November

The rest of October passed by without any further incident, nothing notable that was worth mentioning. He and Wood fell into a routine of some sorts. Percy had stopped trying to urge or hint for his dormmate to leave him alone. It wouldn't happen, it hadn't happened yet. No, he was stuck with his overly friendly, outrageously fake dormmate until they both would graduate. Then he could finally move on.

If there was anything to move on to

He was going through the motions nowadays. His head was filled with a fog that lingered as he went through his day. It was a struggle, at times, to not come off as though something were wrong. He knew Wood was watching him like an overprotective parent. But there was nothing he could effectively do to stop it. It wasn't like he'd listen.

So Percy begrudgingly accepted it.

He honestly didn't even care anymore. He didn't care about much of anything. What was the point? The only thing that mattered at this point was getting through his classes each day to where he could return to his dorm and be in peace-or as close as he was able to get considering he wasn't alone.

The days turned into weeks and before he knew it, November came upon them. It brought forth snow and lots of it. It began on the first day, just as the evening came. What began as a light dusting soon turned into heavy snowflakes that covered the entirety of the castle grounds in a pure white.

He remembered seeing snow as a child. He hadn't been that fond of it, as he preferred to stay out of the cold but Charlie had dragged him out a few times prior to them both leaving for Hogwarts. Their Mum would force them to wear multiple layers to the point where it was difficult for Percy to walk-it was more like a silly looking waddle. He would accompany Charlie out there where his older brother was determined to get him to do something. He could recall being picked up-he had been ridiculously lightweight before he outgrew his brother in height-and thrown into a pile of snow.

It was a memory of a happier time. Something that Percy held dear and near to his heart. Because memories like that are hard to come by nowadays. When his younger siblings were that age, he hadn't been doing things like that with them like Bill and Charlie had done with him.

That's because they don't you

You're not the fun sibling

You're the one they can't stand

The temperatures plunged as the snow kept falling. For the most part, it steered students clear of the outside, except for a few brave ones that tolerated the freezing cold. Percy was not one of those people. Wood, on the other hand, did not mind it. As if he needed another confirmation that his dormmate was off his rocker. He still had their quidditch team practicing, even with how they complained. He told them to put a warming charm on. He thought it was a good strategy because no other team was practicing so in his mind, they would have the upper hand.

Percy wasn't so sure of that.

Although, he did wish more students could be like Wood only because with more of them staying inside the castle for warmth, it also meant that the general noise level increased to an almost unbearable level at times. One of those times was when he was on his way to classes or back to his dorm or the Great Hall for lunch; they congregated everywhere, making it difficult to get from one place to the other.

He wished they could be somewhere else.

But he wouldn't dare say anything.

That's just what they'd want to hear, Perfect Prefect Percy telling them what to do. There would be eye rolls, scoffs, people who wouldn't listen to a single word he said and did as they pleased. He was better off leaving it as is.

Not to mention, Percy had started to regret participating in the whole 'game night' idea because it had the opposite effect that everyone wanted. Sure, sure, it brought many first years-and even a few second years who were still adjusting-out of their shells but it might have brought them out a little too much.

He swore they were like animals. Once they became comfortable amongst everyone else and their new surroundings, it was like a complete transformation. A thoroughly unwelcomed one, he should add. For weeks, ever since the term began, a good number of them they'd shuffled in tight-knit groups. They kept to themselves a lot and spoke shyly when approached.

Now?

Those same students were most definitely different. It wasn't all bad; some had integrated into the school setting quite nicely and were able to strike up a conversation with an upper year now that the game night had given them a reason to do so.

It had been awkward at first, the game night. For the first hour or so, his fellow Gryffindors stayed within their own groups and weren't interested in crossing the boundary line. Eventually, though, someone started up a game and someone else from another year wanted to join. Soon enough, many of them relaxed enough to join in as well.

And for a select few, this seemingly innocent gesture done to help them had unlocked a mode Percy wished didn't exist.

Those few students, and it wasn't all just from Gryffindor either, acted as though they owned the place. They frequently ran through the corridors, raised their voices to an unacceptable level, overall displeasing many around them without a care. Of course, as he'd said, it wasn't all of them. But it was those certain ones that were ruining it for the others and made some upper years lump them all into one group.

