"Hermione. It's a pleasure to see you again," said Percy, lowering his hand. Percy's voice was quiet but even, a mid-baritone.

It had been 3 years since Hermione had last seen Percy at Fred's funeral, and even then something about Percy had been different than the Percy she used to know.

Hermione could remember that when they had been in school, even though Percy was always uptight about rules and a goody two shoes, he was warm and approachable. He had particularly liked to give others advice, even when people didn't ask for it, usually with a cheery and forceful tone. When he talked with others he had the same tone, but now, his tone was almost entirely emotionless.

His eyes were cold and intense, black pools with both depth and severity. Hermione could see that he even wore his glasses and hair differently. He had switched out his round glasses for rectangular, frameless lens and gold temples, and his hair was longer than she remembered, a mane of dark red with a streak of grey that fell a couple of inches above the shoulder. It was not as long as Hermione's, but his hair was still quite long, and where hers was a bit curly, Percy's was straight and neatly trimmed. Percy had a way of standing that was tall and proud, like a dark red lion, with an air of authority and power.

Hermione didn't expect Percy to show up to this dinner as well, but she hid her bewilderment and smiled and said, "It's great to see you too, Percy! How have you been doing?"

"Well enough."

George shouldered Hermione aside and said, "Percy, you prat, what're you doing here?"

Percy answered coolly, "George. Is that any way to treat your brother? A brother that's also your business partner and who has given you help over the last 3 years?"

George snorted, "You only help when it helps yourself. Now tell me, who invited you?"

"Do I need an invite to visit my own parents?" Percy asked.

"Hmmph, at least I can be glad to know you haven't forgotten them entirely."

Percy didn't respond, instead looking from George back to Hermione. "Are you two going somewhere?"

Hermione suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable, but George responded calmly, "Hermione just wanted a breath of fresh air, and I was going to show her the best place to get it."

Hermione could tell Percy was about to inquire further but Mrs. Weasley called from the kitchen, "Dinner's ready!"

—

As Hermione spooned some mashed potatoes onto her plate, wedged between Ron eating ravenous bites of fried fish and Mr. Weasley sipping his wine, she couldn't help but feel a little out of place at the dinner.

Ron was chatting animatedly with his father, and Mrs. Weasley was fussing over George's weight. George was still as stocky as he ever was, but Mrs. Weasley kept complaining that George was looking thinner. As they chatted, stories of old times were told and retold, about when Ron and George had been younger and the trouble they had made.

Hermione enjoyed hearing about Ron's childhood, but she couldn't really join in on any of the conversations. Instead she contented herself with watching the happy faces of the Weasley's around her, idly shifting around some ears of corn in her plate.

Then she noticed Percy not eating or talking. Hermione could feel that there was still some underlying tension leftover between Percy and his father from the time of Voldemort's second reign, whereas Percy's mother seemed to have forgiven him completely already. Hermione watched Percy, as he sat with his legs crossed, his expression completely still, only his eyes moved, watching each person at the table in turn.

Suddenly, it occurred to Hermione that it was too much of a coincidence that all 3 Weasley brothers were here together. Earlier when Percy had shown up Mr. and Mrs. Weasley seemed to be expecting him. So when the dinner was almost over, Hermione wasn't surprised that Mrs. Weasley tapped her glass with a fork and made an announcement.

"I've invited you all here for a reason," Mrs. Weasley said smiling, looking at Mr. Weasley and Percy.

"I wanted to celebrate Arthur's new job as the Head of the Muggle Technology and Relations Office…" Mrs. Weasley paused as everyone congratulated Mr. Weasley.

"…and Percy's promotion as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement!"

George rolled his eyes, while Ron exclaimed, "That's great Percy! Hope you don't turn into another Mr. Crouch…"

Mr. Weasley gave a nod, but Hermione guessed that he already knew, being that he still worked at the ministry. George suddenly broke into a grin and asked, "Dad, does that mean Percy is your boss now?"

Mr. Weasley gave a chuckle and said, "No, luckily my new job is under the Department of International Magical Cooperation."

Hermione peered at Percy as George asked father about his new job. Percy was always the most ambitious out of all the Weasley brothers, but even Hermione didn't expect that he could rise to department head at such a young age. However he did it, the Magical Law Enforcement head was one of the highest positions in the Ministry of Magic, having control over the Auror's office as well as influence over the judicial system. It was a key stepping stone in the path to become Minister of Magic, but usually those positions required an older man.

Now that Hermione thought about it, Percy was only 24, but he had an aura of someone much older, both through his speech and action. Hermione could tell Ron and George didn't see the significance of the promotion, it meant that Percy was aiming for something even higher.

Hermione said, "Well done Percy, you must be one of the youngest head's in the whole ministry!"

Percy inclined his head slightly, saying, "That may be, but I fear that only means I have a lot to learn still."

Hermione, continued, "So I suppose you'll be running for a Wizengamot seat next? And after that, Undersecretary?"

Percy gave Hermione an appraising look. "It seems you're quite knowledgeable about wizarding politics."

George gave a laugh, "Percy, are you really trying to become minister? No way, not a chance…"

Ron's brow was furrowed, however, saying with a bit of disbelief, "To run for those offices you'll need a lot of money, can you really—"

But Percy interrupted, "Actually, I have an announcement to make as well. I've been invited to attend the yearly Autumn Harvest dinner party at the Bulstrodes."

Hermione was confused, she'd never heard of such a party. She looked at Ron and he looked blank too, but George was frowning. Hermione could see Mr. Weasley was also looking unhappy, as George said, "But that dinner party is usually reserved for those pure-blood mania families who—"

"…were traditionally also the most wealthy and influential families in the wizarding world. That we, the Weasleys are now being invited means times are changing. It will be—"

But George angrily cut Percy off, "If you think I wanted to get rich just to be able to have a seat across the table from people like the Malfoys at some stupid manor, you're even more of a prat than I thought."

While George was fuming, Percy gave no hint being upset or any sort of emotion.

"I thought it would be a good experience for all of us. We would be able to meet future business partners as well as develop connections with important Ministry members. And this year it's not only pure-bloods being invited. The Creevey brothers and the Finnegans will be there as well."

George was frowning again, as he said, "Since when did the Creevey's and the Finnegans count as influential and wealthy families of the wizarding world?"

"I have sources that tell me the Creevey camera business is expanding rapidly, and one of the Creevey brothers married a Finnegan. They are all one clan now." Percy paused and looked at Ron and Hermione. "I'd like everyone here to attend, and if you're able to Hermione, I'd like you to invite a Gringott's member as well. I have sources tellling me the goblins are quite enthralled by your abilities."

Hermione looked at Percy, saying carefully, "Well if Ron attends…"

Mrs. Weasley gave Percy a warm smile and said, "Of course we'll attend, if it's important to you, it's important to us."

Hermione looked at Ron to see how he would answer but he looked as uncertain as she was.

—

Next Chapter 17