Happy Thursday! I would have updated Friday but since I'm gonna be a bit busy tomorrow, I've decided to post Chapters 11 and 12 in advance. I hope you enjoy this! :)

Chapter Eleven-Percy Meets the Gang

Sunday came and went...so did a few more weeks of secretly dating and foiling Ginny's attempts at seducing Marcus. Percy soon realized she was receiving extra help, other than her mother's. It couldn't possibly be the twins since they didn't give a fuck and normally stuck to their own agenda. Bill and Charlie knew about their relationship but promised to keep silent, his father had other pressing matters on his mind, so the only logical answer would be Ron.

What confirmed his suspicions was the fact Ron was hanging around the twins more than usual, wanting to learn how to develop more advanced pranks. Thankfully, Bill and Charlie decided to look out for Percy and disable the pranks they'd find while at home. Those two were veteran pranksters, so they pretty much knew the signs.

This was the week before the August ball and Marcus had plans for Percy. He was going to introduce him to his best friends, whom were also staying the weekend.

"You almost ready, Percy? They're anxious to finally meet my boyfriend." he kissed the back of Percy's neck, making him shiver. He did that on purpose, knowing Percy was sensitive.

"I-I will be, as soon as I shut and shrink... this trunk." With a huff, he took care of it. "Ready."

"Alright, off to the castle we go." Once outside, they apparated from the Weasley property.

Watching them vanish, Ginny growled and stomped her foot. "Mum, I've tried everything so far! Nothing's working. I can't seem to get alone with Marcus. Percy's got him all to himself."

"Now Ginny, don't fret. The ball is next week, right?"

"Yeah..so?"

"So, during these past few weeks, I have been working my way into his majesty's good graces. I dropped your name and they recall you at the Malfoy gala...you did make an impression on them like I've said before."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning that it's official. You're one of several girls they've considered to set up with Marcus as a potential future bride."

Ginny grinned triumphantly, her hard work was going to pay off sooner than she expected. It wasn't just talk after all, Molly planned on getting Ginny into Marcus's family. She's also noticed the closeness between her son and the prince and it unnerved her. The matriarch dealt with it this long just so her plans could flourish.

As she watched Ginny squeal with glee, she mused 'Percy won't be needed too much longer..'

Arriving at Dragonheart Castle, Percy and Marcus took the usual side entrance and trekked up to his room. Company was already waiting on them. Opening the door, Marcus was greeted by a few loud 'hello's'. Percy was reluctant to go inside. He knows they're Flint's friends but that's the thing..they're HIS friends. He's not completely sure how they'll treat him.

'Will they be nice because Marcus told them to? Or will they legitimately be sincere and kind? I dunno...I guess I won't know until I go in. I hope they're not expecting someone blindingly gorgeous..' he snapped from his thoughts when Marcus tapped his arm.

"Come on in, it's only my friends and their boyfriends. They won't bite unless you ask them to. Seriously, they will."

Percy's eyes widened in shock ''Oh..um..ok."

Leading him in, the shy redhead gazed nervously around the room, taking in the calm faces and few gentle smiles. "Guys, this is Percy. This is the first he's met you. Don't be a dick...Warrington...McLaggen." he focused his icy blue eyes on the two arrogant teens who smirked in return.

Graham nodded in acknowledgement "It's a pleasure to finally meet the one Marcus has been bragging over." With a gentlemanly touch, he kissed Percy's hand in greeting. Percy blushed furiously as he glanced at Marcus.

"He does that to everyone. Well...not everybody if I'm honest. Oliver doesn't mind." he gestured over to a brunette with chocolate brown eyes and a wide grin.

In a thick, Scottish brogue he replied "He's right, I don't."

"You're right, Marcus. He is rather pretty." a boy of fifteen, with light blonde hair past his shoulders, kindly commented. From Flint's description, this slightly feminine-looking boy was Colin Creevey, who worked in the orchards and is the boyfriend of Miles Bletchley. His brother Dennis, 14, also worked in the orchards but was seeing Luna.

"Wotcher, Percy!" chirped Tonks as she walked, more like tripped, into the room. "I'm ok!" she jumped up, hands in the air. Shaking Percy's hand vigorously, Tonks continued "Glad to make your acquaintance! How's Bill and Charlie?"

"Th-they're fine...at work right now but they're good."

"Sweet! so what's everyone doing tonight? I actually have the night off so yay! Oh, Hannah and the other girls say 'Hi!' "

Flint returned "Actually, we were going to hang out here and get more comfortable, have lunch...and have him meet the parents."

Percy shrunk a little at that.

