A/N: This ficlet is an AU, because as most of you know, Percy doesn't marry Penelope, he marries Audrey. For my purposes, I'm changing that.
Percy sat at the kitchen table wrapping presents, his wand measuring scraps of wrapping paper and handing them to him, like a magical assembly line. As Penelope came in, bearing diluted Firewhiskey and two glasses, he hid the small jewelry box he had just completed and made a show of wrapping the children's presents, hoping she hadn't seen her present. He took off his round glasses, rubbing his eyes wearily. The clock read exactly 10:00, and he had work the next morning, even though the kids were on break.
"What is that?" she asked, sitting down next to him and laying a hand on his shoulder. Her eyebrows crinkled, showing the age lines forming on her forehead.
"Muggle music," replied Percy slowly, absorbed in his folding. "It's not Celestina Warbeck, but it's not bad."
"Perce, do you think they'll like it?" she asked, trying to be kind. "I mean, Molly's just leaving her animal phase, and Lucy's all about Quidditch lately. They're not like your dad used to be, Perce. Most of us aren't obsessed with Muggle things."
"No, but there's something about the... what are they called? Oh yeah, DCs," Percy answered. He wasn't sure of the name, but remained determined. He made the final fold, adhering the paper to itself with a simple sticking spell, and sat it down on the table. He gazed towards it fondly, imagining the excitement and curiosity on the kids' faces when they opened it Christmas morning. There was a short pause, and Percy took a breath.
"Will you just listen to them once? For me? I know you're not a music fanatic, but─"
"No," Penelope responded honestly, "but I guess I could try."
He smiled, grateful that his wife was being so acceptant of his tastes. "I love you."
"Merry Christmas," she said, kissing him softly.
Written for:
Ship 'Til You Drop Bi-Weekly Competition, Pairing: Percy/Penelope
Galleon Competition, Prompts: "What is that?", "No, but I guess I could try.", and muggle music.
Let's Dig Holes Challenge, Character: Percy Weasley.
Twister Challenge, Task: Write about someone wrapping gifts.