"Potterwatch"

Chapter 2: Trouble Sleeping

It's late and I'm feeling so tired
Having trouble sleeping.
This constant compromise
Between thinking and breathing.

She was back in the fire, scrambling to save what she could with Lucy held calmly in her arms. She found her notes and placed her emergency floppy disk in the fold of her notebook. She heard footsteps, and turned around to see a man in a hood and some sort of mask. She attempted to run, but he got to her first and as she felt something hit her back, she fell to her kitchen floor.

Audrey Burnette woke to find her head resting upon a pile of papers at her makeshift desk in her childhood bedroom. She elegantly unstuck a piece of paper from her face and shook her head vigorously.

"Well now, that was an odd dream, wasn't it, Lucy? Although, I have been having that one a lot lately…and it feels more like a memory…" Audrey pondered out loud, knowing Lucy didn't really understand anyway.

"I will just have to ask Percy when I see him tonight," Audrey said, rising from her chair. At the mention of his name, Lucy leapt up on the desk and started to excitedly bat at papers that had been balled up.

Audrey was more than a little excited to be meeting this mysterious ginger man for dinner. For the past year, she had practically lived at university; meeting with professors, colleagues, and research subjects. She definitely knew nonverbal communication inside and out, but a lot of good it did. She never seemed to experience new people. Audrey laughed to herself, it wasn't like she had much reason to deviate from her studies, having not gotten many worthwhile offers. Despite this, she was still slightly giddy at getting to know a man who bravely, and suspiciously, pulled her from a burning building.

Audrey opened up her closet and frowned. After the fire, she only had what she had recently bought with her father's credit card. As a result, she only had two suits, one with trousers and one skirted, a pair of jeans, some jumpers, and a little black dress. She pulled out her clothing and began to analyze it. After all, appearance is in itself a way to communicate something.

What did she communicate? That she had just had all her clothes burned and this is all she could put together.

She had no idea what prompted her to buy a little black cocktail dress, especially one so low cut. Audrey had successfully avoided even thinking about romance, let alone outfits that encouraged it, since she started working on her Ph.D. And if she were perfectly honest with herself, she had pretty much avoided it before then too. Matters of the heart made no sense to her.

So here she was, trying to figure out what clues she wanted to send and with what outfit. The cocktail dress was out, as she wasn't sure if this was even a date. Jeans made it seem as though she didn't care, so she would have to wear a suit, or at least her black and red pinstriped skirt.

She slid the skirt over her hips, disappointed slightly at how they protruded. Then, she put on a black silk undershirt. Audrey couldn't decide whether or not she was happy about the way her breasts seemed to pop out from the red sweater she had now donned. Did it send the wrong message? What was her message?

She smiled slightly, imagining his messy red hair and his soft brown eyes as she rushed down the hall to borrow some stockings and heels from her mother. She quickly chastised herself for getting her hopes up. There was no use getting all soggy over some bloke … and yet … as she slipped the long black silk stockings over her thick thighs, a shudder of excitement she hadn't felt in years went down her spine.

Audrey paid the taxi driver and nervously stepped out of the cab. She walked a short way down the ancient cobbled sidewalk, listening to the 'click' of her mother's patent leather heels as she tried to calm her stomach. She quickened her pace as she passed her burned-down building; an uneasy and inexplicable fear seemed to overtake her subconscious mind. The same man in the black hood flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly put out as she saw Percy standing beneath a light post in front of his building.

"Oh, hello Audrey," He exclaimed, taking her hand gently in his. It was such a small gesture, but one that seemed to speak directly to her. "How have you been getting along at your mother's?" He asked, holding his arm out. She paused momentarily, unsure of what to do with such an old-fashioned gesture, but then took his arm happily and continued to walk toward a small bistro at which she had made reservations.

"I'm getting on alright. I had to purchase some new clothes, but at least I saved my research, or really, you did."

"Oh wonderful! What are you researching?" He asked, looking genuinely fascinated and a little nervous at making light conversation. Audrey felt a little tension ease for her. He obviously shared her passion for discovery.

"I'm studying the use and application of certain nonverbal communication skills in interpersonal settings. Basically, the body language between intimate relations."

"That is astounding. I didn't even know you could study that," He said, trailing off and sounding thoroughly confused.

"It's quite common to study. Have you attended a university?"

"You could say that."

"What did you study?"

"Ummmmm…well…government," He answered, but his eyes were shifting uncomfortably to his left. Audrey knew at that moment he had something to hide.

"So you're a Poli-Sci geek!" Audrey exclaimed, deciding to chalk up his awkward behavior as shyness.

"Right. So here we are," he said hurriedly as Audrey saw a false smile plastered on his face. Again, Audrey decided to let it slide.

He held open the door for her, and as she walked past him, she felt his long fingers brush up against the small of her back…she couldn't fight a slight swoon.

