1998
The truth, and no lies. No more lies to his family, or his friends, or anyone he's ever cherished, or anyone at all. Percy Weasley is done lying, lying to himself and everyone around him.
It's a few months after the Battle, and Percy came to another Sunday night dinner, just a little quieter than usual, just a little more subdued. More than a little quiet, actually - the only noise is asking for a bowl to be passed or to be excused from the table. It doesn't really feel like a Weasley family dinner - just a plain dinner, nothing more, nothing less.
After the awkward, brain-numbing silence, Percy's all ready and prepared to Floo to his flat in London, but to his surprise, his father pulls him away.
"I want the truth, Percy," he says, and Percy doesn't know how or why he knows, but his father just knows these things. Arthur knows that his son is still reluctant to see his family - and he wants to know why.
"Truth," Percy contemplates, "the truth." He laughs shortly and bitterly, like the word coming off of his tongue was oh-so-very foreign. And maybe it was.
"Why?" His father asks softly, barely a whisper.
"You're too good for me," Percy says, and the truth feels good - rewarding, refreshing. He isn't lying, not anymore.