/

"-and I told them no," Wood continued, oblivious to the fact that Percy wasn't interested in hearing about his quidditch practices or that he'd tuned out his dormmate ages ago. Maybe Wood just liked hearing himself talk. That must be it because he never shut up. "You'd think after all this time, they'd know we don't take breaks. Can you believe that?"

Percy pulled his cloak tighter. It was terribly thin for this time of year, having become worn after being used by both Bill and Charlie before it was passed down to him. It really wasn't suitable for this weather and in spite of being inside where he should have felt warm, there was a cold draft that was seemingly everywhere.

"No," he said flatly.

But Wood missed the tone he'd used or ignored it, nodding vigorously instead. "I know! Psh, like we'd take a break. They got lucky earlier but it's not going to fly now, I'll tell you that."

As Wood chattered on and Percy tried his hardest not to listen, something caught his eye. Attention now grabbed and concern flowing through him, Percy fast-walked ahead. He heard Wood suddenly call out to him,

"Aye, mate, where you going?"

Percy pushed open the door to the hospital wing, eyes darting over to the far left bed where his sister was sitting, being tended to by Madam Pomfrey. His stomach dropped at the state she was in; her bottom lip was cut open in the center, her right eye had a black ring forming around it, not to mention it was fairly swollen.

"Ginny!" Percy rushed to her side, giving her an anxious once over. She was started by his abrupt appearance, jumping slightly, Her facial expression then settled into one of irritation. She rolled her eyes, letting out a bit of a huff. "Are you alright? What happened? When was this?" He looked to Madam Pomfrey, desperate for some answers.

"It's fine," Ginny muttered. "You can go."

But he didn't want to go. He wanted to find out what happened, to know who did this to her.

This is your fault

You were supposed to keep her safe

She's your baby sister and now look at her

Didn't you promise yourself that you would look after her this year?

Didn't you say this year would be different?

It's not different

You let her down

Just like last year

And just like Ron's first year when you didn't pay attention to him either

All you care about is yourself

Stupid, selfish, Perfect Prefect Percy

Madam Pomfrey pursed her lips. Her exasperation was directed at Ginny. "You should have gone straight to Headmaster Dumbledore, Miss Weasley. Is that not what I told you last time you came to see me?"

Ginny lowered her eyes. "Yes, Ma'am. But-"

"You could have been seriously hurt," Madam Pomfrey said with disapproval.

"I know..." Ginny muttered.

"And yet you haven't done anything to stop it," The Matron tisked.

Percy cleared his throat. "Could you, err, please tell me what's going on? Why does Ginny have a black eye?"

His sister was refusing to divulge any details. She stubbornly clamped her mouth shut and glared straight ahead. Madam Pomfrey let out a sigh.

"It seems Miss Weasley is dealing with a problem concerning a classmate of hers."

Percy was stunned. "She is?" His head swiveled to Ginny. "Why...why didn't you tell me? I would have done something about it."

She blatantly ignored him. "May I go now?" She was talking to Madam Pomfrey.

Not him.

Never him.

Madam Pomfrey flicked her wand and a blue jar came floating over to them. "Not yet. I haven't even given you any salve for your wounds."

"I'll manage," Ginny blinked and winced. It must have hurt and no wonder. It was a nasty looking black eye if he ever saw one.

"I think not," Madam Pomfrey wagged a finger at her. She gave Ginny the jar. "You'll put this on twice a day for four days. By then, it should disappear. You're not allergic to anything, are you?"

"No."

"Very well," Madam Pomfrey said. "You may leave now, if you wish."

Percy watched as his sister, without so much as acknowledging him, got up and left. The doors flipped open and he saw Wood was standing outside the hospital wing, waiting for him.

He looked away.

"Err, Madam Pomfrey?"

The matron had her back turned, attention diverted to something else. She paused at the sound of his voice. "Yes, Mr. Weasley?"

"How long has this been going on?"

She'd heard him clearly, even in spite of his whispering.

"I...she...I didn't know anything about this," Percy said faintly. It bloody hurt that she didn't trust him enough to tell him she was being bullied by a classmate. He should have been her protector. He was supposed to make sure she was okay. That was what his parents had said right before the start of Ron and Ginny's first year.

And yet you failed miserably

Can't do anything right

No wonder she doesn't want you to know

You'll just muck everything up

Like always

Madam Pomfrey gave him a sympathetic smile. "I wouldn't feel too torn up over this, Mr. Weasley." Easy for you to say. You aren't hated or treated like some outsider. I am. "Miss Weasley is likely trying to be independent. It can be difficult at her age, especially as the youngest of all of you."

