Disclaimer and notes on prologue. This is the edited for copy.

Chapter Three

"Thanks for joining me for lunch," Bill said as he seated himself across the table at the leaky cauldron. "I wanted to talk to you about George I'm worried about him," Bill said once he had gotten everything situated.

"In what way," he asked wondering why Bill had chosen to speak to him about it and not their mother. He had been worried over George for a while himself not just because of how he acted around Oliver but he hadn't thought anyone else was.

"He's just been acting weird and it's unsettling," Bill said after a moment. "I don't expect him to get over losing Fred any time soon but he's not getting better at all in fact I'd say he's getting worse" He looked down. "The way he's acting with Oliver is nothing like how he'd have acted before," Bill said. "He and Fred would have simply made jokes about it and tease Oliver mercilessly for picking you of all Weasleys to fall for."

He could picture that easily but he didn't see where Bill was going with that. "That is probably true but it's only natural that George would react differently with Fred being gone," he said ignoring the pang that came with mentioning his deceased brother. "I don't think his lack of ability to joke off Oliver being gay is enough to warrant this discussion."

"There's also the fact he keeps talking in plural when referring to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes related things. " Bill said with a deep frown. "I know grief does strange things to people and I think he shouldn't be running that store alone." He could agree with that but still didn't know why Bill was talking to him about this. "I've talked it over with Ron and since he isn't going back for his seventh year at Hogwarts he's agreed to help George run the shop if we can get him to agree to it."

"I'm sure that would help," he said assuming Ron would do so while waiting for his Auror training to start. He knew that Hermione was planning to return to Hogwarts for her final year while Harry and Ron had been accepted into the Auror program straight away. "But why are you talking to me about it?"

"We need you to convince Mum it's a good idea so she can convince George," Bill said sheepishly. "We think you've got the best chance of doing it since you were always the most blunt about things."

He found himself frowning at what he suspected was the real meaning behind Bill's request. "Very well I will talk with mother as soon as I can," he said doing his best to keep his voice level. After that they had a very uncomfortable lunch. He knew the real reason Bill had chosen him to talk to their mother was since they had just patched things up his mother wouldn't be willing to get into a row with him.

He was glad to get back to the office and begin working on his latest reports. He had been feeling unsatisfied at his ministry job for a while now but after that lunch he found the mundane act of getting a report in order soothing. He found himself wondering if his love of order was directly correlated to how chaotic his family was being. It would certainly explain a great deal.

"Hey Percy, this letter was dropped off in the mail room for you," one of his coworkers said dropping the sealed envelope into his inbox. He read it and found his day wasn't getting any better since Oliver had a team meeting running late and wouldn't be able to see him tonight.

He supposed that freed up time to go talk to his mother for Bill. He scribbled a reply to Oliver telling him that it was okay and a quick note to his mother that he would be dropping by after work and made his way down to the mail room. "Good morning Clarence," He said to the clerk on duty as he selected two owls and sent them to their destinations. Personal correspondence was technically against the rules but he didn't care at the moment.

He headed back to his desk to attempt to finish his work for the day. He was glad that there was nothing seriously important in this batch of work because his heart was no longer in it. Once he was done for the day and heading out the door he was surprised to run into Penelope in the lobby of the Ministry. "Percy, How are you doing?" Penelope asked when she saw him.

"All right," he lied smoothly not prepared to go into things with Penelope. "What are you doing here at the ministry?"

"I just got through sitting with Magical law enforcement," She said shaking her head. "My boyfriend and I were out on a date the other night and some muggle criminals tried to rob us." She smiled slightly. "It took care of me telling my boyfriend I'm a witch but I had to come fill out forms and explain why I used magic in front of a muggle."

"How did your boyfriend take finding out you were a witch?" He asked knowing that some muggles didn't take it well and had to have their memory erased. He hoped that wouldn't happen to Penelope as she deserved to be happy.

"So far he's taken it really well," She said smiling. "He was a little sore that I didn't tell him before now but he understands why." He was glad that it seemed to be working out for her. "I know why don't we get together for a double date soon you can meet my boyfriend and I can meet yours." She said giving him a wink.

He wasn't surprised to learn his earlier theory that she had guessed correctly that he was seeing a man at that dinner was proven true. "Yes, we will have to arrange something," He said only half serious. He would like to become friends with her again but he wasn't sure a double date was the way to do it. " I must be going now, Have a good day Penelope." She said her own goodbyes and he was gone.

He considered heading straight to his mother's house to talk to her but he decided to make one stop first. He wasn't sure why but he decided to stop by George's shop first. "Hello Verity is George in?" he asked of the sales witch when he arrived in the shop.

"Mr. Weasley is in the back testing new products," She said giving him a once over. "You can go on back but watch your step," he took her warning seriously and kept one eye on the floor as he entered George's shop's back room.

