Hey everyone,
This chapter is going to be quite the mix. It's going to cover Percy as he is his usual ambitious, arrogant, selfish little bratty self and Lea after he experienced a full day of sensing the call of his unborn child and destined mate – not that he knows that. I might also do a chapter afterwards about the 29th, but I'm not entirely sure about that. At most it might be a chapter about Harry going to get/receive his own Heirship ring.
Oh, the possibilities,

Venquine1990
PS. The start of this chapter is in Italics to indicate that it is a flashback. At the time of writing this chapter I was thinking of doing this more often, but it never happened after this.


Chapter 10
Lunch and Ice Cream

28th of September 1995
Leaky Cauldron, London
Percy's POV

Returning to my office after a hectic day and a confusing night feels more like coming home than when I went home after work last night. I feel a little confused as to why there aren't any orders from the Minister awaiting me in my Inbox, but decide that this must be just another one of those days where Minister Fudge and Madam Umbridge want to have a morning discussion before work. And then remember that Madam Umbridge is at Hogwarts.
"Teaching that Potter brat a lesson." I think to myself as I gather my supplies and my writing equipment and head inside. And while confused about why the Minister would meet with Madam Bones this early in the morning and before meeting with his closest staff, do I just ignore it and pleasantly greet the man, being slightly less pleasant, but still formal when I greet Madam Bones. The woman just stares at me.
"Weasley, what are you doing here?" The Minister asks and while I feel curious about this, do I simply answer: "What I always do, sir. My job. I am your Assistant, after all." I make sure to emphasize my title as I glance at Madam Bones for a minute, the woman discarding me with a roll of her eyes and her head turned away. This infuriates me, but I keep calm. That is, until the Minister says: "Weasley, you're on paid leave, remember?"

I stare at the man, hardly able to believe he would suggest such a thing and the man goes on: "Weasley, I've been so busy working alongside you and Umbridge, I've failed to keep an eye out or ear open to what others in the Ministry have to say. And that was a mistake as apparently, they have nothing good to say about you. They hate you, Weasley. They think you are over-arrogant, self-centered, pompous, childish – and that's the friendly version."
"They dare think that about me? I'm your assistant!" I yell, but the man screams back: "AND THAT'S EXACTLY THE PROBLEM!" Which is a statement that stumps me. "Weasley, that title doesn't give you the right to order others around or make them feel as if they're beneath you. You're on the same level as every other Assistant working in this Ministry. You should treat your fellow members with respect, not disdain and arrogance.
You have been making it impossible for me to work with almost anyone else here. Even Madam Bones' Assistant, who has the Johnson's talent of a Saint's Patience, is done with you. And he used to work with the Department of Magical Transportations, where he would listen to people complain about their daily lives over the floo and other methods for years. That never bothered or got under his skin, but working with you for a month did.

That says everything about how you've been treating others. And so, I need to do some damage control. Not to mention the fact that you bought Dolores a Dark Object, two days before you knew she was going to start working at an institute full of Minors. And don't give me the Potter excuse, Weasley, you don't know whether or not she was planning to use it on Potter only. In fact, she had enough of them to use on an entire House.
Did you even consider the possibility that she might have used it on your brothers? On your youngest sister?" The man asks and I retort: "That's why I wrote Ron a week in! To warn him that hanging with Potter could –." But to this Madam Bones states: "You shouldn't have warned your brother, Weasley, you should have alerted the authorities. But just like with Barty Crouch, may he rest in peace, you played your own agenda."
"Stay out of this!" I snarl at her, only for the Minister to snarl back: "Weasley ENOUGH! Madam Bones can't stay out of this as this is a criminal offense. And you can consider yourself lucky, Weasley. Madam Bones just reported to me that both she and Lucius went to Hogwarts last night to check on the other students. Apparently, for now, Potter was the only one to have detention with Dolores. For now, Weasley.
Madam Bones also already informed me that there were a lot of students who were planning actions that would aggravate Dolores and would see her put them in detention. She told me it was a miracle that none of your brothers have been targeted yet, she believes this is because, like you, Umbridge was too closed-minded and focused only on Potter. Though we both agree that this can be considered a blessing as it kept the other students safe."

"See? It's always Potter! It always comes back to him! If it weren't for him –." I try to argue, but then the Minister makes me whiten as he yells: "IF IT WEREN'T FOR POTTER, YOUR SISTER WOULD BE DEAD, WEASLEY! Yes, I know about that. Albus informed me shortly after I found out that he had been reinstated as Headmaster that year. Not to mention that Dolores actually already admitted that she despises children."
This just confuses me and makes me think: "Then why go work in a school?" Before Madam Bones drops a bombshell on me. "There is one other thing, something Madam Pomfrey told me last night. Cornelius, is it true that, when you met with Minerva, Filius and Hagrid in the Three Broomsticks over Christmas in 1993, you determined You-Know-Who as defeated and horribly weakened instead of dead?" And the Minister actually whitens, answering the question.

