Hey again! Hope all is well. Thank you to those who gave this story a chance! So, I've decided to post two more chapters...just to go ahead and move things along for those who are a tad anxious. This story is totally not over yet...It's gonna be longer than ten chapters, I can guarantee you that...I dunno how many chapters I'll produce, but until I feel it's complete, I guess. Anyway, enough of my rabble...on to chapter three! :D :) (Marcus will show up...but more in chapter 4!)
'...blah...' -Percy's sole thoughts
'~...blah...~'- Percy's inner voice or conscience.
The same applies to Marcus whenever and if I supply his inner voice/conscience speaking. Just so you know..
Chapter Three- Mutual Wish
Percy rose with the sound of Bill knocking on his door, opening it. "Time to wake up, little brother. Your favorite blueberry breakfast crèpes are on the table waiting for you to devour them."
Bleary-eyed, Percy ruffled his messy curls. "I'll be down shortly...make sure Ron stays away from my plate. Twins, too."
Bill smiled "No problem."
Ten minutes later, Percy sat down to see his three blueberry crèpes were thankfully intact. The last time they were messed with, it did not end well.
'Mmm..crèpes. Maybe I should try cherry next time?' he wondered as he dove into the dish.
"Too bad you missed the party, Percy. It was fun." Ron grinned as he shoved another piece of crèpe into his big mouth.
Ginny added ''It was beyond amazing. All our friends were there. The royal family and their associates showed up as promised. They are way more powerful in person. And there is talk of us being invited to more parties in the near future."
"Your sister made quite an impression on them. It's no surprise really...I've taught her everything I know." Molly smugly replied.
Percy nodded silently as he chewed 'Oh, I'm sure you have. Instructing your only daughter in the art of promiscuity and flirting has proven to reap quite the reward.' "I'm sure you've all had a pleasant evening. You came in rather late, I assume?"
"Very. It's wonderful to have elite connections, friends in high places, you know? Oh that's right..no, you don't." Ginny retorted with a smirk. Bill and Charlie shot her a glare, which she ignored.
Percy returned a smile that matched her false saccharine. ''Point taken, dear sister but I'd prefer my company with the likes of those who don't succumb to the temptations of a vixen who'd most likely make someone an excellent first wife."
Ginny frowned.
"Ouch. Somebody's got a viper's tongue, eh Gred?"
"Indeed, Forge. Great comeback for once, Percy."
Charlie snickered as Bill smiled in amusement.
"You shut your mouth! You have no right speaking to Ginny that way! Just because you're jealous over her accomplishments, it doesn't give you free license to belittle her!" Molly snapped furiously.
Percy's eyes narrowed "Belittle? I belittle her? Mother, are you serious?..I-"
"That's enough! I don't want to hear any of your nonsense. Apologize or get out of my sight!"
Tossing down his fork, he stood. "Fine. I'm gone." He grabbed his bag and stormed out the front door.
Reaching his wand, he apparated into town. 'Now to find some peace and quiet.'
Percy ambled over to the library, one of his favorite spots in town besides the museum, forest and the bakery where he'd treat himself to a sweet on occasion. Entering the humongous building, Percy was greeted by the co-librarian/wandmaker, Mr. Ollivander. He and his brother would alternate shifts to avoid boredom.
"Good morning, Percival. Bad day?" The old man also had his own foresight.
"Unfortunately. Ginny made a horrible comment towards me and I fired one back which I normally don't do. Mum bitched me out and I'm here. I just need to get away for a few hours until it all cools down."
Mr. Ollivander nodded serenely. "You're always welcome to hang here. In the meantime, we have a new shipment of books near the fairytale section. Why don't you peruse those?"
"I think I'll do that. Thank you, Mr. Ollivander." The redhead marched off towards the stairs.
'Poor boy. But worry not, I don't think you'll be miserable for too much longer.'
Hours pass and Percy finished several of the newest history books. He couldn't help but eye the fairytales. Reaching for one of the classics, he turned to the table of contents...two titles caught his eye- 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Cinderella'.
