Pairing: HermionePercy
Prompt: 971. Are you sad?
Word count: 325
Are You Sad?
"Are you sad?"
That… that probably had to be the most idiotic, inconsiderate thing Hermione had ever asked anyone. Are you sad? No, of course Percy wouldn't be sad after his brother had been murdered in front of him. No, not at all.
Shaking her head, Hermione began to rephrase her question, but was interrupted by Percy answering her first.
"I'm more angry than sad."
"The Death Eater has been –"
"No, not at them. At me. I'm angry at me for walking away from my family. If I hadn't been so stupid, Fred might still be –"
He was cut off by Hermione resting her hand on top of his. "It wasn't your fault," she assured him. "Truthfully, the Ministry was very convincing."
Percy winced at the mention of the past – of his idiotic behaviour, as he chose to put it. "So it seems," he mumbled, looking in front of him to the empty garden bed of the Burrow.
Hermione gave his hand a squeeze. "You're not to blame," she insisted, causing Percy to smile. "What?"
"Now who's being convincing?" he teased.
Hermione blushed, but returned his smile nonetheless.
"You know," Percy began, turning to face her, "you are rather bright."
"Oh… well… I…."
"You were always one to match and challenge my own intelligence. It's… refreshing."
Hermione was a beetroot red now, suddenly realising they were still holding hands.
"I never feel sad when you're around."
"Well that's good, I suppose."
Percy smiled again, leaning his face closer to hers. Their lips were only a breath apart when Hermione pulled away. "Now's not the right time, Percy," she said with regret.
The older Weasley nodded. "I know," he confessed.
"We need to get through this funeral," Hermione continued. "Many funerals, in fact."
"I know."
"And you need to feel sad."
"I know."
Hermione gave Percy's hand another squeeze. "And stop feeling angry."
Percy nodded, looking her in the eye. "I know," he said.
This pairing was requested by lilmisadiva.
I have one more vacant spot for a request open. I'll accept the first one I receive in my inbox, so PM me if you'd like!