He soon found that there were green blobs on the floor that he carefully stepped around. "Do I want to ask what those are?" He said once he finally found George poking one of the blobs that was floating above a cauldron.

"No, you don't," George said giving him a weak smile. "What brings you here to our shop Percy?" He debated for a moment what he should say and then decided to just go for it. He knew George could take it the wrong way but someone had to say it.

"Do you realize you keep referring to the shop in plural," he asked careful to keep his voice soft. "It is beginning to worry some of us," he didn't name any names figuring if George got mad it would be best if he was the only target.

"I know what it sounds like," George said giving him a dark look. "It sounds like I'm going crazy but I'll never stop calling this our shop." George tapped the blob and it fell back into the cauldron with a wet smack. "This will be me and Fred's shop until the day I die no matter what." George looked directly at him. "You can tell Bill I am not going crazy and I don't need Ron to come work here."

"Bill has already talked to you?" He asked surprised. "He didn't say anything about that today when he drug me to lunch." George gave him a surprised look and turned back to the cauldron.

"You mean he didn't send you here to badger me about letting little Ronnie work here?" George asked as he began to summon the globs of muck to the cauldron with his wand. He dodged a low flying one and glared at George. "Sorry Percy my aim is a bit off today."

"No he wanted me to go to mother," he said watching George start. "I decided on my own to come talk to you first." He saw George smile slightly. "I do think you should consider letting Ron work here for a bit but the decision is ultimately your own."

"Thanks I guess," George said picking up the cauldron and shoving it into a cabinet. "I probably will consider it eventually but I just need time it's too soon for anyone else to be working here." He looked kind of sheepish for a moment before he changed the subject rather quickly. "I'm sorry I've been so weird about Oliver," he said. "I just can't help but freak out whenever I'm around him and I can't figure out why."

"You're not attracted to him are you?" He asked enjoying watching George sputter in disbelief. "I'm kidding George, if there is one thing I know it is that if you were interested in men we'd have found out long ago because you've never been ashamed to be yourself."

"Cute Percy leave the joking to professionals," George said smiling much more genuinely. "I think it is because I just can't wrap my head around Quidditch obsessed Oliver being with anyone guy or girl." He looked down at the floor. "Personally, I'd have thought it he was into anyone it would be for their quidditch skills and let's face it Percy you've never been great at Quidditch."

"Most people don't know it but there is a great deal more to Oliver than just his obsession with quidditch and his lack of tact about certain things," He said with a smile. "He hasn't changed that much since you knew him simply treat him like you used to on the quidditch team and things will be fine."

"I'll try Percy," George said and then frowned. "Are you still going to go talk to Mum like Bill asked?" He sounded worried about what their mother would say. "I mean now that we've had this talk you really don't have to do you?"

"I am going to talk to her and tell her what Bill said and what you said," He saw George's eyes get wide. "I'm sure Mum is worried about you and will have noticed that Bill is worried so it's best that I tell her everything." He could tell George was still worried. "I'm sure mother will take your side and give you the time you need."

"Okay I guess but your not just saying that and planning to get her to start badgering me about letting Ron work here?" He felt annoyed that George would even ask that and some thing of his annoyance must have shown on his face. "Okay forget I said that."

"I will," he said as calmly as possible. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go discuss things with mother." He and George exchanged a quick goodbye and he made it out the door. On one hand he felt better but he was still worried. In the old days he'd have never gotten out of there without some of that glob dumped on him and while he didn't miss getting strange things dumped on him the change in George was worrying.

He arrived at the burrow shortly there after wondering briefly how muggles coped with having such huge travel times between locations. "Mother, are you here," he asked after letting himself in through the back door.

"Yes, Perce in the living room," His mother called and he arrived to find her folding and sorting laundry. "I got your letter earlier, what did you want to talk about?" She asked as she rolled up a ratty pair of socks.

"Bill asked me to lunch today because he wanted me to convince you to get to George to let Ron help out at the shop," He said causing her to frown. "He is extremely worried about George and wants someone there with him."

"Do you agree with him?" She asked giving him a curious look. He knew his mother knew him well enough to tell instantly that he didn't not completely or she wouldn't have asked.

"I did until I talked to George just before I came here," he admitted. "I am still worried about him but for now I think we should let him have the space he wants." He picked up some laundry and began to fold it along side her. "I do think we should keep an eye on him though."

"I agree," His mother said and they fell into an easy silence as they quickly sorted through the laundry. It was around the time that he was folding the last of the bath towels that she turned back to him. "Did Bill say why he wanted you to talk to me?"

"No, but I suspect it was because he figured neither of us want to risk another fight," He admitted honestly. He saw her frown at that and this time the silence that followed was tense. "I never want to fight like that again," he found himself saying.

"I don't want to fight like that again either," His mother said and gave him a quick hug. "Now will you be staying for supper or do you and Oliver have plans," His mother asked wiping at her eyes with what looked suspiciously like a pair of his father's pants but he wasn't going to say anything.

