Forsaken
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
50
Views:
2,168
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
50
Views:
2,168
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Being Humbled
Chapter 34 - Being Humbled
BANG!
“Shit,” whispered Percy, gripping the sides of the sink as he heard chuckling on the other side of the bathroom door.
“Perce! Hurry the hell up, will ya?” shouted an amused voice. “Jamie’s about to wet his pants out here!”
“Am not!” hollered another voice. Percy rolled his eyes and pulled his robes off the hanger. He yanked the door open, straightening his glasses as his roommates Caden Bradley and Jamison Kirke stood in the narrow hallway.
“Where are you running off to?” asked Caden. He flattened against the wall to let Percy pass.
“I have a date,” said Percy smugly. “Unlike the two of you losers.”
“Alas,” said Jamison as he entered the bathroom, yelling his next words through the door. “We can’t all be lady killers like the infamous Weasley brothers.”
“Right,” muttered Percy as he walked into his impeccably tidy room. He tossed his robes on the bed and ran a hand through his wet hair. He sat down wearily in the folding chair next to the rickety table he used as a desk, the metal cold on his bare back.
He picked up the small frame off the table and ran his thumb across the decorative silver vines running along the sides of it, watching Penelope’s image smile up at him. He set it back down and checked his watch. Penelope was always late. When they had first started dating, it had annoyed him. Now - well. Now he was used to it.
He languidly continued getting ready, wearing the navy blue dress robes that she liked the best. He ran a comb through his hair, pushing away thoughts of home - thoughts of his sister, of hearing his brothers fighting in the hallway, his mum’s food, his dad’s quirky love of all things Muggle.
He set his comb down and leaned his hands on the top of his dresser, staring at his freckled face in the mirror. He had known for a long time that he had been wrong about everything. Things had just gotten completely out of control. His father’s invitations to dinner had stopped. The letters from his mother had dwindled to one every couple of months, though they were just as loving and graciously forgiving as they had always been. The last one had told him that they were in hiding, now that Ginny was back.
And Ginny - Merlin, she had spent an entire month with him. Harry bloody Potter had saved her. Again. When the two of them had just appeared in the middle of the Atrium, he’d almost run over to her himself. The Minister had been furious when he dropped the documents in his arms in shock. His covering for Harry’s illegal apparition had been due to his frustration for Scrimgeour shouting at him for no reason than any loyalty he had to Harry.
He had never been brave and reckless like the rest of his brothers. He was the outcast, the bookworm, the one who enjoyed being in the library instead of on a Quidditch pitch. Now, being brave and reckless meant being added to the many names on the Minister’s Watch List - an idea that he personally thought was ridiculous. The Ministry had more important things to be doing than surveillance on a bunch of innocent, law-abiding citizens.
Coward, taunted a voice in his head. He glared at his reflection and straightened his robes before swinging his winter cloak around his shoulders. Checking his pockets one last time, he spun on his heel.
Of course, Penelope wasn’t at their meeting spot yet. For once, she had insisted he meet her in Diagon Alley instead of him going to her apartment. He sighed and ambled down the road, passing a darkened alley. He came to a halt on the other side at the sound of very familiar laughter. Looking around, he slunk back towards the alleyway, peeking around the edge of the building. His stomach dropped at seeing his girlfriend of - wow, five years now, he thought incredulously - glued to the lips of another man.
“Xavier, I have to go,” said Penelope, pulling away from her companion briefly. “He’s waiting for me, I’m sure.”
“Fuck him,” said Xavier Summers, planting feverish kissed along her neck. “Blood traitors, the whole lot of them.” He straightened. “You deserve much better than a bloody Weasley.”
“That’s why I have you, now isn’t it,” said Penelope smugly, catching his lips once again with her own. Percy’s shock and heartbreak turned to acidic, boiling anger, his baby blue eyes turning an iridescent shade of cobalt. He stood stock-still as Summers broke away from her roughly and clutched at his arm.