They sat down at a small table near the window, Percy pulling out her own chair before seating himself. They both let out a nervous laugh as they proceeded to fold their napkins into their laps in the exact same fashion. A tall, husky waiter approached them to take their drink orders.

"If the lady pleases, I would enjoy a Cabernet Sauvignon," Percy said with so much elegance that some might see him as arrogant. Audrey found it adorable.

"That sounds lovely," Audrey answered, handing the waiter back the wine list. She was about to turn her attention back to her menu, but she had to let out a gasp of fright as a large owl stared back at her.

"Oh bloody hell!" She heard Percy mumble. "I just forgot. I must phone work," he said, quickly leaving the table.

Audrey marveled at how easy he was to read. He obviously feared owls. Luckily, by the time he returned, the own was gone.

"What was…" Audrey started, but was interrupted.

"So tell me more about your research studies," Percy said, again with a genuine spark in his eyes.

Over their delicious wine, she explained the principles and science behind reading people's physical expressions, and he caught on quickly…as did the wine.

"Audrey, that couple over there…He wants to kiss her badly, as all he does is look at her lips," Percy commented, smirking slightly, cheeks red from the wine.

"Why yes, Percy. And that woman over there is obviously smitten with that man, as her hands find any reason to touch him," She said, wanting so badly to touch his hand that rested on the table in front of her.

"And what for dinner?" Asked the waiter, who seemed to appear out of nowhere.

"I'll have Canard avec ris, ci vous plait," she said. "Do you need me to order for you?"

"No thank you. I would like the Coq Au Vin, ci vous plait, He said, smiling back at her with such warmth that she felt they were kindred spirits; cold on the outside, but never lacking in inner warmth.

"Oh! Parlez-vous francais?"

"A bit. My brother's girlfriend, well wife now, taught me a bit.

"What's your family like? I am an only child. I bet it's nice to have siblings."

At this, Percy became very focused on his food, cleared his throat, and never met her eyes. Maybe it was the wine, but Audrey reached out and curled her fingers into his. Percy looked up, a great sadness on his face.

"My family are not speaking to me, and for a long time I thought I was in the right. But lately, things have been happening to prove I was a prat. I just don't know if they'll ever forgive me," He said, glancing at their intertwined hands. She knew that's all she would get from him on the matter, so she tried to offer some comfort.

"Sometimes, you have to acquiesce just a little to gain some better ground," She said quietly. He looked up and nodded slightly.

Suddenly, as the plates were cleared, a soft and familiar tune wafted through her ears, and a feeling of nostalgia and old romance entranced Audrey momentarily.

"Cole Porter," whispered Percy, breaking her from her reverie.

"Oh you like him too?"

"My father redid this old Muggle record player and he'd always play Cole Porter while he worked in his shop."

"Muggle?"

"Let's dance," Percy said, taking her hand and twirling her onto the small wooden dance floor.

Percy Weasley was a wonderful dancer, as he seemed to command a hurried sort of elegance and a bit of flourish very uncharacteristic of himself. Audrey wasn't surprised, however, as dancing was a series of rules or beliefs, and of common practices, all of which her partner could easily commit to memory and turn into a science. She enjoyed gliding lightly in the little bistro, feeling small, beautiful, and best of all noticed.

The music slowed and his careful brown eyes met hers for a moment before his face settled into a smile and he pulled her more closely to himself. As she was gazing up at his long face, seeing the light reflected in his glasses, she got a flash of memory that gave her pause.

She remembered seeing Percy come for her before passing out completely. He looked like his head was encased in glass. The flames never touched him and the smoke didn't make him falter. Audrey just shook off the thought as bleary-eyed delusion and leaned her head on his shoulder.

He wrapped his arms more tightly around her and sighed deeply. He seemed so aloof, yet Audrey couldn't avoid the energy she felt just below the surface. He held her not only like he wanted to, but also like he needed to.

She reluctantly left the dance floor, hand in hand, as the bistro began to close. She paid the check, finding it odd that he didn't offer, despite his traditional attitude.

"Fancy a stroll? I don't really feel like greeting that empty flat on a night like this," He asked, holding the door for her.

"There's a lovely garden next to St. Christopher's," she said, resting into the arm he had flung neatly over her shoulders.

They walked for a time on the ancient sidewalk. The garden seemed alarmingly quiet, with only night birds flapping and a breeze whipping around their heads.

"I've got to honest, I didn't expect any of this. It's been so long since I've even thought of matters of the heart," Percy said, looking down at her and tucking her hair delicately behind her ears. She could almost hear apprehension in his voice, thought his fingers were deft and calm.

"I know what you mean. This all feels like it's happening so quickly. You must be awfully pleased with yourself!" She said, a shudder of laughter running through them both. A cool breeze sent a chill down her spine.

"Well I've never been so drawn to someone after one dinner," he started, wrapping a red and gold scarf around her neck. "So naturally I can't believe my luck," he leaned in, kissing her softly, letting his hands linger at her neck.