"Tomorrow, Percy. Just be yourself...they won't eat you either."

Nodding, Percy allowed Marcus to take his things and got settled in. Around dusk, everybody was relaxed and chatting amongst themselves.

Terence was braiding Luna's hair, Nymphadora was making impressions while Cassius was telling some dirty jokes...surely making Percy blush. Marcus had Percy on his lap, gazing at each and every blush that blossomed upon his cheeks. It was so cute, he had to do something about it. He turned Percy's face to his and kissed him in front of everyone.

Cassius and Cormac let out a teasing "Awwww..." while Tonks cheered "How sweet!"

Percy's faced turned that Weasley beet-red while he lightly whined "Marcus..."

"It's fine, Percy. Besides, they do it all the time...Adrian and Terence especially. Of course, they'd fuck in front of us if given the chance."

The two in question shamelessly shrugged with a goofy smile. That picture didn't help his redness fade any faster.

"So Percy, how are things with you and Flint so far?" Lucian queried.

"Our relationship itself is doing quite well...except for a few mishaps."

"A few as in every time I come over to see Percy, his brat of a sister won't stop making passes at me. I thought Charlie said she'd give up...but apparently not."

"Oh really?" Graham raised an eyebrow. "That's of no surprise, she, trying to leech onto you like a fucking parasite."

Percy sighed "What's worse is that my Mum and brother Ron are helping her. They're really set on tearing us apart. They don't even know I'm dating him, well, Ron doesn't anyway. I know Ginny is aware and Mum..she's catching on.''

"If you ask me, you need to put that bitch in her place." Terence snapped, still upset over the fact Ginny tried to sink her claws in Adrian. "I don't care if she is your sister...she's playing with fire."

"I dunno how I will. I've been keeping her at bay for a while now."

"Um..th-the ball is next week. Everybody on the list ..in-including the Weasleys are invited. She's going to show as she does with every public event a-and well...why don't you, too? That way...you can keep an eye on Ginny and your mum?" Neville suggested after being silent for some time.

Lucian pecked his love on the cheek. "Perfect idea, babe."

Terence grinned "Yeah..that is good. Why not do that?"

Percy retorted "I don't go to galas or any fancy parties, not since I was a little kid."

Colin's eyes narrowed in concern "Why was that?"

Flint perked up to listen in.

"Well...the last one I attended was after I turned seven. That day, we were at the Parkinson mansion for some late summer gala. I wandered around the ballroom like I normally did, hoping to find some kids to talk to, or least some that would. I accidentally tripped and knocked a server into a group of people; which like a domino effect, knocked into more people...eventually breaking the dessert table and splattering the mess all over Lady Parkinson's gown. Screaming was heard, fingers were pointed, Mum was mortified and since then I've been left at home or with a neighbor until I was old enough to stay home alone."

"Seriously?" Tonks frowned heavily. "All because of one simple blunder? Believe me...I know blunders."

"Actually, every party that I attended ended in some sort of disaster. I dunno whether I was cursed with bad luck in crowds or what."

"Didn't your father have a say so in the matter?"

"He's the reason why I was allowed to attend as many as I could. After the last one, I was so ashamed that I told him I didn't want to go ever again, that, and I heard my mum bitch for hours. Dad was always sort of weak when it came to Mum, so he acquiesced. Of course afterwards, Mum was delighted. With me gone, she could move up. I believe this was when her grooming of Ron and Ginny began...as to take the place of one fuck-up."

Marcus tightened his hold around Percy. "You're not a fuck-up, Percy. Don't ever say that. You're not seven years old any more, I believe you can actually go to a ball and have a good time."

"I-I can't. I guarantee you a lot of them remember my mistakes. And I promised myself I wouldn't go also because those high-society things don't matter to me."

"You know Percy, it doesn't hurt to go to one sometimes. I really would love for you to attend at least this once. Seeing you there would make it more bearable.." he nuzzled into Percy's neck, trying to convince him further.

"I dunno..."

"Come on, it'll be fun. I'll get you a new set of robes just for the occasion. It's ok to have at least one or two of those as well."

Percy remained silent as he thought 'Well...it has been ten years. And I don't have any robes, at least any Bill didn't give me. Maybe...maybe it wouldn't hurt to try..' Smiling softly, Percy answered "I guess it wouldn't be so bad...it's only one ball, right?"

Marcus brightened at his boyfriend's change of heart. "Great, we'll go out first thing tomorrow. Madame Malkin will need your exact measurements."

And there you are, Percy gets connections! lol :) Stay tuned for 12! Things will definitely progress!