Word Count: 368
Percy's hands tremble as he makes his fifth attempt at tying his tie. It shouldn't be this difficult, yet somehow it is. He knows it's just his nerves, but he can't get past it. His stomach seems to twist itself into painful contortions, and there isn't anything he can do about it.
"Breathe." Penelope appears behind him, offering him a small smile in the mirror. "You're going to be fine."
"Am I, Penny?" he asks, abandoning the tie to smooth out the creases in his black robes. Too many creases. If he wears these robes into work, he will be laughed at. "Because I really feel like the world is about to end."
She rests a gentle hand on his shoulder, guiding him around. Facing her makes him feel slightly better. He sighs heavily, deflating.
"It's okay," she tells him. "The Ministry wouldn't have given you this promotion if they didn't think you were able to handle it."
Maybe he knows that, deep down inside. Still, it isn't enough to reassure him. Percy is well aware of his own intelligence, and he is more than capable. Still, despite it all, there's a voice that whispers in his head and reminds him that he isn't good enough. He doesn't have the same headstarts others in the office has. He's just a Weasley, someone who has had to struggle a little too long, and it feels so hopeless sometimes.
"Here." Penelope reaches up, making quick work of his tie. When she steps back, there's a reassuring smile on her lips. "Much better."
"What would I do without you?" he asks, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close.
"Crash and burn?"
He laughs, but he knows it's true. At the end of the day, Percy is too uptight for his own good. He thinks he might have gone crazy without Penelope by his side. Merlin knows she always make the rough days seem smoother.
He kisses her, lingering for a few moments and savoring the feel of her lips against his. "I love you," he whispers.
"I love you too."
He wonders if he would have even made it this far without her love. He'd rather not find out.