"Everything packed?" their mum asked for the umpteenth time.

I think I have everything. I should, but he couldn't help but feel as though he was forgetting something and itched to give into the irrational urge to rush up back to his bedroom to check one final time. It just bothered him. He would worry continuously until he was able to go to his dorm and open up his trunk to reassure himself that it was all there and he needn't have to owl his parents, to face their inevitable irritation at his lack of responsibility because his mum had asked him if he had everything and he should have been more responsible.

Oh how he also hated that word-responsible.

As the third oldest, Percy was expected to be responsible, more than his siblings and to know right from wrong. He was supposed to hold a sense of maturity that the others didn't have yet.

As a Prefect, as a top student and now as Head-Boy, Percy was expected to be responsible. He was supposed to uphold certain values and a reputation so as he would be seen as an authoritative figure and a role model to the younger students.

But sometimes, Percy hated being responsible. Sometimes, he wished he didn't have to fret over his reputation in how he was being seen (and judged) by the other students. Sometimes, he wanted to be able to be as carefree as his siblings were.

Sometimes, he greatly envied them.

"Yes, mum," he and his siblings responded for the umpteenth time.

After breakfast was over, it was a right mess trying to get into the bathroom. The twins wanted to go first but Ron objected because he said they took too long. But Ginny also said that Ron took forever as well and she should go first because she was the youngest.

Percy should have taken the opportunity to slip in while he could, to brush his teeth and comb his hair. But he didn't. He didn't want to be accused of further instigating by their mum once she became involved in the conversation, to find out that he hadn't listened and done as he pleased. So, he stayed put for the time being until she arranged an order for them (after she blew up at them for wasting time and squabbling like children): Ron, Percy, the twins and Ginny.

His siblings weren't really happy with the end result, but they went along with it, knowing better then to provoke her anymore than she already was.

Once everyone had finished with doing their basic hygiene, they pulled their trunks and brooms down the stairs, with the trunks thudding all the way down.

Their mum didn't fuss with Ron or the twins for that-she was most likely just thrilled that they were at that point.

"Have you all used the loo?"

Percy couldn't help but feel embarrassed by the question. Even at seventeen, his parents had a way of making him feel much smaller. As his siblings chorused back a reply of yes mum-well, nearly all. Ginny scampered off, up the stairs for one last loo break- Percy felt his mum's eyes on him.

"Percy?"

"Yes, mum," he muttered.

She nodded, satisfied. Then she turned to Fred. "You've your book, yes?"

"Yes, Mum," Fred groaned. George sniggered and Fred gave him a shove. "Told you I did."

"You also told me you remembered everything last year, Fred Weasley," their mum said sharply, her finger poking him in the chest. "Honestly. You're fifteen years old! You should be more responsible like Percy."

Like Percy

Like perfect Prefect Pompous Percy

Percy didn't need a potion or a spell to know what the twins must have been thinking.

"Yes, Mum," Fred grumbled and Percy briefly wondered how many more times they would have to say that.

"Good," she straightened up.

"Mum, are you sure that Dad can't make it?" Ginny asked when she came back down, forlornly. "Can't we wait?"

"I'm afraid not, Ginny," their mum's anger dissipated and she answered her daughter's question tenderly. "I told you, Dear, your father will send you an owl later."

"Alright," Ginny was placated for now, reluctantly, really. But she didn't make a fuss over it.

They took a portkey to get to Kings Cross. It took them to the back of an alleyway, in between two worn buildings that likely hadn't been occupied for quite some time. None of the muggles had seen a thing; it was unsuspecting when the Weasley family trailed out one by one, making the short journey to Kings Cross Station.

It was packed, always was around that time of year. Filled with muggles heading off on the trains or wherever they needed to go, and wizarding folks trying to discreetly make their way to the platform. Percy had a tendency to people watch, particularly with the muggles. It was something he shared with his dad, not quite with his fascination of how muggle life worked and its inventions, but just to watch and observe those that were passing by. They took no notice of Percy, though some did gawk at his owl, who was settled in his cage and glancing around. He supposed it wasn't an everyday occurrence for a muggle to see an owl. If he recalled correctly, muggles didn't keep owls for pets and only saw them at night time.