"Oliver is having a late training tonight so I'd be happy to join you and father for dinner," he said. "If you want, I'll cook and you can take the night off," He offered and it took a bit of doing but he finally got her to agree and took over his mother's kitchen.

He started cooking a simple meal because he knew anything too fancy and his mother would show up demanding to help and he wanted to give her a break. "I'm nearly done Mother," He said after she came back for the third time. He glanced at his father standing behind his mother with a pleading look. He was relieved when his father took his mother back into the living room and engaged her in conversation to keep her occupied.

Once he was done, he found himself sitting down to supper with his parents, Ron Ginny and Harry who was over there most nights. "I didn't know you knew how to cook Percy," Ron said between bites of the simple meal he'd made.

"He used to help me in the kitchen when he was younger," his mother volunteered. "I'm glad to see you've kept up with it." He did his best not to reflexively blush at that and focused on steering the conversation away from himself.

"So Harry how are the attempts to turn Number 12 into a livable home going?" He asked determined to change the subject. He had never been to the former Order of the Phoenix headquarters but he knew the location thanks to his parents telling him.

He kind of tuned out as Harry, Ron and Ginny launched into stories about attempting to deal with Mad Eye's enchantments as well as the remainder of the Black Legacy. He paid enough attention to nod at the appropriate moments but hearing their stories only reminded him that he hadn't been there when his family needed him.

After the meal was eaten, his mother absolutely refused to allow him to help with the dishes so he took his leave early and headed back to his flat in London. He stopped off at a muggle shop he'd learned to frequent when it was too late to seek out a proper wizard shop.

He headed through the isles and bought a few cheap bags of crisps before heading directly back to his flat. Once there he threw them in the cabinet mainly as a precaution in case Oliver came over tomorrow night and then headed to his room to make it an early night. He preferred wizard brand crisps but Oliver would eat any brand muggle or wizard.

He shrugged out of all his clothes and climbed into bed. He lay there tossing and turning for a few moments before he got up and pulled on his pajama's. He had enjoyed sleeping naked with Oliver but without him there it just wasn't that comfortable. He had managed to sleep without Oliver the first few weeks they were back together but for the last couple they had slept together every night. It was surprising how used to Oliver being there he had gotten.

He threw his arm over his head and began to attempt to force his busy mind to rest but it was proving difficult. He wondered if it was lack of sexual release that was causing the problem so he shoved his hand down the front of his pajamas and attempted to call to mind a fantasy to solve that problem.

He pictured going to visit Oliver in the locker room after a game of Quidditch. He could easily picture Oliver sweaty and excited over winning the match. He pictured them embracing and then even though Oliver's team mates could come back at any time him dropping to his knees and giving Oliver a reward for winning. He was getting into the fantasy when there was a knock on his door. He pulled his hand away from himself and tried to think of something to deflate his erection as he made his way out of his bedroom to his front door.

He glanced out the peep hole and was pleasantly surprised to see Oliver standing there. He threw open the door and grabbed a hold of Oliver to pull him inside and give him a kiss. "I didn't think you were coming over tonight?"

"I couldn't sleep," Oliver said sheepishly and then looked down at his visible erection. "I'm not interrupting anything am I?" He asked with a wink pointing down to his cock tenting his pajama pants.

"I couldn't sleep and I thought a wank might help," He admitted with absolutely no shame. He Pushed Oliver back against his door kissing him hard. "I was right in the middle of one of my favorite fantasies staring you," He said as he turned the latches again locking the door. "Now that you're here, I don't need a fantasy."

"No, you don't," Oliver said and then to his surprise hoisted him up. After carrying him to the bedroom they had a great deal of fun. Afterwards Oliver was lying on the bed half dressed with his pants and trousers below his knees once he was done cleaning up.

"On your feet Oliver," He said pointing down. "Get your trousers and pants off so we can get some sleep," He watched as Oliver not bothering to get up kicked his trousers and pants the rest of he way off and then crawled up to go under the covers. "You're a lazy ass tonight you know that," He said as he walked to the other side of the bed after getting the lights.

"I love you too," Oliver said sleepily as he pulled him against him once he was in the bed. He found himself smiling at Oliver's words and soon he was fast asleep against the other man. He woke up later to feel Oliver's erection pushing against his hip. He glanced at the clock and showed he still had about an hour before he'd normally be getting up.

He decided not to go back to sleep and slipped out of bed as quietly as he could careful not to wake Oliver. He made sure to turn the alarm off and after pulling on a pair of pants went to fix breakfast. As he stood there cooking he though about how happy he'd been when Oliver turned up. He knew it was way to soon to be thinking about it but he was wondering if Oliver would be willing to live together full time.

He was just putting the finishing touches on a full English breakfast when Oliver wandered in looking sleepy in his pants from last night. "The bed got cold without you," Oliver said as he walked up to him and gave him a kiss before settling down into a chair. "You know Perce, I was thinking on the way over here it would be so much easier if we simply moved in together."

