Author: Lyta Padfoot
Category: General, Romance
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is the property of J.K. Rowling. Characters and situations are used without permission, no infringement is intended.
Summary: Penelope Clearwater meets her boyfriend in Diagon Alley.
* * *
Diagon Alley was always so hot in July, Penelope Clearwater decided as she waited outside Florean Fortescue's ice cream parlour. At her feet rested bags containing refill potions ingredients, the required set of dress robes, and all listed textbooks - with the addition of a NEWT study guide and another Defence Against the Dark Arts book. After she was petrified in her fifth year, Penelope had taken more of an interest in the subject.
Percy Weasley appeared from behind a corner and Penelope marvelled at the brilliance of the flustered smile he gave her. To her eyes, the light of his smile out-shown even his vivid red hair. It was that exact same smile that first attracted her attention to him.
She had been in a corridor waiting for a group of Gryffindors to pass so she could go to Charms class and found herself watching, with no small amount of amusement, as a red headed prefect attempted to shepherd the students through with only moderate success. She noticed how nice the prefect looked and subsequently did not watch where she was going and knocked into him. Her books and supplies spilled all over the floor.
"I'm sorry, I didn't see you," the prefect apologized as he stooped to help her gather her up things. When he handed Penelope her Potions textbook he flashed her the smile that melted her heart as easily as butter.
"It's all right," Penelope replied with all the manners her mother fought so hard to instil in her. She sought a way to ask his name. Unfortunately she could not conjure up anything clever to say and had to resort to a stand by. "I'm sorry, I don't know your name."
The prefect jerked and stared at her as though he had never seen her like before. Penelope thought he liked what he saw as he reddened by at least five shades. When he spoke, he fumbled his words. "Percy. Percy Weasley."
After that, Penelope made sure to speak to him every time she passed him in the hall or the library. One day while they were speaking, their gazes locked and their faces moved so close together Penelope felt Percy's breath skirt her face. With a daring that surprised them both, Penelope leaned forward and kissed Percy.
She wrote to him all the next summer, always glancing out windows for the sight of Hermes, and met him is disused classrooms during the school year that followed. As much as she enjoyed the toe curling sensation of kissing Percy, she appreciated his personality far more. Penelope was amazed that no one looked past Percy's love of rules to see his deep concern for others.
That concern led him to the Ministry where Percy hoped to obtain a position where he could help others. Penelope was pleased by the infusion of confidence his acceptance brought him.
"You brought half the store," Percy teased as he surveyed the bags of books.
"I'm taking your advice and trying to gen up on Defence Against the Dark Arts," Penelope replied as she waved her wand hand over the bags. "There was quite a selection of used books today."
Percy pushed his glasses further up his nose. "You got your books rather early."
Penelope grinned, "The Head Girl usually receives her booklist early."
Percy reached across the table to take her hand into his. "Congratulations," he said looking deep into her eyes and telling her far more without saying a word.
"It is going to be awful without you at Hogwarts."
"Only for one year. I'll write whenever I can, and you will be busy with your duties and NEWT studies. If I know you, then you'll begin as soon as you set foot on the train - if you haven't started revising already," Percy teased her, nodding at her bag of books.
"I have," Penelope admitted.
"And there is something else," Percy began, glancing around to see if anyone could eavesdrop on their conversation. The only person within hearing distance was a warlock engrossed in the latest edition of Transfiguration Today. "I might be able to see you during the school year - not on a Hogsmeade weekend. The Ministry has something planned."
"Something?" Penelope raised an eyebrow.
"I can't tell you. It would ruin the surprise."
Penelope considered applying a pout, Percy could never resist her pout, but thought better of it. She did enjoy surprises and mysteries.
"I look forward to school now if only to find out what you won't tell me," Penelope teased as she tugged on the carefully pressed collar of Percy's robes. He laughed and gathered her into his arms, lowering his head to hers until their noses touched.
"I thought you disapproved of public displays of affection," Penelope whispered, her eyes sparkling.
Percy simply grinned, then pulled her behind a wall and out of view of passers-by. "We are no longer in public."
Percy displayed his brilliant and slightly mischievous smile for only a moment before Penelope covered his mouth with her own.