One by one, his siblings gave it a bit of a run and went through the barrier to get on Platform Nine and Three Quarters. It was nearly ten-forty, much earlier than last year when Harry Potter had joined them.

Percy was the last to go through. He nearly hit Ron's trolley; his brother had made the mistake of standing right there, right in front of the wall and had the audacity to tell Percy to watch where he was going.

He's right, you know

You should have waited

You know how Ron is

He did. He very well knew how his younger brother was but he'd thought that Ron had enough sense to move over. Apparently, that wasn't the case.

Platform Nine and Three Quarters was crowded, not as bad as it could have been, had it been closer to eleven, but crowded all the same. Families were there to see their children off, some for the first time and others for the last time. He could spot a few classmates from his year here and there, giving their parents and siblings hugs and hair ruffles. Some were trying to inch away from their parents' hugs, their faces scrunched with embarrassment.

And some of those parents, they were-they looked so proud. There was an unmistakable glow, a gleam of happiness from both the parent and their child. A bond that he didn't have with his own parents. When was the last time his mum had cupped his face and kissed his forehead? When was the last time his dad had clapped him on the shoulder and told him how proud of him he was?

When?

His hands were clenching and unclenching, a habit of his he'd started whenever he was beginning to grow stressed and needed a subtle outlet for it. Percy wasn't fond of crowded places.

He didn't fancy the elevated noise of excited chatter, tears from a mum and her child who were dreading the separation that would last until the holidays or the roar of the train and its whistle that caused a splitting headache year after year.

He hated the people even more. He hated how people lingered about, talking to those that they knew when, being in the way when they could have bloody well saved the chit-chat for later. He felt like he was going to be boxed in, lost in the sea of strangers as he tried to find a way out.

Nothing made his stomach churn more than having to say excuse me through a dry mouth to get by someone, fearing that they were going to judge him or they wouldn't hear him and he would have to repeat himself.

Merlin, he hated it there.

He just needed to get on the train, just get on the train and find an empty compartment.

That was another thing-

Finding a compartment to sit in. It was nerve wracking, walking past all the filled compartments and accidentally meeting eyes with someone. He most certainly didn't want to ask if he could share, that would have been worse. Preferably, he needed to find an empty one.

When he was seeing Penny, she'd invited him to sit with her and a few of her girlfriends from Ravenclaw. They were nice and didn't make fun of him for being so studious. But Percy hadn't felt comfortable around them. He was never good around people he didn't know and was downright terrible at making conversation.

That's why you don't have any friends

He flinched.

That's why no one wants to be around you

That's why everyone hates you

It was less than ideal to be around Penny and her friends and he wished it could've just been her. He knew Penny, knew her fairly well enough that he could relax just a little bit. Penny wouldn't ask any intrusive questions or make needless small talk, which only caused awkward silence when he, for the life of him, couldn't even do that.

But perhaps, that had been part of the problem.

Penny breaking up with him stung. She was the only one that seemed to like Percy for exactly who he was. She didn't make fun of him or laugh at what the twins did to him. She was kind and perfect and it had been that for once Percy felt that he'd done something right.

Now he was all alone.

They'd moved down the platform about halfway Ron had gone to put his trunk on the train, with the twins and Ginny tagging along to do the same. Percy had already done that, when Ron was still upset over Percy having bumped into him.

He'd been walking away when he distinctly heard Ron call him a prat and their mum did nothing to admonish him.

Because she agrees

And he believed it.

My own mother agrees that I'm a prat

Percy didn't feel too good right about now. He gripped his empty trolley, still feeling cramped among those that were on the platform, talking, laughing-enjoying themselves.

He yearned to get away, to get on the train now but his mum hadn't pulled them over for one last hug and a kiss. She would be dismayed if he left without it-or maybe she wouldn't be.