“Babe, I’ve gotta go,” he said quickly. “He doesn’t like it when we’re late.” A pause. “Have you thought about what I asked you?”
“Yes,” said Penelope. Percy strained his ears, trying to catch every word.
“I - I don’t know, Xavier,” she said. “Taking the Mark -“
“You’re certainly not sympathetic to their side!” snarled Summers.
“I know!” said Penelope fiercely. “Just - just let me think about it some more. I’ll let you know the next time I see you. Now go.”
Percy felt as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over his head. The Mark? She was going to take the Dark Mark for this idiot? He took off down the road, lifting the hood of his cloak over his head. He stepped into the restaurant where he had made reservations earlier that week and walked up to the hostess.
“Hi,” he said. “My name is Percy Weasley. I have a reservation for two at seven-thirty.” The hostess scanned the sheet of parchment in front of her.
“Yes, Mr. Weasley, we still have you on the list,” she said kindly.
“Well, I’m afraid something has come up, but my date isn’t here yet,” he said. “I was wondering if you could let her know that I had some business at the Ministry to attend to this evening and give her my apologies.”
“Certainly, sir,” said the hostess, jotting down a quick note with her quill. “What is her name?’
“Penelope Clearwater,” said Percy evenly, the name tasting bitter on his tongue. The hostess nodded and jumped at the sharp crack that echoed through the quiet ambiance of the restaurant.
~+~
He stalked through the Atrium, a hand fumbling in his pocket for his Ministry ID. He flashed it angrily at the guard standing at the lift and stabbed the up arrow. He braced himself against the wall, impatiently drumming his fingers against the paneling. Finally, the lift doors opened. Percy moved past the woman who exited and punched the number ‘2’.
The lift slowly climbed up, the monotone voice announcing the departments found on every floor. The lift jerked a little as it arrived at level two. Percy slid between the doors as they opened. He looked to his left, then to the right, storming down the hallway. He weaved his way through endless white corridors until he reached his father’s office. The secretary’s desk was empty, so he rapped his knuckles on the door.
“Yeah,” said a tired voice from the other side of the door. Percy opened the door and checked himself on the threshold at seeing his father had a visitor. Arthur jumped up from his chair, glancing at Kingsley, who eyed Percy warily.
“Dad, I need to talk to you,” said Percy. “It’s important.”
“Kingsley, could you give us a minute?” asked Arthur, his gaze not leaving his son’s pale face. Kingsley stood reluctantly from his seat.
“I’ll be outside,” said Kingsley, looking between the two redheaded men. He stepped out of the office. Percy closed the door behind him, leaning against it heavily. Arthur busied himself with a cup and saucer on a nearby table.
“You want anything to drink?” asked Arthur. Percy fell to his knees, his fingers threading through his hair. Arthur dropped his cup and ran over to Percy.
“I was such an idiot,” whispered Percy.
“What are you talking about?” asked Arthur. “What’s going on?”
“Penelope,” growled Percy. “She’s been cheating on me with a damn Death Eater, Dad.”
“She WHAT?” roared Arthur furiously. He cleared his throat, lowering his voice. “How do you know?”
“I saw her with him!” cried Percy. “Saw it with my own two eyes! And she’s thinking about taking the Mark. I just -“ he shook his head. “I didn’t know where else to go, but I want to do something.” Arthur’s face broke into a sad smile. He cupped Percy’s face in his hand.
“Your mother is going to be unbearable for the next two months at least,” teased Arthur. Percy chuckled despite the burning pain in his chest.
“However, the Order as it now stands is not exactly doing much these days,” said Arthur quietly. He paused, searching Percy’s eyes carefully. “There are a few of us who are working directly with Harry and have information that no one else in the Order does - not even Minerva and Alastor. If you’re interesting in doing something - I mean really doing something -- we’re the people to talk to. But it’s very, very dangerous what we’re doing -- treason, according to the new Articles.”
“Dad, if I’m going to do this,” said Percy, “I’m going all the way. What’s the use in getting arrested for being a traitor if you’re not even doing anything?” Arthur grinned mischievously.