'Why do I torture myself reading these? They're called fairytales for a reason...these scenarios never happen.'
'~But they do give you hope...~' a voice in his head supplied.
Percy always listened to his inner conscience no matter how absurd it sounded to his rational mind. 'I guess you're right. Anyway, might as well get home...I need dinner.'
It was nightfall when Percy arrived back home. Traversing through the foyer, he heard another loud round of laughing coming from the parlor. He saw Ginny, her girls and Ron, lounging around and blabbering on about something.
''I was like...that dress seriously made her look like a banana and she honestly had the nerve to say I looked like a tomato. It's ridiculous."
"Please, a gorilla could wear that dress better than her."
"Speaking of funny-looking people, what's up with your brother, the beanpole?" Lavender piped.
Noticing Percy in her compact mirror, Ginny replied "I dunno, and I really don't give a shit about the scarecrow. Earlier, he said I'd make 'someone an excellent first wife'. The smart-arse got chewed out too. He deserved it. Really, I don't get why he bothers sticking around...nobody wants him anyway. He has no friends or a boyfriend for that matter. Ron was right in saying he was happy Percy didn't attend the ball last night, he would have bored us to death with facts no one cares about. Trust me, he's full of envy when it comes to the rest of us."
Parvati laughed "Damn, sweetie. He sounds like a lost cause."
Ron interjected "Of course, he is. Even Mum said he was bringing down the family."
Percy stood there, listening to the entire conversation. His heart felt as if it was being slowly ripped out from his chest. He knew his youngest siblings didn't care for him, that they were vicious, but to blatantly rub his inadequacies in his face...that was it, he's heard enough tonight.
Muffling a sob, the crimson-haired Weasley trekked up to his bedroom, locking and silencing the perimeter. "Why do they hate me so much? I've never done anything to them to deserve it. They used to be so nice when they were little, I was their first friend. Since Mum had groomed and conditioned them as her miniatures, the chances of ever repairing our relationship sailed a long time ago." he whispered aloud.
Sitting on his bed, he mused ' ''Nobody wants him anyway...he has no friends or a boyfriend for that matter.." ..Why must you constantly remind me? Or is it the idea, to never let me forget the fact I'm not worthy enough to have one whilst you have so many seeking your notice?' Gazing to his right outside his window, he saw the north star-Sirius, brightly shining in the sky.
'It's funny how you're called the Wishing Star. You haven't made any of my dreams come true in years. I'm probably making this for naught but I guess I'll try anyway. This time, I wish there was a method to end my suffering that actually works. Something, anything that could make me happy. Whatever that would help me endure everything until I am able to leave this house would be a blessing. I'm too distraught for dinner tonight. Well, to Merlin and whoever else who may be listening...goodnight.'
The sound of a 'Nox' plunged Percy's room into darkness as he fell into yet another sleep cycle, awaiting another day of potential jibes and further mistreatment. As the Fates would have it...little did Percy know, that across the kingdom, another boy his age would wish for the same thing.
Meanwhile at Dragonheart Castle...
Inside a gigantic, ornately decorated bedroom, a large teenager was staring outside his window, listening to his friends banter.
"Honestly, I hate going to those goddamn parties! I know it's an obligation as nobles but something's gotta give!" Adrian exclaimed, sprawling out in his chair.
"I feel you, mate, especially when all those girls come dressed to the nines and try to wiggle their way into our arms and beds. I can't stand it. I'm taken, damn it." Miles replied, crossing his arms.
Cassius retorted "Yeah, by that cute blonde Colin down in the orchards. Nice choice, by the way."
"I don't care...you guys weren't the ones who had some red-headed bitch try to steal your man!" Terence quipped, sitting on Adrian's lap, lightly kissing the brunette.
"Yeah...what the fuck was her name again? Ginny Weasley? It's hilarious how she flitted about with her galpals, chatting with every available bloke at Malfoy Manor. She thinks she honestly has a chance. I've debated us wearing signs saying that we're taken and gay. That should deter some..'' Graham pointed out, sipping his Butterbeer.
