You Promised It Would Be Forever - Edit

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.
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Chapter 35 ~ Percival Learns the Truth

Albus was in his office chatting with Ginny Weasley, who recently began working part-time in the Hogwarts library. Madame Pince was grooming Ginny to be the next librarian, as she was ready to retire.

Ginny worked at the Ministry in the Department of Muggle Artifacts with her father, her primary duties being cataloguing items. Working in the same building with her father and brother Ron was nerve-wracking and she was ready for something new, so when she saw the help wanted ad in the Prophet she applied for the job.

Ginny had grown up to be quite a lovely young woman, with flaming red hair, expressive brown eyes and a smattering of freckles across her nose that was quite appealing. She was rather tall, about five foot ten, and well built. She had taken after her father in stature.

Albus was asking her to take on an extra duty as Hogwarts Ambassador of Good Will.

"Your duties would be to accompany important wizards to dinner, dancing and other outings we arrange for their pleasure," Albus said.

"Are these wealthy wizards?" Ginny asked.

Albus nodded.

"Most are quite wealthy. They give contributions to Hogwarts a few times a year," Albus said.

Ginny rolled her eyes.

Albus frowned at her slightly.

"Miss Weasley, why did you roll your eyes like that?" he asked her.

Ginny sighed.

"Because most wealthy men are pompous idiots, that's why. All they do is talk about money, waste money and expect you to hop into their beds because they have money," she said with a little grimace. "And believe me, Headmaster, they lose their beautiful manners very quickly when they get a witch alone."

"Sounds like you haven't gone out with the right wealthy wizards," a voice said.

Both Ginny and Albus turned to the door to see Lord Percival Hornswallow standing there, grinning at Ginny's comments. He had an appointment to see Albus and arrived a bit early. He wasn't being rude however, the door had been open and he couldn't help hearing her comments.

"Ah Percival, come in, come in," Albus said. "Meet Miss Ginerva Weasley. Miss Weasley meet Lord Percival Hornswallow the 2nd."

"Ginny will be fine," Ginny said looking the wizard over.

Another rich wizard.

Percival entered the office, and walked over to Ginny, who was sitting in a chair in front of Albus' desk.

"Miss Weasley," he said, bowing and taking the witch's hand to give it a kiss. Ginny quickly turned it into a handshake.

Percival was rather startled at this. Most witches didn't mind him kissing their hands. They expected it. He straightened and gave her a little frown. Ginny met his gaze directly.

"Lord Hornswallow," she said, smirking a bit.

She knew she had thrown him for a loop when she didn't let him kiss her hand.

Ginny Weasley was a pureblood from a poor family. She had six brothers and was the only girl. When she came of age she began to date. Although she was poor, she was a pureblood and attractive, so she came to the attention of some of the other pureblood families as a possible wife for their spoiled sons. Ginny quickly came to dislike "high-society" and refused to be peddled off to the wizard with the biggest purse. Coming from her background, Ginny was very thrifty and budget minded and wasn't impressed at all when wizards spent huge amounts of money on trivial things. She thought it both wasteful and stupid. One way to turn the witch off was to show off. And most rich wizards showed off.

They also thought themselves naturally better than other people who didn't have money and expected to be treated as demi-gods. Ginny refused to do this. She believed in equality of the classes. A wizard not rich in galleons could be rich in kindness or goodness. That was something better than money. Most rich wizards were playwizards as well, sleeping with every woman they went out with. They actually expected it. If they bought you dinner, they expected to wake up with you the next morning. Ginny wasn't having that. In her younger years, she was a bit wild, but she matured now and was extremely particular about whom she became involved with. There had to be something between them. Something she could feel.

Right now, the witch was giving herself some space from wizards, trying to focus on what she wanted to do with her life. Working at Hogwarts full-time seemed a good option. It would be a secure job with benefits and provide free lodging and meals. She could save her money and invest it. Probably in Fred and George's joke shop. They were making quite a bit of money.

Percival eyed Ginny Weasley speculatively. He wondered if she were a natural redhead. Then he turned to Albus.

"Albus, I'm a bit early, but I was hoping to see Miss Granger," he said smiling at the Headmaster.

Albus' eyes darkened a bit.

"Ah, Miss Granger? Hm. Percival I'm afraid I need to talk to you, privately," he said.

Ginny believed that was her cue to go and began to rise out of her chair. Albus motioned at her to stay put.

"We can talk right outside the office, Miss Weasley, please wait here," he said.

Ginny sat back down as Albus walked from around the desk, put his arm around Percival's shoulder and guided him out the office, closing the door behind them.