“Well, that’s how I feel about it, but I wasn’t about to assume,” he said. He stood and pulled Percy off the floor. Opening the door, he stuck his head out.
“Kingsley,” said Arthur. He stepped back and let the Auror in. Arthur shut the door and tapped it with his wand.
“We have a new recruit,” said Arthur, waving his hand at Percy. Kingsley raised his eyebrows.
“Really?” said Kingsley in disbelief. He rubbed his chin, staring at the tall young man before him. “Does he know about -“
“Ah, no,” said Arthur quickly, going back to his forgotten coffee. “We didn’t get quite that far.”
“And if he changes his mind?” said Kingsley sharply.
“Then we’ll do what needs to be done,” said Arthur. “You can tell the story if you wish. He’s your best friend, after all.” Kingsley sighed.
“That he is,” said Kingsley wearily. “You’ll want to sit down for this, kid.” Percy glanced at Arthur as he took one of the leather armchairs in front of the desk.
“What I’m about to tell you is classified, top secret,” said Kingsley firmly, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned back against the desk. “If you decide it’s not worth the risk, I will Obliviate you before you put one foot out of this office.” Percy held his hand up, looking to Arthur questioningly.
“Don’t worry,” said Arthur, smiling. “I had Fred and George over for a visit a while back. They found all the eavesdropping devices for me. I turned them off a while ago.” Percy grinned and looked back to Kingsley.
“Right, so,” said Kingsley. “The Order has always had an executive leadership team called the Phoenix Council. The Council was charged with receiving all Death Eater activity and information, along with anything of note from the Ministry, with the purpose of organizing what information was passed on to the Order at large. This Council was handpicked by Dumbledore - his closest confidantes and advisors. Your father’s on it,” he waved his hand at Arthur. “I’m on it. McGonagall and Moody are on it as well. Sirius Black and Remus Lupin were also members until they - until they fell.” He paused briefly in respect.
“But we also had another member,” said Arthur softly, “a member who constantly risked his life to bring us information from the snake’s pit itself.”
“He is the reason we’re even still able to do anything,” said Kingsley. “Without him, there would be many more parents grieving over their children lying dead in the streets of Hogsmeade.”
So Kingsley explained everything that had happened since the beginning of the previous school year - Albus’s finding out about the Horcruxes, the Unbreakable Vow, Severus and Harry’s new mission to destroy the Horcruxes, the deaths of the Malfoys, Severus’s reconnection with the Council, his training of Harry, the recruiting of more young, rogue Phoenixers, and the aftermath of the battle of Hogsmeade.
“And I think that’s about it,” said Kingsley in conclusion. Percy looked incredulously from him to Arthur.
“You people are mental,” he muttered, raising his hand to his head.
“Probably,” said Arthur, grinning into his cup. He took a sip of his coffee. “But it keeps life interesting.”
“So what do you think, kid?” asked Kingsley. “You still want to join the fight, now that you know what’s really going on?”
Percy took a deep breath and exhaled. Truthfully, he was overwhelmed with information. Worry began gnawing at the edges of his mind. If Scrimgeour ever found out, he would be imprisoned indefinitely. Was it worth the risk? He glanced over the piles of parchment and spotted a framed portrait on the one uncluttered corner of his father’s desk. He reached out for it, taking it in his hands.
“I remember when we took this,” said Percy. “Ginny’s birthday party.” Arthur smiled to himself.
“Her sixth,” replied Arthur. “You were just about to start your first year, Charlie his fourth. Bill had made prefect the year before.”
“He’s got his badge on,” said Percy, pointing to the tiny glittering badge on his brother’s shirt.
“He was quite proud of that badge,” said Arthur, watching Percy’s face. “Wore it everywhere. I lost count of the times you and the twins hid it from him.”
“We did?” asked Percy, frowning a little. “I don’t remember doing that.”
