned to her and smiled.

"This is a lovely place."

"Thank you," Audrey said, smiling. Her eyes trailed down to the bag he carried. "Well, I'll show you to your room, then."

Percy nodded and followed her into the hall where the staircase was. They ascended, stepping onto a small landing with four doors surrounding them.

"It's in here," Audrey said, leading Percy to the room on the left. She opened the door to their guest bedroom, a small, tidy room that was rarely used.

"It's… nice," Percy said. "You keep your room nice and tidy."

Audrey flushed ever so slightly but regathered herself before he seemed to notice. "This is the guest bedroom, Percy," she said quietly.

This time, it was Percy's turn to flush. "Oh… right… sorry."

They stood there for a moment, an awkward silence falling between them. She knew Percy hadn't meant to assume — it did seem to be the norm amongst her generation — but she had told him.

"It's nice," Percy said again.

Audrey smiled, nodding. "It is," she said, looking up at him. He was uncomfortable. "Percy…"

"Yes?" He turned to her, and she found herself captivated by his bright blue eyes. That was what had attracted her to him on their first chance meeting — literally bumping into him as she rounded a corner. He'd been so frazzled by the clash, apologising profusely as he helped to pick up all the shopping bags she'd dropped, that she hadn't noticed immediately just how beautiful his eyes were.

Her cheeks now a rather prominent pink, she averted his gaze and said, "You understand my beliefs, don't you?"

There was a pause, and then, "No, not really. Explain them to me."

Audrey glanced up. He was staring at her intently. He wanted to learn, she could tell.

She smiled. "Well," she said, "Firstly, you must know that I won't share a bed with anyone until we are married."

He went very red now. "Oh. I see. And that is because —"

The question sounded insensitive, even to her ears, but she knew he hadn't meant it like that. Percy never meant things the way he sounded.

"Because I am a Christian," she said gently.

The word was new to him — the most surprising thing about Percy yet — but he only watched her curiously. "Tell me," he said. "Tell me what that means."

Audrey smiled. "I can do better than that," she said. "I can show you. It's Christmas, one of the most important holidays for people of my faith."

"Really?" Percy asked, sounding genuinely curious.

Audrey nodded, still smiling. "Yes." She offered her hand to him, which he accepted enthusiastically (it was the first time they'd held hands, more due to her own nerves than anything she believed in).

He beamed at her. "Show me everything," he said. "I want to know."

"Well," Audrey said, "the first and most important thing tonight is Christmas Eve Mass. Did you bring some nice clothes?"

Percy nodded.

"Wear them. We will leave in an hour."

…

It was the most bizarre experience of Percy's life, but also the most eye-opening. Muggles, he was beginning to realise, lived far more complicated lives than wizards. Sure, the wizarding world had just fought a long battle with a wizard who wished to kill everyone, but Muggles had continued to live their lives as if nothing had happened.

And now, they were celebrating Christmas in a way Percy had never seen before.

Audrey, like she had told him many times before, was Catholic. But it wasn't until he was sitting in a church, surrounded by hundreds of other Muggles, did Percy appreciate exactly what that meant.

She worshipped a god, and Christmas was a celebration of the birth of God's son.

Rather than unnerving Percy, the service fascinated him. Audrey and her parents — along with most other people here — were very devout in their worshipping. The priest up the front spoke of many things in relation to Christmas, which Percy took in. He wasn't sure he believed parts of it, but it interested him enough to take part.

Afterwards, as they made their way back to the car, Audrey said, "So, what did you think?"

"I thought it was fantastic!" Percy said, and he meant it. "I've never — it's not very popular in my world."

"In your… world?" Audrey looked up at him curiously, and Percy blushed.

"I, er, mean… the people I associate with, you know?"

Audrey smiled. "Yes, I must admit, you did seem rather clueless when I first told you. I thought it was you making fun of me to begin with —"

"I'd never!" Percy admonished. "Why would I —"

"It happens." Audrey sighed, turning her gaze to her feet. "Percy, you're the first boy — man — to really accept me for who I am, for all that I believe in…" She stopped, suddenly looking worried. "You do, don't you? Accept me, I mean?"

Percy studied her for a moment, contemplating his response. How could he not accept her for who she was, when he hadn't even told her the truth as to who he was? "People don't like you for —"

"The Christian faith was once very prominent in society," Audrey explained, her tone taking on an air of sadness. "But in today's world, there are many people who reject the teachings of the Bible, and we are disregarded as believing in nonsense."

"It's not nonsense," Percy said. "I think it's interesting."

Audrey lifted her gaze from her feet and back to his face. She looked shocked. "You mean… you mean you believe?"

"Well…"

"Because, Percy, it's really important to me that one day… one day you do believe. If we can continue this relationship, that is."

Percy once again said nothing. He watched her, taking in her expression. Then, smiling slightly, he said, "You always look beautiful, you know?"

Her cheeks tinged pink.

"I really like you," Percy continued, "and I can definitely try and see things from your perspective."

Audrey's eyes widened. "You… can?"

Percy nodded. "Yes."