He had been thinking along those same lines but he had to bring up one thing. "Don't you think we are moving a bit too fast," He said. "I mean we have only been back together a few weeks and our previous relationship was just a couple of one night stands."

"I'm sure folks will think we are moving too fast," Oliver said as he took a bite of toast. "I just know what I want and I've never been one to wait." He said and Percy remembered back at school how irritated Oliver had been by not making the Quidditch team in his first or second year. "Come on Perce you can't tell me you haven't been thinking about it."

"Yes, I'm been thinking about it," he admitted easily. "But there would be things to consider chief among them it would mean we'd run a higher risk of being outed professionally." He added. "I would at the very least have to inform my direct superiors of my new residence and the fact I was living with you."

"So," Oliver said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I think we've already made it clear we don't care who knows and besides I'm kind of tired of this bouncing from flat to flat we are already living together in all but name."

"All right lets do it," He said tired of always arguing for the proper course of action. "However I suggest we take our time on picking the flat at least so we can find the best possible one." He knew getting out of his lease most likely wouldn't be a problem but he'd have to look into Oliver's.

"Of course we will Perce, " Oliver said smiling. "How about for now though I move some of my stuff in here since you've got the bigger bathroom?" He said with a smirk. "In fact why don't we meet at my place tonight and I'll pack a few things."

"All Right," he said feeling a grin tugging at the side of his mouth. "I might be a few minutes late there's a stop I need to make before I get to your flat." He said deciding something on the fly. He had a feeling Oliver would enjoy the surprise he had in mind. "Why don't we have a shower before you head back to your flat," He asked hoping Oliver would say yes. "You can borrow some of my clothes to make it home." He had some loose fitting older clothes that would probably fit Oliver's slightly larger frame.

"Sounds fun," Oliver said getting up and heading toward the door. "Do you want help with the dishes first?" Percy waved him off and used his wand to gather the dishes up in the sink before following Oliver to the bathroom. He sat his wand down on a small table and glanced around wondering where Oliver's wand was. He walked back to the door and looked toward his front door. He saw Oliver's wand sitting on the desk by the door wondering when Oliver had dropped it there. He supposed he must have really been enjoying the snogging Oliver was giving him not to notice Oliver putting his wand down. "Perce, hurry up," Oliver called as he heard the water start.

He slid out of his boxer briefs and climbed into the warm spray behind Oliver. "Let me do your back," he said as he began to soap up his boyfriends back. "Trust me you'll love what I have planned for tonight."

"How about a hint," Oliver asked but he didn't say anything just gave him a kiss. "I think I'm probably going to be half hard all day trying to figure it out." Oliver said and when he just smiled at him Oliver grinned. "Oh so that's the idea is it."

"Yes Oliver that's the idea," he said enjoying the look on Oliver's face. "And yes I know you'll get me back for this, in fact I'm counting on it." He said enjoying the shocked smirk that appeared on Oliver's face.

After that they finished cleaning up and soon enough were dressed. He watched as Oliver scratched at the old stretched out jumper he had been loaned. "It's not that bad Oliver," he said in mind annoyance. "It will be fine until you apparate back to your flat and get changed."

"I guess," Oliver said with a frown. "Still really itchy though." He ignored Oliver and finished pulling on is work robes. "Why don't we meet for lunch in the Leaky Cauldron," Oliver said after a moment.

"Sure," He agreed readily. "Just meet me there at noon." He watched Oliver pick up his wand and then they stepped out onto the steps of his flat. He and Oliver each walked in a separate direction until they came to a good place to apparate away from. He felt the mixture of relief and disappointment at arriving back at the ministry. He still wasn't sure if he wanted to stay in his current position or not. He did still enjoy aspects of the job but the specter of the last few years made it hard to enjoy it as much as he used too.

He soon became bogged down in finding the proper reports on the investigation into the activities of Doloris Umbridge which only made his mood worse. The things that woman had done once the death eaters had been in power were unspeakable and he had once called her a delightful woman. He almost felt sick and very nearly had to go throw up in the lavatory only sheer will power and his old fear of looking bad in front of his coworkers kept him from doing so.

"You look a little green Percy," One of his coworkers said when he got up and went to the break room for some tea. He assured them he was fine even as he made his way back to his desk with the cup.

He did his best after that to focus on his work but as it neared lunch time he got up and punched out early. He knew it would be the talk of the office but he had to get some fresh air to get that horror show out of his head before he met Oliver for lunch. He apparated to Daigon Alley and decided to just walk through the shops until it was actually lunch time.

"Hey Percy," A voice called and he turned to see Angelina Johnson walking toward him with a smile on her face . "Aren't you supposed to still be at work?" She asked and then looked disturbed when his face fell. "What's the matter?"