“That doesn’t surprise me,” said Arthur. “I always convinced your mother not to punish you boys for it. I thought it would deflate Bill’s head a little. It didn’t, of course. Made him more protective of it - he even started wearing it to bed.” Percy set the portrait back on the desk. After a few moments, he looked up into his father’s face.
“I’m in,” he said firmly. Arthur and Kingsley’s Council brands flashed briefly, indicating Severus had returned from the gathering.
“Then it’s time to make your first report,” said Kingsley. Drawing his wand, he shot his patronus through the office wall. He walked over to the rack in the corner and took down his cloak. “I can take him, Arthur, if you’re busy.”
“Yeah, I’ve got to go through all this stuff before I can leave.” He waved his hand at a tall stack of parchment. Percy sat forward in his seat.
“Can - can I see Mum?” asked Percy quietly. “I’d like to talk to her.” Arthur slumped back in his chair.
“I don’t know, son,” said Arthur. “I wish I could just take you home with me, but I can’t --” Percy’s shoulders sagged a little. Arthur gave Kingsley a pleading look.
“I’ll talk to Severus,” said Kingsley. “Maybe there’s a way around the Fidelius. Come on, kid.” Percy stood up.
“Thanks, Dad,” he said. “For everything.” Arthur nodded.
“Anytime,” said Arthur. “Anytime.”
~~+~~+~~+~~
Severus pressed his cool glass against the side of his face and closed his eyes, Kingsley’s patronus hanging loose in his other hand. The house was eerily empty. Harry was at Headquarters with Ginny, hopefully going through the library like Severus had asked him to do.
A sharp rapping on his door brought him out of his woolgathering. He set his glass and the parchment down on the table and went to the door. He opened it and stepped back, allowing the two men to enter.
“Good evening, Mr. Weasley,” said Severus softly, shutting the door against the cold. Percy lowered his hood, staring at Severus with wide eyes.
“Professor,” said Percy meekly. Severus waved him into the sitting room.
“Make yourself at home,” said Severus, seeing Kingsley in the corner. “Kingsley already is.”
“It’s cold in here, it’s cold outside,” complained Kingsley, choosing a fat bottle from the cabinet. “Would it kill you to light a fire?”
“It might,” said Severus. “Would you like anything to eat or drink, Mr. Weasley? I can make you tea or coffee if you prefer.”
“Tea would be nice,” said Percy, taking a seat on the sofa.
“Milk or sugar?” asked Severus.
“Neither,” said Percy. “Thank you, sir.” Severus left for the kitchen while Kingsley warmed a glass of brandy for himself. Percy looked around, noticing the empty bookshelves interspersed with ones packed full.
“In the process of moving some things into storage, I’m afraid,” said Severus, causing Percy to jump. “Occupational hazards are striking a little too close to home.” He smirked and held out a steaming mug of tea. Percy took it with a nod, watching as Severus took a long drink from his own mug. Severus sat back down in his chair.
“Kingsley said you had information for me,” prompted Severus. Percy quickly swallowed.
“Yes sir,” he said, glancing at Kingsley for support. All he got was a closed expression. Taking a deep breath, he began.
“I was on my way to have dinner with my girlfriend, Penelope Clearwater,” said Percy. “But she’s always late. So I was walking around the Alley, waiting for her, when I see her in an alleyway with Xavier Summers.” Severus looked to Kingsley before returning his gaze to Percy.
“Continue,” said Severus.
“Apparently, she’s been seeing him quite frequently,” said Percy as evenly as he could. “He’s talked to her about taking the Mark. She told him that she needed to think about it some more and that she would give him an answer the next time she saw him. I left and went to Dad, who was talking with Auror Shacklebolt when I arrived. I told him what I saw and that I wanted to help, so -”
“And so you ended up here,” finished Severus. He took another drink of his tea. “Miss Clearwater was a Ravenclaw, was she not?”
“Yes sir,” whispered Percy, the burning inside his chest returning at the thought of her.