Their mum didn't seem to be concerned with her own children at the moment. She was wringing her hands, her eyes darting from the entrance to the platform and back to the grand clock that hung on the brick wall. She was looking for someone, he realized But whom?

"Mum," he came closer, talking a bit louder then normal to be heard. "Are you alright?"

She didn't answer him. Or maybe she didn't hear him.

She's ignoring you

Everyone ignores you

"Mum?" he tried again.

She had to be caught up in her own thoughts, he theorized. That must be it. She wouldn't deliberately ignore him.

She wouldn't...

"Mum!" Ginny appeared slightly breathless from jogging back. A few pieces of her hair had fallen in her face, escaping the ponytail she'd put in. Ron had come with her, holding onto Scabbers. "Are you alright?"

She and Ron waited for an answer.

Percy was quite interested as well, but didn't think she'd say anything because-

"Hmm? Oh, yes, Dear. I'm fine," their mum said distractedly.

Percy ignored the pang in his chest. She'd blatantly ignored him but spoke up as soon as Ginny said something. It was bloody infuriating! It was...it was-Percy didn't know.

He felt tired and he wanted his bed.

"Mum," Ron was speaking now. "Harry's not here yet. Have you seen him?"

"Not yet," she sighed.

Oh. That was who she was waiting for.

"Oh," Ron was disappointed. "Well, Hermione's here-she's on the train-she was asking about him."

That bit of information didn't make their mum feel any better. She was always a bit of a worrywart and had come to think of Harry as another son.

While ignoring one of her own

"I'm sure he'll be here soon, Ron," Percy said, trying to be kind.

Ron didn't even acknowledge that he'd said anything.

"He better. It's nearly eleven," Ginny said unhelpfully.

"We know that, Ginny," Ron said exasperatedly. He was always somewhat short with everyone whenever he was worried.

"Yeah, there's a-"

"Clock over there," the twins chorused as they suddenly appeared back from wherever they had gone, most likely to catch up with Lee.

Ginny didn't appreciate Ron's irritability toward her or the twins pointing out the obvious. Percy sort of felt for her. She never tried to get on everyone's nerves, but being the youngest just made it happen and a few of her brother's saw her as more of a nuisance than anything. She blew out a puff of air through her flared nose. "I know that."

"Kids, don't argue!" their mum barked, short tempered between fretting over Harry and dealing with her children that would not seem to behave, even out in the public eye.

A few heads turned their way, stopping to stare at the sudden raised voice.

"Sorry, Mum," Ron and Ginny muttered.

The twins said nothing, they were whispering questionably to each other, grinning.

Percy had a bad feeling about that.

"Maybe he forgot?" Ginny offered by way of an explanation to them.

"No way," Ron disagreed and said when he leaned in closer to the twins-that Percy strained to hear-, "Harry hates those muggles. He wouldn't stay there."

"I'm sure he'll be here soon," their mum said. "Still a bit early, isn't it?"

It was now ten-fifty.

"Come here," their mum said, apparently deciding that she wasn't going to risk them not making it aboard on time. "Give me a hug, you lot. I'll keep an eye out for Harry."

"But Mum-" Ron said almost immediately, protesting.

"No buts, Ron. I don't want you missing the train again," their mum told him sternly.

The twins snickered.

Percy remembered last year when Ron and Harry flew Dad's enchanted car all the way to Hogwarts. A sense of shame filled him. He hadn't even known his brother hadn't made it onto the train until he caught wind of their little adventure when everyone was rapidly talking about it in the common room. How could that have happened? How could he have not known? What if something had happened to either of them? It would have been all his fault.

Because he should have known. Because he was supposed to have been paying attention.

And he wasn't.

Once he realized what they'd been up to, several emotions flared up at once. He was profoundly relieved that they were alright with no serious injuries to them. But then he started to fret about his dad's job. What would come out of this? Would he be fired or merely given a warning?