"I was given the task of compiling the reports on the activities of Doloris Umbridge during the Death Eater take over of the ministry," he said and saw understanding in her eyes. "I needed a break and some fresh air before I meet Oliver for lunch."

"Oh I'm on my way to meet George if you don't mind maybe we'll join you and Oliver," She said with a smile. "I'm sure the easiest way for George to get over things is to just get him to spend some time with Oliver."

"I'm sure Oliver won't mind if the two of you join us," He said as he fell into step with her. "I have to ask are you and George dating?" He still wasn't sure exactly what the relationship between her and his brother was.

"I'm not sure," she said and then at his incredulous look she explained. "We are both interested and like spending time together but it's so soon after Fred died that neither of are ready to call it dating yet." She looked at him with the hope that he'd understand clear in her eyes.

"I think I can understand that," He said calmly. "I know you were close to Fred as well." They walked in companionable silence after that. "I should head to meet Oliver at the Leaky Cauldron why don't you get George and then come join us." He suggested and she nodded and parted ways to head to Weasley's wizard wheezes.

While she went to get George he made his way back toward the exit to muggle London and the Leaky Cauldron. He arrived to find that Oliver was already there and had claimed a small table for them. "I ran into Angelina, so she and George might be joining us."

"That's fine," Oliver said with a smile. "Be nice to see Angelina again when we can talk Quidditch without the rest of your family adding their opinions." He then smirked at him. "But don't worry Perce, I won't spend all my time talking Quidditch with a girl."

He ignored the play remark and began to watch the door as their server arrived and they ordered something quick to eat. The Leaky Cauldron was not gourmet food but it was good for what could be found in a pub.

"There they are," He said pointing out George and Angelina as they made their way into the pub. He waved them over and shortly after they arrived the serving witch returned with their food and took George and Angelina's orders. "So George how are things going," He asked once the server had left and before he bit into his own food.

"All right," George said clearly doing his best not to stare at Oliver. Angelina noticing took pity on George and drew Oliver into a discussion about Quidditch and things got a lot more comfortable at the table. George even joined in their discussion from time to time without an issue.

He was glad that Oliver kept trying to include him in the conversation but discussing Quidditch was never one of his strong suits. It was why in school everyone had seemed shocked that he and Oliver were actually friends. He had heard Oliver explain it once that he could talk to everyone else about Quidditch so he talked to Percy about everything else. He supposed during school it was mostly the same for him. Even with Penny he'd talked mostly about school work and their plans for after school. Oliver was the only one he ever joked with since Oliver knew his boundaries unlike his brothers who would go too far. He noticed the serving witch had returned with George and Angelina's orders. He avoided looking at George's mouth as his brother had always been a messy eater.

He began to focus more on eating and just listening to the chatter. It was relaxing to not have to be actively involved in the conversation and to just sit letting the sound of friends talking wash over him. It was just what he needed after that morning at work and he took the opportunity to plan things out for tonight. He was right in the middle of those plans when he was dragged back into the conversation by a direct question from Angelina. "So I have to ask exactly how out are the two of you planning to be?"

"What do you mean," he asked once he had focused in on what she said. He glanced at Oliver who just shrugged leaving it to him to answer. He wasn't sure what she was asking he certainly didn't intend to announce it in the middle of Daigon Alley but he wouldn't deny it if asked.

"I just mean are you going to tell your employers Percy, Or your team mates Oliver?" She asked and then with a shrug. "What about any reporters that ask if your dating someone Oliver have you given any thought to how you'd answer?"

"My team mates already know and I'd probably answer honestly but not give any details without Percy's permission." Oliver said without much concern. "Percy, will have to tell his bosses as soon as we move in together."

"The two of you are moving in together?" George asked suddenly and Percy simply nodded. He knew what was coming next and suppressed a wince when George said quickly. "Does Mum know yet and you do know she is going to say your rushing into things?"

"No, mother doesn't know yet," He said with a glare. "I know she will assume we are rushing into things but believe me both of our eyes are wide open and we know what we are doing." He hoped George wouldn't rush to tell their mother because he wasn't in the mood for that conversation yet.

"Geez your kinda defensive there Percy," George said with a smirk. "Mum is going to eat you alive if you are that defensive with her." He started to say something scathing but he relented when he realized that was the most normal sounding thing George had said to him in weeks.

"I can handle mother," He said after a moment. "It is getting late I really should get back to work."

He said standing up with Oliver who joined him in saying quick goodbyes to George and Angelina and then they made their way out of the cauldron. "I'll see you tonight Oliver," he said to his boyfriend before apparating back to the Ministry.

He made it a point to think back to lunch or toward tonight every time the reports he was compiling got to him. He was relieved when he had finished them by mid afternoon and all that remained was typical busy work that really didn't accomplish anything.