I run this memory in my head, over and over, hardly able to believe it happened. Minister Fudge stuttered and fumbled for a few minutes after hearing the question and Madam Bones told him they would discuss it further later. She then turned to me and laid down the law, so to speak. I was not to come back to work until I was willing to admit that buying the Quill was wrong and to apologize to all those who I insulted with my treatment of them.
"I'm the Minister's Assistant, I deserve to give them orders. They should just listen. And what was this crap about not being allowed into the Family Vaults?" I think surly, but then remember what happened when I went to Gringotts to confirm or deny this. I had been able to pass the first set of doors, but got barred by the second, the Goblins there telling me I was only allowed to withdraw money from my own personal vault and only to the usual limit, as they called it.
I wondered how they could have learned of this so quickly and what they meant with the usual limit and got told they were informed at 15:32, which was only a few minutes after that stupid interrogation that Madam Bones dared to put me through, after which she told me to go home as she doubted the Minister would have any work for me. I had scoffed at her, but complied, not feeling like dealing with people like her for the rest of the day.

I had then attempted to talk with my brother as I had, a few weeks ago, heard some other members talking about how he had apparently transferred back to the branch here at home, but the Goblins had refused, telling me that William was busy with a client far more important than me. These words infuriated me and I told them to let William know that I'm waiting for him at the Leaky Cauldron. They had glared, but let me leave.
That's now a good two hours ago and I can barely believe that William is making me wait this long. I already paid for a full English lunch and hope that William will take some of my gold with me as I am already out of the money I will need to buy myself dinner later, having gone a little overboard on dinner last night in order to make up for the fact that I didn't have any work to do and was home early, no thanks to Bones.

"What is his problem? Why is he so late?" I mutter to myself, only for a familiar voice to answer my question: "My problem was a client's family who was on the verge of losing everything due to extortion. This made me have to call on the DMLE and take on the role of Spokes Person between the Ministry and the Goblin Nation, thus making my case take longer than normal. And I'm not late as you never set a time for me to meet with you."
I grumble at this and growl at hearing the name of that infernal Department – with its obnoxious Head who will soon see the error of her ways – when suddenly a bag of gold lands next to the glass of wine I ordered myself. "You always go overboard on your purchases when you're in a bad mood. I figured you were already out of money. Should be enough to last you the week; that is as long as you don't buy the most expensive that there is. And if you don't think it's enough, you can blame our Account Manager, he wouldn't let me take out more."
At this I see him stare at my glass and I snap: "I deserve it." To which he sits down and says: "There is a difference between what you deserve and what you need. And now that you're on paid leave and your next payment isn't for two weeks – yes, I know when you get paid, everyone at Gringotts knows when people get paid, we work in a bank, after all. Anyway, you need to let go of this anger and think smart, keep an eye on your money."

He then dares to fell me with a stare and states: "Something someone who grew up in our family should know how to do." At which I snarl at him: "Look who's talking! You're the eldest! You –!" But William snarls over me and almost yells: "Live in a cottage by the sea, buy my robes only when Madam Malkins has a discount sale and have my friends buy potions if I require them in return for paying them dinner once – a – month.
I do not spend any money on things that are the most expensive, I avoid things like that. Yes, as the eldest I could drain the entire Weasley family Vault and my own and buy myself a mansion with butlers and servants and whatnot, but I don't. Because I grew up learning that money means nothing if it doesn't make your family happy. The most expensive treasure I have, Percival, is my Heirship ring and I would sell it if it could, say, save dad's life."
I stare at my brother, unable to understand why he would dare to raise his voice at me, unable to understand why he wouldn't want to use all the money that he earns to give himself the good life and William sighs as he says: "Looks like Hermione was right. I heard from dad that she said your case was one of nature versus nurture. Our nurturing mother raised us with the knowledge that money doesn't trump love and care – and you ignore that."

He turns from me to the bag of money on the table and says: "At least try to make that money usable until the end of the week. Because, if you don't, don't go asking the Goblins for another meeting with me. I will only come see you when I have the time and if you manage to use that brain of yours. You got the highest NEWT scores of us all, Percy. Now prove that those weren't just words on a bit of paper." And with that does he stand up.
"Mum and dad have been ordered not to help you or let you in unless you hit rock bottom and become broke. Madam Bones predicted that this will happen sometime between next year March and June. Try to prove her wrong, prove that you do have a conscience and don't think yourself Merlin's Gift to Mankind. You're human, Percival Ignatius Weasley, and like all humans, you make mistakes. And until you own up to them, you're on your own." And while I can barely believe that he has the gall to, does my own brother walk away from me.

Instantly, upon hearing the door to Diagon Alley close behind him, a furious sense of rage overcomes me and I feel glad that I already paid for my meal and all of my drinks as I snatch up the bag of gold, push it roughly in my bag and storm out of the Leaky Cauldron, slamming the door behind me and not even caring for the man who calls out after me as I slam it in his face.
"I'M THE MINISTER'S ASSISTANT!" I yell at him, not even caring that I am on paid leave or wondering if he might know of this and just storm through the busy street, desperately looking for a private place where I can Apparate home. Finding a back alley a few blocks down, I pull my wand out of my pocket, make sure to keep it hidden from Muggle sight, and cast a Notice-Me-Not charm on myself before rushing in.
I reach the back of the alley and twist on the spot, Apparating and focused solely on my home address. I end up in the small side room that I enchanted to be the only spot where someone can Apparate in or out and storm through the door, over to the one room I always use when getting aggravated with my other coworkers. And once inside do I unleash a myriad of spells on the pictures of everyone who deserves it; my parents, my brothers and sister, their friends – and Potter.