He might have snapped at them. He did snap at them. It was less from genuine anger and more so at the damage they could have caused. Things could have been much worse for them and honestly, he would have expected a much harsher punishment than they were given.

Their mum gave Ron a hug first, but he wasn't much into it, between being at that awkward age and growing embarrassed to be seen giving his mum affection in public, and his nervousness about Harry.

Ginny's was quicker. While she was concerned for Harry, she was wanting to go as well. Something was on her mind, or someone that was making her antsy. She bid their mum a goodbye and got on, her hair swaying behind her.

The twins gave her a hug at the same time. Percy wondered how she wasn't crushed.

When it was Percy's turn, their mum had one arm wrapped around him when she spotted Harry coming through the entrance. His cheeks were pink and he wore a panicked expression.

She let go of Percy without so much as giving him a proper hug.

"Harry!" she exclaimed while Percy stood right there. He hoped no one had seen; Merlin help him if they had. He didn't want strangers seeing his mum's blatant favoritism over everyone else while he was tossed to the side.

Shouldn't you be used to it?

You've never been a favorite, have you?

His mum greeted Harry warmly, pulling him into a fierce hug, then holding him at arm's length with wide eyes as she remembered why it was crucial that he hadn't arrived a second too late. "Ron was worried, you know. Thought you were going to miss the train!"

"Sorry," Harry said sincerely. "I, err, my uncle got held up. He was a bit late taking me."

Percy could tell from the way he stumbled over his words, momentarily pausing and looking a bit flustered that his story was only half true.

But he wouldn't press. Harry wasn't his friend and he certainly wouldn't do it out in public.

His mum believed Harry, not thinking that the boy would have any reason to lie. "That's quite alright, Dear," she said, now relieved that nothing horrible had happened. "Well, best hop on. Ron and Hermione are already on. They're probably waiting for you."

When Harry made to grab his trunk and put it on board, his mum stopped him. "Don't worry about it. Percy will take care of it for you."

Harry glanced up at Percy. "You don't mind, do you?"

He didn't. But doubted that even if he did, he would have a choice. "No," Percy reassured him. "Go on. I've got it."

Harry thanked him and Percy liked to think it was genuine.

He couldn't believe his luck; he'd found an empty compartment. Granted, it was in the back of the train, at the end and he would have to walk all the way back when it came time to go to his meeting for the Prefects and Head-Boy, but Percy could handle that.

The meeting wasn't until the second half of the train ride; it used to be at the beginning but the professors wanted the Prefects, Head-Boy and Head-girl a chance to mingle with the first years, to initiate a relationship so they wouldn't be as intimidated and would feel comfortable enough to come for help if they needed it.

He should have been elsewhere, offering a smile and answering any questions the newest first years might have. He should have been doing his duty, not sitting alone to stare out the window until he needed to leave.

Such leadership, his inner voice mocked. Surely the type of person Professor McGonagall had in mind for the job.

You can't even do one job

Pathetic

He wanted to do a good job. He wanted to prove that Professor McGonagall had chosen well.

But he kept picturing himself messing up, freezing up and not finding the appropriate words to say.

It was silly, being apprehensive of eleven year olds, he knew that.

But he couldn't shake it off, couldn't quite dispel his fears long enough to be okay, or at least pretend while he was amongst others.

They-they were eleven years old for Merlin's sake! They would laugh at him or think he was mad and tell anyone who would listen about the strange boy they'd encountered.

And the twins would hear of it, no doubt. Just like any delicious piece of news, they would soak it up eagerly and crack a thoroughly hilarious joke at his expense. Those nearby would try to stifle their laughter and it would only go to prove to Percy that this was just another year. Another hellish year that made it all the more alluring to graduation, to moving out of the Burrow where he wouldn't feel like such a bloody disappointment.

He slumped down, closing his eyes.

Bloody drama queen you are

Other people are suffering with real problems and you're whining about being teased

Your uncles died while trying to make everything better for you and your siblings and you can't handle this

You're a disgrace

The compartment door slid open-Percy sat up straighter, startled by the abrupt noise. He'd been lost in his reverie that he didn't see anyone standing there.