Percival went on point immediately. Anytime Albus put his arm around him, some unpleasantness is afoot.

Albus removed his arm and Percival turned to face the old wizard, his green eyes sharp.

"All right, Albus…what is it?" he asked.

"I'm afraid Miss Granger is now Mrs. Snape, Percival. She will no longer be our Ambassador since she is married," the Headmaster said.

Percival's eyebrows went up.

"Married? How could she be married? She said she was involved with a man who wasn't interested in marrying her three days ago. This is insane!" the wizard said angrily. "Albus, were you pulling the wool over my eyes about this witch?"

Percival was very angry. This just couldn't be. Miss Granger married? Damn.

"Percival, let me give you the short version of Mrs. Snape's previous situation," Albus said. Then he launched into Hermione and Severus' history, their earlier relationship, marriage, loss of their child, divorce, reconnection and the annulment of their divorce.

When Albus was finished, Percival was quiet for a moment.

"So, she really was in love," he said softly.

"Yes, she loves her husband very much. But if it is any consolation, Percival, it was you who finally brought them together. I know that might not seem wonderful to you, in that you seem to have had an interest in Miss Gran…Mrs. Snape, but believe me, you inadvertently did something that was truly, truly good," Albus said. "You made the wizard see what a treasure he had."

Percival let out a sigh. Well, that was that. Miss Granger, or Mrs. Snape was now beyond his reach. She had been a lovely witch. He hoped she would be happy.

Albus opened the door to his office.

"Come back in Percival. I need a bit of help convincing Miss Weasley to become my new Ambassador of Good Will," Albus said.

Percival leaned in the door and looked at the back of the redhead's head.

"Her Albus? She wouldn't even let me kiss her hand. You know that's the standard greeting among the rich," he whispered to the old wizard.

"That's why I want you to help me," Albus said. "Otherwise I will have to use Sybil Trelawney. She's the only single witch I have willing to serve. And she's far from the flush of youth."

"Sybil Trelawney?" Percival asked.

Albus pointed to the wall behind his desk, where hung photos of his current staff.

"There she is, second row, third to the left," the Headmaster said.

Percival looked at a photo of a witch with enormous eyes, wrapped in scarves and making what he imagined were supposed to be flirtatious faces at the camera. It looked like she was having some kind of seizure.

"Let's go talk to Miss Weasley," Percival said, striding into the office.

Albus smirked and followed him.

Percival walked over to Ginny and gestured to the chair next to her.

"Do you mind if I sit down Miss Weasley?" he asked.

"Go right ahead my Lord. It's not my chair after all," she replied a bit stiffly.

Percival sat down and studied the witch. She certainly was obnoxious…yet interesting. Simply because no one was ever obnoxious to him before. He was known as a charmer.

"Thank you, Miss Weasley," he said sarcastically. Ginny's brown eyes raked over him coolly, then turned back toward the Headmaster.

Headmaster, I really don't think I'm a good choice for Ambassador of Good Will. I just don't do rich wizards well, sir," she said honestly. "If they were ordinary down-to-earth wizards then I could do it. But…but I just can't take them."

She looked at Percival.

"No offense, my Lord," she said, the tone of her voice saying just the opposite.

Percival's brow furrowed.

"I like to believe I'm rather down-to-earth Miss Weasley," he said.

"Yes, I imagine you do, especially while soaring through the sky with the world's only team of black Pegasii," she replied.

Ouch. This was the first time he ever felt embarrassed to own something valuable.

"I paid good money for those animals," he said evenly, feeling he needed to defend himself against the witch. "And they are well treated. Very well treated."

"Have you never heard of a broom, my Lord? It is a form of transportation the 'little wizards' use," she replied. "But I bet it's been years, if ever, you've sat on one of those."

"I can't take my associates about on brooms, Miss Weasley. They are distinguished people," Percival said, getting a bit heated now.

"Yes, but you use your carriage when it's just you alone," she said accusingly. "Why do you do that? I'll tell you why…to announce you have more money than the gods, that's why!"

Percival just stared at the witch, his jaw tight.

"Miss Weasley!" Albus said, surprised, "Lord Hornswallow is a very generous patron of this school. He donates much money to help keep it running smooth, much of which is used to help the poorer students."

Here Albus arched an eyebrow at her. Percival's money had helped her family remain in the school on more than one occasion.

"I don't doubt that Headmaster. But I seriously doubt any of these patrons would be so generous if there weren't write-offs for their donations," she replied.

Albus was about to chastise the witch when Percival held up his hand.

