A new beginning
The mood in the garden had changed noticeably. While the Weasleys were a little surprised by Rafi's defense, the atmosphere seemed less tense and more open. Percy felt at that moment that something was changing in him – he could no longer hide behind his family's expectations.
Raphael sat down next to me on the blanket and grinned. "Look, I've silenced them. Maybe I should get a medal for it?"
Percy laughed softly. To be honest, I didn't think you would intervene so directly."
"I've always admired you, Percy. You are smarter than you think, and you deserve to be respected for who you are and not just for what others expect of you, especially your family."
He felt quite flattered and confused at the same time. "But they expect so much from me..."
And? What about your expectations of yourself? You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be yourself, it doesn't matter what others think of you. I know it's pretty hard for you, but just try it for me."
These words echoed in his head. He had tried for so long to correspond to an image that others had of him, but which they made fun of on the other side. Maybe it was really time to take a step back and think about what he really wanted.
Suddenly, Ron approached with a plate full of cookies. "Hey Percy, Raphael! We want to play Quidditch later, will you join us?"
Percy thought for a moment, then said, "Let's think about a tactic against the others first before we go in haphazardly and fight each other again, as we have done many times before."
Ron looked confused for a moment, but then Rafi and he nodded in agreement. "That sounds good, then we can concentrate more on the fun and no one is upset."
The other Weasleys watched the scene and slowly noticed that Percy was thawing. Molly smiled as her son opened up and represented his voice to the others.
The conversations developed in a more lively direction. Percy talked about his latest projects at the ministry, and Rafi added his own experiences. The rest of the family members listened attentively, even if they didn't necessarily understand everything, but they saw how important these topics were to him.
The picnic continued, and as the sun slowly set, Percy felt much lighter. Not only did he have Rafi by his side, but he also had the feeling that he was slowly finding his place and acceptance in his family, no matter how he saw himself.
When evening came, they all sat around a campfire. Raphael and he sat close together, and Percy felt a connection between them deepen. It wasn't just a friendship, it was something he'd never felt before.
"I'm glad you're here, Rafi," he said quietly. I never thought I could feel so safe."
"I'm always there, Percy. You are stronger than you think. And I will always support you – no matter what."
Percy smiled and knew that he no longer had to be alone. He had found the strength to show himself to his family without being afraid of their opinions. And with Rafi by his side, he was ready to start the next chapter of his life - as the real Percy Weasley.