"Sorry to scare you," Oliver Wood said politely.

Wood was Percy's dormmate-his only dormmate; they'd shared a dorm for the last six years, albeit they'd hardly spoken much during that whole time. Wood was everything Percy wasn't; athletic, popular, witty, happy.

Wood was nice enough, sure. He never had a bad thing to say about him and that was mutual to Percy. Except during first year when you ruined everything. Still, the red-head never knew if Wood was being genuinely nice in those rare moments that they exchanged words or if it was a façade and Wood was merely pulling wool over his eyes.

He didn't dare ask.

"It's no problem," Percy replied stiffly.

Wood nodded, a half, semi awkward smile on his face.

His dormmate didn't move or say anything else. Percy was beginning to feel a bit unnerved; he wondered if this was another trick by Fred and George, using Wood as means of lulling him into a false sense of security before they pounced.

"Was there anything you wanted?" he blurted out, internally wincing at how rude he sounded. It was short and sharp, having come out harsher then he'd intended for it to be.

If Wood was surprised by it, he didn't express it. "Err, yeah," he seemed to snap back at it and shook his head. "I was looking for Fred and George, have you seen them?"

Of course. Of course it wasn't that Percy expected anyone to willingly come and sit with him. However, it did sting a bit that his own dormmate was looking for his brothers over Percy.

"-I wanted to go over some quidditch techniques," Wood continued, oblivious to Percy's inner woes, his face full of determination and a familiar crazy gleam to his eyes. "Last year for the cup, you know. I hear Flint's already the field booked; Snape gave him permission. Well, I won't stand for it. I'll go to McGonagall, that's what I'll do." Then, as if remembering what he'd come for, he added, "You're sure you don't know where they're at?"

Percy shook his head.

"Bugger," Wood cursed under his breath. "Been looking for them everywhere. Think they're hiding from me. I haven't seen Angelina or Katie or Alicia either."

Percy didn't know if he should say something or not.

"Well-" Percy could detect a hint of finality in his voice. "Best be going. Need to go find those idiots." Wood sighed as if it were a great burden to deal with. He then nodded at Percy. "See you, Weasley."

"See you," Percy's voice was barely above a whisper but it didn't matter anyway. Wood had left without staying to hear his response.

The rest of the train ride passed by without much incident. Percy brought out one of the books he'd taken along to pass the time until his Head-Boy meeting, but found that his concentration was wavering.

He imagined having to walk down to take a seat at the Gryffindor table.

He imagined having to sit alone.

Again.

People noticed, he was sure. Hard to miss the ever so pompous Head-Boy sitting all by himself because no one wanted to be around him.

"Percy really doesn't have any friends."

"Just smile and be nice. I'm sure you'll make loads of friends!"

He gripped his book tighter.

"Percy's a bit, well-"

"Boring?"

"That's not what I was going to say."

"You were thinking about it."

I'm overreacting, he thought, licking his lips. This is preposterous.

Once upon a time, he'd tried not to feel so badly about being all alone. He told himself it was just best to focus on his studies. Yes, that was it. Friends were just going to distract him, detour him from keeping up his studies. Fred and George had loads of friends and they had horrible grades, spending far too much time doing nonsensical things then minding that their future counted on this, on doing the absolute best that they could.

Fred and George often made snide remarks in regards to Percy caring about his schooling and theirs. Percy was concerned about all of his siblings getting a good education. He didn't mean to hound them about it. He didn't mean to make it sound as though he was trying to belittle them-Merlin, no! But he just wished they would take it seriously and put aside all the kidding and joking around.

Their pranks wouldn't find them suitable jobs.

Bossy Percy

Bossy git of a brother

That's why no one likes you

You're boring

You're just dreadful

Everyone pretends to like you

They really don't

They don't even want to be in the same room as you

Isn't that pathetic?