“A very kind girl, from what I remember,” murmured Severus. “I’m sorry, Mr. Weasley.” Percy looked up at him. Severus could barely return his gaze, the pain in those blue eyes cutting to the pain in his own heart. He cleared his throat and took another drink.
“Thank you for bringing this information to our attention,” said Severus. “It’s good to know who is actually recruiting and who isn’t. I’m going to have to ask you to continue your relationship with Miss Clearwater until you find a viable reason for breaking up with her other than her consorting with a Death Eater. For your sake, the sooner the better. Being a Weasley is nearly as dangerous as being a Potter these days.”
“Yes sir,” said Percy. “Anything else I need to be doing?” Severus smiled at Percy’s enthusiasm.
“Not specifically,” he said. “Just keep your ears open and your mouth shut. Scrimgeour’s going to be on the warpath once we start the next phase of our plan. He’ll be looking for anyone to crucify, and I think we all agree that we would rather it not be you.”
“Right,” said Percy in a daze. “And what exactly is the next phase in our plan?”
“Oh, here we go,” muttered Kingsley, taking a long drink from his glass. Severus grinned.
“Starting very soon,” said Severus grandly, “the Ministry will be receiving quite a few - ah - deliveries of various evil-doers in various states of captivity. I daresay the Ministry’s new holding facilities are going to see their first tenants by the end of December.”
“Oh,” said Percy, his face paling further. “Oh, I see.”
“But Harry and I will take care of that end of things,” said Severus dismissively. “You, along with your father and this one here,” he jerked his thumb at Kingsley, “will bring us the latest doings of our beloved Minister and his zealous staff.” Percy nodded dumbly.
“Speaking of Arthur,” said Kingsley, “we were wondering if there was anyway to get Percy here into Headquarters.” Severus’s brow furrowed in thought.
“There’s something we can try,” said Severus slowly. “Give me a few minutes.”
~~+~~+~~+~~
A half hour later, Percy and Kingsley stood on a dark street corner in London. In Percy’s hand was a scrap of parchment that had been painstakingly pieced together letter by letter from notes and parchments in Severus’s possession, as well as from Kingsley’s own collection of notes from the former Headmaster.
Percy read the sentence once more and looked between Numbers 11 and 13. He gasped.
“Excellent,” said Kingsley excitedly. He took the parchment from Percy’s hand and burned it immediately. “I honestly didn’t think it was going to work.” He took the young man by the arm and guided him up the front stairs of Number 12. He knocked three times on the door and waited. The chains scraped against the other side of the door before it opened a crack. It opened wider to reveal a flabbergasted Harry.
“Hey Percy,” he said cautiously, glancing at Kingsley.
“I need to talk to Mum,” said Percy, swallowing his pride. “And you, if you’ll hear me out.”
“Of course,” said Harry. “Come in. We were about to sit down to a late dinner.” With a last glance at Kingsley, Percy stepped inside the door. Kingsley gave Harry a wink and disapparated off the porch. Harry shut the door and lit the sconces on the wall.
“I’ll explain later, but be really quiet in this hall,” he whispered. “Come on. We’re in the kitchen.” Percy followed him down a foreboding hallway, gazing in horror at the portraits and elf heads on the wall. They climbed down a staircase to the basement. Harry stopped in front of a door. Percy inhaled deeply, his stomach growling at the smell of warm food.
“I’m ravenous,” he whispered. Harry smiled at him.
“Me too,” he said, “but I don’t know if we’re going to be eating anytime soon once your mum sees you.” He pushed on the door and held it open for Percy.
“We’ve got another for dinner,” said Harry, getting Molly and Ginny’s attention. Molly turned and froze, her eyes immediately filling with tears as her hand flew to her mouth.
“Hi Mum,” said Percy softly. He walked over to her and kissed her cheek before wrapping his arms around her.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered. Molly burst into tears.
An hour and a half full of intense conversation later, including twenty minutes solid of Molly screaming at the three of them for keeping Severus’s true loyalties from her and the threat of future torture for the twins and Arthur the next time she saw them, they all sat down to a large and delicious dinner.