For the Camping Trip challenge on the Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.
H.M.S. Pompous Pug
— Pansy and Percy —
"Ah. Percival Weasley." Mr Robards glanced up at Percy over the thick rim of his glasses. He gestured towards the seat in front of his desk. "Please. Sit down."
Percy, unsure why his boss had called him into his office so late on a Friday afternoon, nervously fiddled with the buttons on the cuff of his blazer.
"Sir." Percy greeted the older man with a forced smile. "It's good to see you."
But Mr Robards had never been known for small talk and he immediately dismissed Percy's attempt at niceties.
"Have you met Mr Phineas Parkinson? He works in the Department of Magical Games and Sports." Mr Robards gave a grunt of approval when Percy quickly responded with a nod. "Excellent. Well then, you'll be pleased to know that Phineas has personally contacted me to offer you an especially—ahem—unique opportunity. That is, he would like you to date his daughter."
"What?" In usual circumstances, Percy would be horrified at himself for speaking so informally to his superior. "Sorry. I mean, excuse me? I don't think I heard you correctly."
"He would like you to date his daughter," Mr Robards repeated. "You might remember her from your school days. Pansy Parkinson. Slytherin girl. Same year as your younger brother, apparently."
"I know who she is," Percy said, trying his hardest to keep his tone even. "I'm just not sure I understand why."
Mr Robards sighed heavily. It was the first sign he'd given that this kind of request was anything out of the ordinary.
"Phineas handles the sponsorships for world events. The Quidditch World Cup, the Wizard's Chess Masters...all of it." He spoke slowly, as if carefully considering his words. "After the war, some long term sponsors have retracted their offers, citing concerns of Phineas' public image. We're hoping a romantic connection with the famed Weasley family will help rectify that."
Percy was silent. The war had made him re-evaluate his career ambition. He'd promised himself that he'd always remember the few things that were more important. Namely, his family and friends. But this is so far out of left field, that Percy wasn't sure where he stood. Could he sacrifice a little bit of dignity? His privacy? Any hope of a real love life in the near future?
"Phineas Parkinson wants me to date his daughter. And she knows this?"
Saying it out loud didn't help him make sense of it.
"Percy, I know this is unusual. But it doesn't have to be real; it just has to be public." He gave Percy a knowing look. "Make no mistake. Improving Phineas' public profile is of great importance to the Ministry. This is an opportunity. Your inconvenience would be well rewarded."
"Okay." The word left his mouth before he had the chance to stop it. But how bad could it be? A couple of fake dates (and, no doubt, a lifetime of teasing from George) and maybe he'd finally get an office of his own. "Thank you, sir. For the opportunity."