Her words didn't comfort him. Not one bit. How can they? The voices in his head grow louder and louder until the chanting of failure becomes unbearable. He was rubbish at being an older brother.

"Right," he murmured, throat feeling uncomfortably tight. "Er-"

"What happened to your sister, mate?" Wood had entered the hospital wing, frowning. "Looked a bit roughed up when she passed me." He noticed Madam Pomfrey there and waved. "Hi, Ma'am."

"Mr. Wood," She smiled fondly. "I see thus far you've managed to keep Mr. Potter out of my infirmary."

Wood grinned. "I try. Nearly happened anyway last game."

The matron rolled her eyes, clicking her tongue as she shook her head. "I swear to my days, that boy. He's got no common sense some days."

"Won't disagree with you there," Wood snickered as Madam Pomfrey's attention now fell upon a student coming in, clenching her hand. Evidently, there had been an incident in Potions and now her hand suffered some nasty looking burns. "So, mate-" Percy didn't even acknowledge the mate part. He still couldn't comprehend it; Ginny never came to him about it. No one had said anything to him. He was left completely in the dark. "Is your sister okay?"

No she's not okay

Of course she isn't

Someone hurt her

And it's all my fault

"Percy-"

"No," His voice was hoarse. Wood went quiet. "She's not."

"Oh," Wood winced. "Sorry."

Percy couldn't take it anymore. He quickly walked out of the hospital wing, going down the corridor without a destination in mind. Behind him, Wood jogged to catch up and did so easily. Oh, the disadvantages of having an athletic dormmate. Why couldn't he have gotten someone out of shape? It was near impossible to get away from Wood.

"Hey-" Wood fell into step with him, face reflecting his pity, "did someone hurt her?"

You could say that

"A classmate of hers," He mumbled.

That she didn't trust you enough to tell you about

"M'sorry," Wood said. "Didn't she tell anyone?"

Obviously not

"No."

"We could go to Dumbledore now," Wood offered. "Or McGonagall."

Ginny would be furious with him.

She didn't like it when any of her brothers interfered, much less him. If she found out and she would because of their little encounter, she would hate him even more. She might even confront him for it, screaming at him not to get involved anymore. She had as much of a foul temper as Ron did.

Percy thought it over, shaking his head.

"No. Let's not."

"But why?" Wood pressed. "Didn't you see her face?"

Anger flared up within him at the implication that he'd missed it, that he somehow glossed over her bloody bruised face and bloody open lip like some bloody imbecile! Percy exhaled as to force it to sizzle out. "Of course I saw it," he said curtly.

"Then why won't you tell someone?"

Because I don't need her angry at me

Because I don't want to get to told to mind my own business

Because I don't think I could take it if she exploded at me for it

"She's old enough to handle it herself," Percy said, although he didn't believe his own words at all.

"If you say so, Mate," Wood was unconvinced. Even so, he shrugged it off.

Professor McGonagall came almost out of nowhere. It was kind of freaky how that happened. "Ahh, Mr. Wood," She said briskly. "Come with me."

Wood looked caught off guard. "What?"

"Come with me," She repeated, slightly impatient for having to do so.

His dormmate scrunched his face up somewhat. "Why?"
"I wish to have a talk with you," She was already starting to walk ahead while Wood remained where he was, gaping and frantically trying to figure out what he had done wrong to warrant a visit to Professor McGonagall's office.

"I'm doomed!" He moaned. "I'm toast! She's going to kick off the team!"

Wood was groaning the whole time as he followed Professor McGonagall, so engrossed in his own dilemma that he momentarily forgot about Percy altogether.

/

He didn't know how long he sat there.

Or how he ended up there, honestly.

But Percy found himself sitting in the back corner of the library. No one came looking for him, no one disturbed his peace by sitting there alongside him. No one did anything. He was alone.

He should have been working on his homework, but couldn't bring himself to. He sat there, staring down at the table without moving a muscle. He didn't take notice of the shadow that came over the table or the person that stared at him with raised eyebrows.

"Weasley?"

He jerked. He felt his face burn. He didn't think anyone would come by. He must have zoned out. Straightening up, he smoothed down his uniform, desperately trying to regain some dignity.