"Miss Weasley," he said quietly, "what you say about the donations are true. There are benefits that come from contributing to institutions. But I pick and choose what institutions to contribute to and try to give to the ones that do the most good. Hogwarts has turned out fine witches and wizards for centuries. Some of the very finest have come from families that didn't have the money to send their children to be properly taught. I contribute to Hogwarts so that those children will have a chance to do well in life. Have a chance to be all they can be. I assure you, Miss Weasley that my contributions are not motivated by tax breaks. I believe everyone should have an equal chance to succeed, and my position in society allows me to act on that belief.

"I am not about to apologize to you or anyone else for being wealthy. My forefathers were chest deep in mud and dirt and stone earning the money that I have now. I am a wealthy pureblood, Miss Weasley, but my money came from a working class of people. They worked hard, saved, and invested to leave a legacy to their descendents, and I am a steward of that wealth. It is a legacy I will one day pass down to my children, along with the legacy of being supportive and generous to those less fortunate. I know where my roots lie, Miss Weasley, and they are just as connected to the earth as yours are."

"As a matter of fact, I think you are being incredibly selfish and miserly. The Headmaster is simply asking you to help the school, to be polite, if that is at all possible, to those who help keep it running. But no, it is about how YOU feel about the rich. Never mind that you can do a service for the students here, or the school as a whole. Oh no, that is too much to ask that you go out to a nice restaurant to eat, hold a conversation or enjoy a dance or two in the company of someone who has more money than you do and can afford some of the finer things. Without any strings attached. Way too much to ask of the self-righteous, holier-than-thou, poor-and-proud-of-it Miss Ginerva Weasley," Percival said with a scowl.

Ginny stared at Percival as if he had slapped her in the face. In a manner of speaking he had. Percival stood up.

"Albus, I sincerely think you should get in contact with Miss Trelawney. Miss Weasley is too stuck on herself to serve as an Ambassador to anything but her own closed mind. She will run off patrons, I assure you, particularly if they discover she is one of the witches Hogwarts produced," he said walking toward the door.

"Albus, I will make another appointment to see you," he said, "Have a good day."

He eyed Ginny then gave her a courtly bow.

"Good day to you, Miss Weasley," he said, his green eyes glittering. "I wish I could say it's been a pleasure, but it hasn't"

He exited.

Ginny stared at the door for a minute then turned back to Albus.

"I came across as a real bitch, didn't I, Headmaster?" she said quietly.

"As I understand it, all redheads are a bit volatile, Miss Weasley," Albus replied diplomatically, "but I agree you did not make the best impression on Lord Hornswallow. You made him quite angry. And he is usually a very easy-going fellow. Contrary to what you believe about the rich, Miss Weasley, I assure you Percival is a very down-to-earth wizard. Fortune has just put him in a lifestyle that he has to live with. Just because a wizard is rich, Miss Weasley, it doesn't mean he has the world as his feet. He doesn't. He puts on his boots one at a time like the rest of us."

Albus looked at her soberly.

"But maybe he is right, Miss Weasley. Maybe you aren't the best choice to be an Ambassador of Hogwarts. It takes a certain kind of person to give of herself in such a manner," he said quietly.

This disturbed Ginny. She hadn't realized she was being selfish until Percival pointed it out, rather sharply. It wasn't about her, it was about the school.

"I think I can do it, Headmaster," she said, "I just wasn't thinking right."

Albus cocked his head at her.

"Well, Miss Weasley," he said evenly, a slight twinkle in his eye. "In your case I believe we need a test run. Lord Hornswallow is at this moment leaving Hogwarts. If you can convince him to accompany you to lunch, have lunch with him and smooth this all over, then I believe you can handle being an Ambassador.'

Albus pulled out a purse and began counting out a few galleons. Ginny stood up.

"No, Headmaster," she said, "I'll treat him to lunch," she said turning toward the door. "After how horrible I was to him, it's the least I can do."

"Good luck, Miss Weasley," Albus said, then, "I think it would be better if you took the floo to the main hall, Miss Weasley. You'll have a better chance at catching him."

Ginny hesitated then walked over to the floo and tossed in some floo powder from the mantle.

"Main hall," she said as the flame turned green. She stepped through.

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When Ginny exited into the main hall, she looked around. She didn't see Percival any place. She ran to the main doors and opened them. She saw the wizard striding across the grounds. He had a broom in his hand.

"Shit," Ginny said, before hurrying down the steps after him.

So he did ride a broom. Gods, had she made a big mistake. But she had never seen a rich wizard use a broom for transportation. They rode them for entertainment, or to play Quidditch, but usually had other methods to get around, methods that normal wizards couldn't afford. Some even had muggle cars.