Could it be I'm suffering
Because I never give in?
Won't say that I'm falling in love
Tell me I don't seem myself
Couldn't I blame something else?

Just don't say I'm falling in love

When he pulled away, she remained, blushing in his arms. She was fiddling shyly with the tassels of his scarf when a thought occurred to her: He wore this scarf the night of the fire.

Men in hoods, nameless injuries knocking her to the ground, a man encased in glass and unscathed rescuing her; it was all too much to ignore. She jumped back and gasped, Percy reached into his pocket.

"What's going on?" she asked, uneasily.

"A new courtship…I thought," he said, avoiding her eyes.

"Don't hide. I know how to read people. All I see when I close my eyes are men in black robes and masks. Why didn't the police come? Why isn't this scarf burnt? How!" She paused at the frightened look in his eyes. "How did you manage to walk through fire?"

"I really must go," Percy said, brushing quickly past her.

"I thought there was something here. What do you want from me?"

"Nothing someone like you can give me. I was a fool to think otherwise," he said in such a sad and defeated way, Audrey couldn't be hurt by his words. Her heart was slowly breaking after only one night.

"What's in your pocket, Percy?"

He looked up at her, shocked and then paced for what felt like minutes. She was expecting a gun, or perhaps a badge saying that he worked for some sort of evil secret spy agency of some sort. What she didn't expect was for him to brandish a stick at her.

"Wait…that's not…"

But before Audrey could finish talking, a light emitted from the end of the wood and the park bench began floating.

She couldn't speak.

Then, he lifted his stick and disappeared, only to reappear right beside her, looking overwhelmingly afraid.

She sputtered, but couldn't find words. Her head kept whipping around looking for any explanation or logical reason why what she saw had happened, but she found nothing. She was around the twist. That was all she could think to explain this madness. She had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and this man was taking advantage of her.

"My people, wizards, are at war, light against dark. It's spilling into the homes and lives of Muggles…your people."

But she didn't let him finish. She ran swiftly, hailing a cab and not looking back.

She didn't remember getting home, but she was there. She took some sleeping pills and quickly drifted into a dreamless sleep.

Some kind of therapy
Is all I need
Please believe me
Some instant remedy
That can cure me completely

Percy Weasley ran back to his flat, not wanting to linger in the lonely garden another second. He needed no reminders of the damage he had just done. For the first time in a very long time, he felt he had someone, he felt he had a friend, and he threw it away. For being so very clever, he was an utter fool when it came to relationships. He couldn't help but ask why he had decided it was a good idea to tell her what he was.

He tapped a series of spells on his door, turned his key, and walked into the small apartment. It was dark, cold, and the only home he had. He carefully lit a candle and pulled the letter he received from that annoying owl out of his pocket. He also noticed that Hermes was looking at him with concern, a letter attached to his leg.

The first letter was from Fleur. Ever since he got the invitation to their wedding, Percy had been writing Fleur. He initially wrote to apologize for not being there, but it had turned into a tense sort of friendship. He would ask her about his family, she would beg him to just come back and apologize. He would tell her about his work, and she would teach him key French phrases. It had turned into an odd sort of friendship. Occasionally, they would even meet for drinks, and her beautiful ice blue eyes would entreat him to come back, and he would tell her they would never accept him.

Her current letter was in response to him mentioning maybe meeting her and Bill for dinner one day:

Percy,

I am sorry, but every time I even mention you, Bill's eyes darken and he gets very angry. He feels you should have been there through all of the mess we've had to deal with in the past few months. This is partially true. As I've told you, things have been frightening and tense. I have decided not to push it any further with him, as he's under a large amount of stress. But I'm sure if you came to him and apologized, we could put an end to all of this.

I must go; we are going over to Andromeda Tonks' house to check on Nymphadora. We must only travel at night; so as to not risk giving away anyone's whereabouts.

Please do keep safe, dear brother. Things will right themselves in the end.

-Fleur Weasley

Percy laid the note down miserably. He wasn't surprised at the bitterness his brothers still harbored for him. He was just tired of feeling so alone, of feeling so lost. He knew there wasn't much time to reconcile with his family before he would have to either escape the Ministry or work there to keep the heat off of all of them. Things were quickly falling apart. Percy was now clear which side he was on, but he had no idea how to get there.

The next letter wasn't a letter at all, put a picture. He opened the envelope to find a picture of him, standing proud with his Head Boy badge, the Twins behind him, making faces. Suddenly, Fred turned and looked directly at him.

"Perce, this is a new product for the Wheezes. Now you can send secret messages through photographs! I don't have much time, I just want to know you made it out of that nonsense with the fires okay. Please tap your wand to the photo, say 'Vox Humana', and tell me you're alright."

"Oh, and you're still a git until you admit it to us all!"

Percy smiled, slightly placated from the mess of an evening he had created. Perhaps there was hope for him yet. He decided that the determining factor would be Audrey. If she could love him back, after all of this, he would be ready to fight whatever demons came at him.