"Hey Percy," a female voice said. He turned and saw a young woman who was one of the newer employees hired in the wake of the mass arrest and firings at the ministry. "Some friends and I are going out to a new club that's opened in Daigon Alley and wanted to know if you were interested in coming?"

He felt a moment of panic as he struggled to remember her name before finally remembering. "I'm sorry Amanda but I have plans tonight," He said and saw her face fall. "I do hope you and your friends have fun though."

"Thanks," She said with a smile. "Your girlfriend must be a lucky woman." She said giving him a wink. "You tell her to treat your right or I'll steal you away." He realized she was flirting with him and fishing for information on his non existent girl friend.

He heard Angelina's words from lunch again and found himself smiling as he imagined her reaction to what he was about to do. "I'll be sure to tell him that," He said and watched as she blushed crimson and stammered out an excuse and left. The old part of him that had screwed up his life was hyper ventilating somewhere deep inside of him but mostly he just felt free.

Of course he knew how fast gossip traveled in the ministry so he was sure by the end if the day everyone from the lowest receptionist to the minister of magic himself would now he was involved with a guy. He wasn't surprised a short while later when a few of his braver co workers started stopping by to ask him if it was true. He saw no point in lying to them even though the small part of him that still loved the ministry was screaming in his head to do so.

He even got congratulated by a few coworkers who quietly mentioned they were in similar relationships. He knew intellectually he couldn't have been the only witch or wizard in a same sex relationship. He just had never expected to be able to match faces and names to the people he knew had to exist.

"You've made quiet a stir son," His father said stopping by his desk shortly before closing time. "I've been asked about you more today than I have been in a while." He looked down at him. "I have to ask do you want me to confirm or deny when they ask me?"

"You can confirm," He told his father easily. "If the ministry is going to fire me over it I'd rather not work for the ministry anymore." He was amazed when his dad smiled at him. He really wanted to know why his dad was smiling but he was afraid to ask.

"I'm proud of you Percy," His dad said pulling him up into a hug. He really didn't know what to say after that. He could tell his father didn't either as they were both kind of uncomfortable. "I think I'll avoid telling your mother about this for a few days." His father said. "I wouldn't want her to worry unless there's an actual problem."

"Thanks Dad," he said grateful because he knew his mother would freak out over it. He and his father said a quick goodbye and they both returned to work. He wondered vaguely if his bosses were going to comment on the new revelations about him before work ended or if he'd have to face that tomorrow.

"I'm sorry for running off like that," Amanda said surprising him that she had returned. "I'm also sorry everyone found out because of me." She actually looked guilty. "I was just so shocked I let it slip to my friend Mary and this other witch in our department Debra over heard and soon everyone knew."

"Thank you for the apology," he said quickly. "I knew word would spread when I told you." He said calmly. She stood there nervous for a few moments before she began to move from foot to foot. "Is there anything else?"

"Yeah I just wanted to tell you that we go out to clubs a lot and you and your boyfriend would be more than welcome to join us," she said quickly. "That was all bye." She took off quickly after that leaving him staring after her with a confused expression on his face.

He took care of the last of his busy work and was glad when the time to head home finally arrived. He made his way past the guard and soon apparated back to his own home. He needed to get some things from his flat before he headed over to Oliver's.

It didn't take him long to find what he wanted in one of his drawers. It was one of the rare things he thought muggles did better than wizards. He knew there were potions that were just as lubricating as the small bottle he'd bought in a muggle shop but you usually had to brew them yourself since magical additions to sex were one of those things polite magical society didn't talk about.

He'd discovered the small bottle of muggle made lubricant while on a shopping trip just as a teenager to buy his father a gift from a muggle shop. Fred and George had given him directions to a shop that specialized in muggle sex aids as a prank. He had wondered why he had to sneak past the shop clerk to get in but he had been extremely startled by what he found inside. He could still remember the revenge fantasies he'd had for the longest time but as he got older he'd let curiosity get the better of him one summer and he'd gone back.

He had quickly discovered that the muggle's had invented a really useful lubricant for when he didn't want to wank dry or waste hair potion and while years of muggle studies had shown him his father didn't actually understand anything about muggle reality he did agree with his father that they had occasionally done something worthy of respect.

He wondered vaguely if Oliver was familiar with it or not. Oliver was also a pure blood and most pure bloods tended to disdain muggle inventions unless they were crazy muggle lovers like his father. Well he would find out tonight when he got to Oliver's flat. He changed into an old jumper and loose blue jeans before shoving the bottle of lube and his wand into his pocket.

He headed out to his favorite alley and apparated away to appear near Oliver's flat. He wondered as he approached if Oliver had a copy of his lease agreement that he could read to make sure Oliver was going to be able to get out of his lease without a problem.

He knocked on the door of Oliver's flat and was rewarded with Oliver opening the door shirtless in just a pair of old frayed trousers. He couldn't help but stare and wonder what on Earth Oliver had been doing in there. "Are you coming in Perce," Oliver asked with a knowing smirk.