A few hours later
At the Clocktower, Twilight Town
Lea's POV

Yesterday I got to celebrate my birthday for the first time in over a decade. It felt a bit weird to officially acknowledge that I was now eighteen years old, a legal adult, but the celebration with all of my friends, all the people I have met over the years since Isa and I met Ventus, was definitely great. The only slight downside was that the girl we met all those years ago wasn't there, but Aqua, Xion, Naminé and Olette made up for that.
Plus, Isa and I were the only ones who knew about her and we kept our mouths shut, determined to find her, but not willing to let that ruin the mood. Sora was also not entirely his usual bumpy and cheerful self as he was still worrying over Kairi, no matter how many times Xion and Naminé assured him that she was fine, but the brunette did try his best and hanging with Roxas as well as laughing at Donald's jokes and misfortune helped with that.
But ever since I woke up this morning, has a strange feeling been nagging at me, making me feel as if it's calling out to me, but every time I focus on where it's coming from it reaches way beyond anywhere I've traveled these past few years. Because of this, because I don't feel like going on another adventure, have I tried to just ignore it. Yet, just like I expected, does this not help anything, though I feel relieved that the feeling doesn't get stronger.

"It's just there and it's annoying." I think to myself as I watch the sunset from atop the Train station Tower at Twilight Town, something Roxas, Xion and I still do even though we are now humans again and are living in various worlds. And the fact that Hayner, Pence, Olette and Isa have joined us makes it actually even more fun every time we do so, even if the others also occasionally let us just have the tower for ourselves, just the three of us.
"Got it memorized?" I then hear a smooth baritone voice ask me and turn around, having been staring into the setting sun for the last few minutes while trying to get another read on that strange urge's location and see that Isa has joined Roxas, Xion and me. "What's wrong, Lea? You've been ignoring us for a while now. Xion even had to take your ice cream because it was melting." And only then do I notice that my hands are empty – and sticky.

I cringe at this and let out an uncomfortable laugh before licking off the dripping remains of my treat and sigh. "Sorry, it's just – there's this nagging feeling that has been bugging me all day. It's like it's calling out to me, asking me to go where it's coming from.""So why don't you? You still have control over the Dark Corridors, why not use those?" Isa asks me as he sits down next to Roxas, who is on Xion's other side and I answer:
"Because when I tried sensing out where the call was coming from, it went beyond the borders. Not just Twilight Town, but beyond even the furthest world I ever traveled to. It went all the way to our old HQ world and even beyond that. It's so far away, I – I can't get a good read of where it leads. I just tried to ignore it after determining that, because – I don't feel like going on another adventure." At which the others nod, yet then Xion says:
"But that won't make the sense that you're getting go away." I sigh and mutter: "No, but – what if – what if this becomes a one way trip? What if the journey takes me so far, I won't be able to sense these worlds out anymore? That I won't be able to make a corridor back to you guys." Isa and Xion look worried over this, but Roxas smiles and says: "That's simple, Lea. The Gummi phones." I look at him confused and he goes on:

"You're not the only one who can still use the Corridors, Even can too. And the Gummi phones will be able to reach him no problem. You can just go there, see if you can still reach out to this place and if not, contact Even and have him make a Corridor to you. It might take him a while, but I'm sure he'll be able to, right?" And while we stare at the blonde, can I only marvel at the sheer brilliance of his solution. Roxas then smirks and asks:
"And besides, who says you'll be going on that journey by yourself? If we hold onto you, we can all come with you. We'll just go talk with Sora, ask him, Terra and the others if they'd mind waiting in Radiant Garden to be our back-up in case this sense is a trap of some kind and then head out. Say tomorrow?" But Isa shakes his head and says: "Let's go over the weekend. That should give us enough time to prepare for the journey ahead."
We all nod at this before turning back to the sunset. Yet as I do, can I not help but think: "I don't think this is a trap, the sensation just doesn't feel like that, but still." And as I start to grin, do I think: "How long have I waited to go on an adventure with my three closest friends?" And I happily accept Xion handing me back my ice cream bar, biting into it and thinking: "Yep, I got those three memorized." As I just enjoy my time with them.


Get ready, Lea.
So yeah, Percy got himself a few well-deserved lectures – which he promptly ignored because his ego is just too big to swallow that kind of advice and Lea is just about ready to embark on another adventure. And he may not know it yet, but this is one that is going to take a lifetime, though I doubt my favorite redhead is going to mind that. Also for those wondering or curious, NO! Percy was not drunk here, he only had one glass of wine.
Hope that helps,

Venquine1990