For A Candy Cane A Day on the Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.


Audrey and Percy


Hermione pushed a warm cup of tea across the table, smiling sympathetically at Audrey. Audrey's hands immediately wrapped around the cup. She sighed as the hot porcelain warmed her stiff fingers.

"It didn't use to be like this," Audrey said wistfully.

Hermione wasn't sure that was the truth. Hadn't Audrey always complained of cancelled dates, putting the children to bed by herself, and waking up alone? Hadn't Audrey, tipsy on three glasses of wine, always told Hermione that Percy was never there? She supposed it used to be more forgivable. After the war, late nights at the Ministry were necessary to rebuild their world. Then early mornings became his edge on getting the next promotion. And then he was promoted and needed to feel he deserved it. He always promised her tomorrow, but tomorrow never seemed to come.

"It didn't," Audrey insisted, seeing the hesitation in Hermione's eyes. "He used to take my birthday off, you know? We'd go out—get out of town for the day—and celebrate. He never would've…" She trailed off, her voice cracking. "He never would've just forgotten."

There was a whoosh, and all of a sudden, Percy was stepping out of the fireplace, brushing the soot from his trousers. He looked over at Hermione and Audrey, faltering as he caught sight of the tears in Audrey's eyes and the large bouquet of flowers—signed by his assistant—sitting on the kitchen bench.

"What are those—oh."

Hermione jumped off her chair, gathering her coat in her arms. "I think I should head off."

"Aude..."

Hermione hurried towards the fireplace. Why on earth did it suddenly feel so far away? She could hear Percy trying desperately to placate Audrey who was now crying so loudly that it was practically a wail. When she finally stumbled into her own house, she stumbled towards the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine. She was taking her first sip when Ron came into the kitchen, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"How was Audrey?"

Hermione paused. "Not very good."

"Percy fucked up again?"

"Yeah." Hermione leaned back into him, frowning. "It's pretty bad this time."

"You always say that."

But there was a part of Hermione that thought this time was different. This time felt worse than the others. This time felt final.