"Yes of course," he said stepping inside to allow Oliver to shut the door. "If I may ask why are you dressed like that?" He was really curious because while Oliver was not as big a stickler for looking neat like he was he had never seen Oliver dressed so down.

"I just got back from practice and was really rank so I had a quick shower." He said smiling. "I had forgotten to carry clothes with me so I grabbed the first trousers I could find when I heard you knocking at the door."

"It's a good look for you," He said giving Oliver another once over. "Are you wearing pants under there," He couldn't help but ask and when he saw Oliver's smirk he knew. "That is definitely a good look for you then."

"I need to go get changed and then I'll pack up a few things to carry to your place," Oliver said turning back toward the room. His eyes automatically went down to Oliver's waist where it was even more obvious that he wasn't wearing pants under those old trousers.

"That can wait I've got something else for us to do first," He said and reached into his pocket and tossed the small bottle of lube to Oliver once he had turned back toward him. "Do you know what that is used for?" He asked with a smirk of his own on his face.

"Muggle sex lube," Oliver said his eyes widening. "This have anything to do with the time Fred and George sent you to a muggle sex shop?" He asked a smile on his face. "And what exactly do you plan for us to do with this Perce?"

"They told you about that?" He asked slightly mortified to know that Fred and George had told other people where they'd sent him. He should have known they would have told but it was still a shock.

"They told everyone, you know what they were like in school," Oliver said shaking his head. "You still haven't told me what this tube is for because so far we haven't really done anything that would need it."

"I was hoping that would change tonight," He said watching Oliver's eyes widen. "I figured you could go first and then I could have a go in the drivers seat." He saw Oliver stare down at the bottle in his hand and then smile broadly.

"Your serious Perce," Oliver said smiling widely. "I mean I want you to be sure cause I mean I'm sure I definitely want us to try it both ways but I want you sure." He found it cute that Oliver was babbling.

"I'm sure," He said walking up to Oliver and putting his hand on his chest. "Let's go to your bedroom and get started." He gave Oliver a kiss and slid his fingers down into the waste band on Oliver's trousers. "Come on Oly, let's go have some fun," He said knowing it wasn't the best dirty talk pick up line but it did the job.

"That was incredible, Percy, can't wait till we try it the other way." Oliver said after it was all over. He was still smiling himself as he enjoyed the after glow.

"Neither can I," He said to Oliver and then after a moment. "It'll probably have to wait till later tonight or tomorrow morning though." He said stifling a yawn. "We should get cleaned up and finish grabbing your things." They stood up and cleaned up a bit quicker than normal as he wasn't' taking a shower in Oliver's terrible bath. "I came out at work today." He admitted as he was pulling his clothes back on.

"Really," Oliver asked surprised. "How did it go?" He could tell Oliver wanted to ask more but didn't want to push. Oliver had wandered over and was pulling a jumper on over his bare chest after pulling his frayed trousers back up. So he waited until he could see his face again before answer.

"Very well," He said with a shrug. "We have a standing invitation to go to a club with some of my newer coworkers." He could tell Oliver was still curious. "One of my female coworkers asked me out and I told her I already had plans." He went over and picked up his wand. "She told me my girlfriend had best appreciate me and I respond I'd tell him." He shrugged his shoulders. "By the end of the day everyone in the ministry knew and my dad told me he was proud of me."

Oliver walked over and gave him a kiss. "I'm proud of you too, Perce," He said smiling. "Your mum is going to freak though I'm surprised we haven't received a howler from her yet." He knew Oliver was joking his mum wasn't that bad though she would be annoyed and worried.

"My dad and I decided not to tell her unless it comes up an actual problem," He said shaking his head. "Mum would have kittens with worry and there shouldn't be a problem under Minister Shacklebot. "

"Let me finish packing and then we can head back to your flat," Oliver said after a moment. "I can't wait till we get a place of our own." He watched Oliver back and then remembered the other thing he needed to ask Oliver.

"Hey Oly, do you have a copy of your lease agreement I want to see how easy it will be to get out of it," He asked while Oliver was digging in a pile of suspiciously dirty clothes and packing them away in his travel bag.

"Getting out is no problem I'm in a month to month." Oliver said surprising him. "I never signed a long term lease as this place was always just temporary till I got off the reserve and on the starting team." He didn't bother pointing out that Oliver had made the starting team in less than a year he wasn't surprised Oliver had simply never bothered with finding a new place.

"Well that should be enough for a few days," He said emerging from his bathroom the bag all packed. "Oh wait can't forget these," he said grabbing his team robes and carefully folding them before putting them in the bag. "I've got a game on Saturday and I hope you can come," Oliver said smiling.

"I'll be there cheering loudly," He said with a smile. "And if you win then we'll have a special celebration afterwards." He knew Oliver would do his damndest to win without any incentive from him but he still wanted to encourage him.