"Desperate women, what can we say?" Terence said before adding "Oh...no offense, Luna."
The dreamy-eyed, silvery blonde girl smiled "It's fine, Terence. I don't mind. I've noticed their behavior as well. It's like they're mating crumple-horned snorkacks."
Lucian snickered "Definitely. Although, we should consider ourselves lucky; we're not the ones who got the full brunt of the flirting forces...eh, Marcus?"
Marcus grunted "Don't remind me."
This was the same with every public appearance...reporters, photographers and nagging women. The poor prince couldn't seem to catch a break. He's resorted to either stunning or physical violence to get away. Of course that was quite some time ago. After intense scolding from his parents, the king and queen; he decided to avoid trouble and let the public have their way...within reason.
This meant he also had to be polite to the hundreds of high-class women and the like who dragged him into conversation. The way they batted their eyelashes, pushed out their bosoms in their gowns with plunging necklines, pouted their lips, giggled and smiled at his every word...it was pathetic. He was not stupid.
Marcus could see right through their false personas, and wanted nothing to do with them. He knew not every woman was like that. Take Luna for example..she's one of the few women whom he respects. It wasn't only their deceitful personalities that put him off...he was one hundred percent gay. That's right-Prince Marcus Aurelius Flint, son of King Aurelius and Queen Seraphine, the heir of the most ruthless family that conquered and ruled Dragonheart for over a thousand years...was gay.
It was of no surprise to his friends; they're the only ones who knew. Homosexuality was by no means illegal but it was frowned upon only in the royal family due to the fact there had to be an heir or multiple heirs to continue the monarchy. Males could conceive via use of a certain fertility potion but his family strictly adhered to tradition. And, his parents have been bugging him to find a suitable woman. Their excuse is 'he's newly eighteen and they'd like to see a grandchild before they're dead'...they're only in their early forties, just to be clear.
People believed Marcus possessed everything he could ever want-he lived in a grand castle, was waited on hand and foot, attended the most prestigious events in the wizarding world, had many friends and others who adored him, and had a physique a normal man would kill for. Truly, it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Even with his friends, the glamorous life got rather lonely. He knew something was missing and that was a boyfriend. He longed for one...a sweet and wonderful man that won't hurt him, that'll treat him with true kindness and respect...someone who'll love him unconditionally.
He did not need someone who'd always want extravagant gifts, go on numerous lavish excursions, or use him just to rise up in society because he's the prince. In all seriousness, that is what his intuition warned him about on a daily basis and the rest was common sense. Unfortunately, he didn't think that would happen for him and it saddened him greatly, though he forced himself to hide his pain.
"So, Marcus...you heading with us to the pitch tomorrow?" Adrian queried, noticing his mate was nearly silent throughout the entire conversation.
He shook his head "Nah, I'm going into town...an adventure of my own, you could say."
"Be sure to don some sort of disguise, unless you wish to be hounded. Well, it's kinda late and we need to head home. See ya later. Tell us all about it tomorrow." his friends bid him goodbye, leaving Marcus alone in his room.
'Alone again...yay.'
Peering out his large window, he focused on the grounds of Dragonheart Castle. The forest was thick and dark...casting a shadow over the gardens and statues scattered about. The night sky glittered with billions of stars, one in particular shining the brightest.
'Ah, Sirius. Always the one to catch my eye, bring the promise of a new day, to answer a prayer since I've been alive. However, there is one I have meant to send so many times but always feared it would never come true. It has never hurt before to ask, so I will now. I ask of you to help me find someone who'll need me just as I need them. He has to be out there...anywhere. Please, I know my life is good but having someone to share it with would be even better.'
With a solemn smile, the prince readied himself for slumber, he had a busy day ahead of him tomorrow.
Aaaannnd... hello Marcus! There he is! XD Don't worry, he'll show up more in the next chapter and beyond! :D Hope you liked it! Let me know what you think!