"Lord Hornswallow!" she called, running across the grounds after him.

Percival stopped and looked back. He saw it was Ginny, frowned and started walking faster.

"Damn it," Ginny said. After a few minutes she finally caught up to him, breathing heavily.

"Not finished insulting me yet, Miss Weasley?" Percival asked her, not breaking his stride.

"I want…I want…I want to apologize, my Lord," Ginny puffed, trying to keep up with him. "Could you please slow down so I can do it properly?"

Percival looked at her sideways for a moment, then slowed.

"Give it your best shot," he said through his teeth.

"My Lord, every encounter that I've had with rich wizards has consisted of them showing off their wealth by wasting it and trying to get in my knickers. They've been shallow, extravagant and most of the time, pigs. So I have formed a bias against all rich wizards based on my bad experiences with a few, and hadn't realized that I did until you blasted me. I am normally very fair-minded, Lord Hornswallow, and judge people by their character and not their position. I am so sorry I allowed my prejudice to cause me to treat you badly. I made a mistake and I apologize for it, my Lord. I really am very, very sorry," Ginny said, her brown eyes sincere.

Percival stopped and looked at the witch. He had a feeling Albus had something to do with her being out here. But he believed her apology to be sincere.

"Fine, Miss Weasley. I will pretend your rudeness never happened. Now good day to you," he said picking up his stride again.

"Lord Hornswallow, will you allow me to buy you lunch to make up for my horrible treatment of you?" she asked him.

Percival turned and looked at the witch. Buy him lunch? No witch had ever bought him lunch before. He always paid for everything.

"Um, it wouldn't be anything fancy. Probably some hot dogs or something," she said.

"Hot dogs?" Percival asked her. "What are hot dogs?"

"Well, they're an American food. Something like sausages, but you eat them on a bun with relish, sauerkraut, mustard and sometimes ketchup. They are very good. There's a bloke in muggle London who sells them off a cart," she said."As far as I know, he's the only hot dog vendor in England. He says he comes from a place called "New Yawk. He had a time getting a license to sell them."

"Off a cart?" Percival asked, interested. He had never eaten anything off a cart. Carts were wagons you carried things in.

"Yes, a cart," Ginny said.

Percival looked at the witch again, consideringly. She was a rather nice looking young woman, if a bit outspoken and hot-tempered. But that was rather refreshing. He didn't believe she'd try digging around in his pockets, and she certainly wouldn't try to go to bed with him. She didn't believe in wasting money either. Hm.

"Miss Weasley, are you currently involved with anyone?" he asked her suddenly.

"No. Why?" she asked, her eyes narrowed.

"I didn't want any jealous boyfriends swooping down on me while we were at lunch," he said, giving her a smile.

Ginny noticed he had a dimple. She smiled back at him.

"You don't have to worry about that. I've sworn off wizards for a while," she said as they started walking toward the main gate.

Percival arched a calculating eyebrow at her.

"Have you really?" he asked, a small smirk on his face as he unwarded the gate and let them out, letting Ginny exit first, then following behind her, warding the gate back

The wizard pulled out his wand, reduced his broom to pocket-sized and put it in his robes pocket. He extended his hand to the witch. Ginny stared down at it.

Percival sighed and said, "Miss Weasley, if you are afraid I am going to try to kiss your hand again, don't be. One rebuke is enough for me. But if we are going to apparate to muggle London, you are going to have to take me since I have no idea where I am going."

Ginny clapped a hand to her head.

"I'm so sorry, my Lord. I wasn't thinking. I've got to let my guard down a bit. It might take a little time. Like I said, I've had a few bad experiences," she said.

Percival grinned when the witch openly admitted her mistake instead of trying to cover it up with some ruse. He appreciated honesty. It was in short supply.

"It's quite all right, Miss Weasley. Perhaps I can help you change your perceptions," he said smiling at her as she slipped her hand into his.

Ginny had a firm hand, a working hand, not too soft, but soft enough to be feminine. Percival gripped it a bit firmer, as Ginny looked up at him, consideringly. He was quite a handsome wizard. Rather pleasant too. Not at all stuffy.

"Perhaps you can, my Lord," she said with a small smile.

She pulled out her wand and placed a silencing spell over them so they wouldn't startle any muggles with the apparition crack. They would appear in a small alley, and walk to the vendor from there.

"Are you ready?" Ginny asked him.

Percival looked down at her, his green eyes sparkling a little.

"For anything," he replied, squeezing her hand.

They disapparated.

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A/N: All right for all you lovers of Lord Percival Hornswallow the 2nd, there you go! Now back to our fav couple. Please review.