"Then I'll have no choice but to win," Oliver said with a big smile. "After all I wouldn't want to disappoint you." He walked over and pulled Oliver against him into a kiss. "I've got everything let's head back to your flat and see if we can't let you have your go."

"I think I might be able to rally," He said laughing and he watched as Oliver grabbed his wand and they made their way out of his Apartment. "By the way, here, I made this earlier." He said handing over the duplicate key he'd conjured by magic earlier in the day. "Until we get our own place."

"Well great minds Perce," Oliver said reaching into his bag and pulling out a second key of his own. "In case my flat is closer," he said with a wink. Percy smiled and added Oliver's spare key to his own key ring as Oliver did the same. After that they apparated back to London and were nearly to his flat's door when they ran into Bill.

"Hey Percy, Oliver," Bill said from where he was standing just outside the door to Percy's flat. He wondered what on earth Bill was doing here. "I heard about what you did today Perce, and we need to talk."

"How did you hear about it?" He asked curious. He knew that it would be all over the ministry but he didn't see how Bill who worked at Gringotts could have heard about it. He glanced over at Oliver to see he was equally confused.

"Fleur and I have got some friends at the ministry," Bill said as he waited pointedly for Percy to open the door to his flat. He watched as Bill walked in without even asking for permission which meant this was not going to be a pleasant conversation.

"What do you want to talk about?" He asked hoping Bill would say his peace and then leave quickly. He did his best to suppress his annoyance at how this could potentially torpedo his and Oliver's plans.

"I'm wondering if you've gone crazy," Bill said irritated. "There's a reason no one talks about relationships like yours." He resisted the impulse to ask Bill what he meant by that. "I mean have you even considered what this will do to your career even if you don't get fired you can kiss any advancement good bye."

"I don't really care," he said and watched as Bill looked even more shocked than he'd expected. "If I get fired there are other jobs out there that I'm more than qualified for." He said surprised at how true his statement was. There was a part of him that would always love the ministry work but it was a lot smaller now and part of him even wanted out of the ministry.

"I never thought I'd ever hear you say something like that," Bill said looking stunned and shooting a glance at Oliver who had so far stayed out of the discussion. "Doesn't this worry you if it gets back to the public you might be kicked off your Quidditch team."

"I'd just start my own then," Oliver said completely serious. "There are plenty of local leagues we could play in." He couldn't help but laugh at Bill's shocked expression. He already knew Oliver would play quidditch in some form until the day he died.

"The two of you are taking this way too lightly," Bill said shaking his head. "Aren't the two of you worried about anything?" He knew Bill was just trying to help but they had both decided to stop worrying about things when they got back together.

"Not really," he said ignoring Bill's incensed look. "The ministry would have found out anyway once Oliver and I move in together." He decided to get that bombshell over and done with. "And yes I know mum will say we are moving too fast."

"Well you two have only been involved a few weeks," Bill said and he took the chance to marvel at the fact that rebellious long hair and fang earring Bill was taking their mother's side. "Oh god I just sounded like mum didn't I?" Bill said looking horrified.

"Just a bit," He said enjoying the turmoil on Bill's face. "Relax Bill we know what we are doing." He said. "You can worry just don't tell Mother I don't need to deal with her freaking out for something that probably won't even happen."

"She and dad have their own friends at the ministry, Percy," Bill said shaking his head. "You can't expect to keep it from her for very long." He glanced over to see that Oliver had taken the chance to duck into his bedroom probably to sat down his bag.

"Believe me, I know that, Bill," He said quickly. "However, I can have a day or two of peace before someone brings it to mum's attention and she goes a bit crazy." He also hoped that by then he'd be able to assure her one way or the other that things would be okay.

"I should get back home to Fleur and I guess the two of you have plans," He said looking slightly embarrassed as he glanced at Oliver who had returned from his bedroom. "I'll leave you to alone then," He said a few quick goodbyes and was gone.

"You know I'd always thought if any of your brothers besides you were into men it would be Bill," Oliver said once Bill was gone. "But then again I always had terrible luck reading other people."

"I admit I kind of wondered about Charlie but then when he told Mum he preferred dragons to girls I decided not to think about it anymore," He said resisting the temptation to laugh at Oliver's strange look.

"Are you still up to take a turn tonight?" Oliver asked and Percy quietly turned away and walked to latch the door. "Or should we just head to sleep and do it in the morning." He looked at Oliver and thought about it. He could probably get things up again but he was also tired and Bill's visit had kind of ruined the mood.

"I think we should sleep and I'll have my go some time tomorrow," He said with a half smile. "After that visit form bill I'm not sure I'm up to anything too exciting right now." He walked over to Oliver. "I mean unless you really want to right now?"

"I can wait," Oliver said giving him a kiss. "I'd rather have you performing at your best instead of phoning it in." He shook his head at Oliver's terrible joke and together they headed into the bedroom to get some sleep.

To be continued...