You never had it in the first place

Percy tried to put a name to the bloke's face. He was family. Oh, he played on the Slytherin quidditch team-oh, Pucey. Adrian Pucey.

"I thought this was empty," Pucey stated, gesturing at the table.

"Oh, err-" Percy fumbled, "well, it isn't."

Brilliant

Just brilliant

Looking for a fight, are you?

"I can see that," Pucey said dryly. He pulled the chair out roughly, sitting down, disregarding how Percy stiffened.
"What...what are you doing?"

"Sitting down," Pucey flipped open his book. Soon enough, there was a quill and parchment paper beside him as he prepared to write what Percy assumed was an essay.

"Here?" Percy wished his voice hadn't gone up in pitch.

"Yes."

"But-" Percy said weakly.

"If you don't like it, go somewhere else," Pucey shrugged.

He's right, you know

But I was here first

What are you, five?

"I really thought you wouldn't fall for the house rivalry rubbish," Pucey grumbled.

Percy felt guilty.

And confused.

Did he not care about the house rivalry like everyone else? He'd heard something or other about how Pucey was the Hufflepuff of Slytherin because he didn't outwardly act like the others and didn't cheat to get ahead in Quidditch. But he'd never so much as had a conversation with him before so he had never been able to confirm if the rumor was true or not.

"It hasn't got anything to do with that."

Pucey scoffed. "Right."

"You can sit here," Percy tried to do some damage control. "I don't mind."

"Right. Sure you don't."

Percy shrunk in his chair. This was a bad idea. He should have gone straight to his dorm. No matter what he did or said, someone misinterpreted it and became upset with him.

Tap, tap, tap

Pucey's foot was tapping rhythmically against the floor.

Tap, tap, tap

Noise, noise, noise! Percy resisted the childish urge to cover his ears.

"I'm sorry," He managed to say. Pucey looked up, his face stony. He stared at Percy intensely for a few brief seconds. He nodded curtly and went back to his homework.

But Percy felt a need to explain himself.

And he wasn't even fully sure why.

"It's not you," He muttered, a wave of awkwardness crashing onto him. Pucey eyes lifted up yet again. He said nothing and even so, Percy's heart sped up. He was judging him, right? He must be. Thinking how mad he must be. "I just wanted to be alone."

Pucey wasn't tapping his foot.

The scribbling from his quill was the only thing that Percy heard.

And eventually, that too, stopped.

"So did I," The Slytherin said with a shrug.

"Oh," Percy said.

You should have realized that

Godric, you're selfish

It's not all about you

"Percy!" Wood looked relieved that he'd found him. His loud holler, which was hardly suited for the library of all places, made some people shhh him rather harshly. Not that he cared. It was like he hadn't heard them. When he got to the table, he started rattling off. "There you are! Wondered where you went off to. I should've asked you. Wasn't even thinking about it."

Percy shifted. "I've been here the whole time."

Wood nodded. Then it seemed he noticed Pucey sitting there. A scowl came onto his face, as it usually did whenever he was in the presence of the enemy. "Pucey."

"Wood," Pucey said calmly yet coolly.

"Was he bothering you?" Wood demanded, looking straight at Percy. His mood had abruptly changed and he seemed ready to pounce on the Slytherin if Percy gave a confirmation.

Pucey was irritated now. He glared at Wood, not appreciating the assumption one bit. "I didn't do anything to him."

But Wood ignored him, waiting for Percy to respond.

Percy's tongue felt flimsy. He felt under pressure, even though he had no reason to be. "No, no. He didn't do anything."

His dormmate was still suspicious, unwilling to believe the Slytherin had been totally innocent in this instance. "Nothing?" He questioned further. "Nothing at all."

Pucey looked like he was contemplating on throwing his book at Wood.

"No," Percy's eyes flickered from Wood to Pucey, warily anticipating one or both of them attacking each other. "Nothing. He's done nothing."

...Percy was the one who had done something.

Because he couldn't do a bloody thing right.

Wood was still skeptical but he begrudgingly accepted it. "Fine."

He really should have apologized to Pucey for assuming the worst but Percy knew Wood would never do that, not for a Slytherin. So he settled on asking, clearing his throat, "So, erm, what did Professor McGonagall want to talk to you about?"

They were walking out of the library now.

Percy didn't feel much like sticking around anyway and avoided making any more eye contact with Pucey as they left.

Wood clammed up some. "Nothing," He said gruffly. "Nothing you'd want to know."