"Oh, Percy!" And she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Percy staggered backwards, staring at her. "I thought… I thought your faith said you couldn't kiss me until we were married?"

Audrey laughed. "No," she said. "No, that was just me being uncertain." She beamed, offering her hand once more. "Come on. Mum and Dad are waiting."

…

Audrey didn't know how it had happened, but in a short space of time — between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day — she had somehow managed to fall in love with Percy Weasley.

There was something different about him, something special, that sent butterflies fluttering through her stomach, all the way up her arms and into her chest. When she caught him staring at her, she stopped breathing, for he looked at her as if she was the best thing in the world.

And, the best thing of all, he hadn't been turned away by who she was. She was honest, she had told him everything, and for the first time, a man had not turned away from her at the prospect of being able to do nothing more than kiss her until they were married.

He still didn't fully understand — she could tell that — but he had promised to try, and that was enough for now.

Christmas Day went well. Her parents were rather fond of Percy, though were also confused by his lack of knowledge in… most things. He had been startled by the television when her father had flicked it on that evening, and almost jumped out of his chair when the microwave had beeped. But that was just Percy, Audrey decided, and she liked his quirkiness.

Percy would be staying one more night before heading home. It was getting late, and she was just contemplating going to bed, when he cornered her in the hall.

"Percy?" she said, staring up at him. Something in his expression had changed — it was as if something was bothering him.

Her heart sank. She had had this happen to her before. A few said they were okay, then after some thinking, they changed their mind. This time it hurt, though. She had not been in love like this before.

"Audrey," he said, "there's something I must tell you."

"Oh. Okay." Well, she may as well hear him out.

"You've been really honest with me, so I think it's time I am the same with you — even if it can get me into a lot of trouble… in my world."

In my world. He'd said that a few times over the past few days, always flushing red afterwards, as if he hadn't meant to say it.

She had to admit that her mind had pondered many scenarios at the mention of this, the most appealing being he was part of some secret service she wasn't supposed to know about.

"If it can get you into trouble, maybe you shouldn't —"

"No. I like you a lot, Audrey, and I want you to know all there is about me, so you can make a decision. I've been reading up about your faith, and I stumbled upon something… your faith rejects my kind."

"Your… kind?" He was starting to scare her now.

"Please don't think I'm evil, Audrey. I'm not." And from deep within his pocket, he pulled out a long, wooden stick.

Audrey stared at it, frowning.

Looking extremely nervous, Percy waved the stick without speaking, and to her absolute shock, the stick emitted purple sparks. Then, the book that she'd left in the living room zoomed into his hand. Right into his hand, like he'd… like magic.

She took a step back, unable to contain her gasp. Percy was looking at her, clearly anguished. It was as if he'd expected this reaction, as if… as if it had happened before.

"Percy?" she asked.

"Audrey —"

"What… what was that?" She couldn't control the fear that had crept up in her. She wanted to, but she couldn't.

"I'm a wizard, Audrey. I have magic. My whole family does. I work at the Ministry of Magic, where I lead a department in magical transportation — flying broomsticks, disappearing into thin air, travelling via fireplaces... I attended a magical school, and I'm terrible at using Mug — er, things that non-magic people use. Like that… television."

Audrey stared at him, unable to speak. Magic? But magic wasn't real. It couldn't be.

Her silence seemed to confirm something in Percy. His shoulders slumped. "I'll… I'll go then." He made for the stairs.

"Percy… wait."

He turned back to face her, hopeful all of a sudden.

"You really have… magic?" she asked.

He nodded.

She stared at him for a moment longer, then going against all of her instincts that told her to run very far away, she took a step closer to him.

"You stuck by me," she said quietly. "You made an effort with me, even though you didn't understand."

"This is different, though."

"Is it?" Audrey asked.

Percy said nothing.

"I believe in God, and you can do magic. Until recently, neither of us were aware the other existed." She smiled, albeit it was weak.

"Percy, you told me last night that you would try and see things from my perspective. So — as weirded out as I am right now — I'm going to try and do the same for you."

Percy's eyes widened. "You… will? But I read that you are taught that magic is evil, that it is —"

"There are many things that we as Catholics are taught," Audrey said gently. "But not everyone believes the same things, even within the same religion. I know you're not evil, Percy." She stepped closer to him, smiling up at him. "What I do know, however —"

"Yes?" Percy asked, sounding breathless.

"I do know that this is the best Christmas I've ever had, and do you want to know why?"

"Why?" Percy asked.

"Because, I got to spend it with you." Audrey closed the gap between them, enjoying the second kiss she'd ever had, but with the best man she had ever met.

Thank you to my team for having a look over this. Once again, you guys are the most amazing team in the history of the Quidditch League... ever!

Also, thank you to Elizabeth for having a look over this to make sure I have interpreted the Catholic faith in a correct manner (I was raised Anglican, but now am probably more Agnostic than anything else). Much appreciated!

I had fun writing this, and I've been wanting to write a fluffy Audrey/Percy for AGES, so I'm glad I finally got the chance!