( Hogwarts )
Looking up from the essay she was reviewing to check on her temporary charge, she saw that Luna was once again off in her own little world, oblivious to everything around her, even as students moved through the library talking quietly to themselves. "You need to rework this sentence Luna, it's a mouthful, and jumbled." She underlined the sentence with her quill. "Also, that fact you referenced isn't necessary since you used it for the first question, nor is it a good one in context. Just reference it briefly again, rather than repeating it in its entirety. Ok?" she asked the odd first year she was now mentoring on Harry's behalf.
"Ok, Penny," Luna answered back in a light tone. "I think Percy wants to talk to you," she speculated, as she noticed Percy walking through the library toward her, his back straight and rigid, much like the boy himself in personality, before stopping in front of their table.
"Good afternoon Penny, Luna," Percy greeted in a moderate, but friendly tone.
She returned his greetings, "Good day Percy, how are you today?" she politely inquired, as Luna added from besides her. "Good afternoon Percy, how is Ginny doing?" Luna asked, focusing on the gryffindor.
"She doing much better now Luna, but there are some fears she will have to redo her first year, since her recovery is taking longer than predicted. There have been several unforeseen difficulties," Percy explained in a low tone. "It's good to hear she's doing better," she replied with a smile, knowing that the 'Blue Pox' had just been a convenient cover story spread by the staff, but by the look of it, this knowledge strangely hadn't been shared with Percy, nor any of his siblings.
Over the last year Penny and Percy's relationship had shifted, with Penny gradually distancing herself from the ambitious gryffindor, both due to the demands of her NEWT studies and the fact that they now only shared one class, and frankly, due to her own lack of interest in the boy now. It also helped that every time she looked at Percy these days she felt a degree of distaste swirl up in her gut, silently suspecting that the lad saw her as nothing more than a baby maker. Never for her to have to a life and career of her own separate from his. She suddenly had the frightening image of herself looking like Molly Weasley in ten years time, with half a dozen kids running around a run-down kitchen.
Percy smiled slightly, "And I'm doing just fine, thank you Penny for asking. Do you mind if I join you?" Came the request, his hand already resting on the free seat next to her own.
Her first instinct was to say, 'No.' She knew that the seat had been intentionally chosen so that he could sit as close to her as possible. Maybe even so that Percy could try to use it as an excuse to discreetly and accidently feel her up beneath the desk. 'I can't believe I kissed him,' feeling rather sick at the memory. 'What the hell was I thinking?!' But, perhaps she could use this to her advantage, just like Harry would do. "Sure Percy, but on one condition," she voiced in a more playful tone, already knowing that Percy would agree. "I'm helping mentor Luna here; you can sit with us if you also help her with her studies."
"Sure, Penny," he quickly agreed, taking the seat next to her. She didn't like the idea of outright manipulating people, but after being around Harry, she had learned that it was either play the game or be played. That was an unavoidable fact of life she was growing to realize.
Percy's method of mentoring was far different than her own, taking the attitude that 'I'm the boss and you'll do as I say' over her own more passive methods. The next 15 or so minutes passed rather smoothly, with Percy giving most of his attention to Luna and her studies rather than herself, giving her a chance to push on with her own studies, before the first leg brushed against her own beneath the desk.
Shifting her leg to break the unpleasant physical contact, she spared a quick glance at Luna who still had her signature dreamy expression on, even as Percy lectured away, clearly trying and failing to impress her with his heavy handed methods.
Noticing her attention, he turned his focus back to her and away from Luna, who rather humorously seemed to sigh in silent relief. "Penny? Do you have any plans for this weekend?" Percy enquired, taking a break from his lecturing.
She knew what Percy wanted, so she kept her answer as vague and wishy washy as she could, knowing that Percy was fishing for a date for the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend. "I do have some plans for the afternoon Percy, but most of my plans depend upon the weather, and on how much of my work I get done during the evenings this week. Luna, remember you have a meeting with Professor Flitwick on Friday."
"Ok," Luna voiced, before drifting off once again to her own world.
Another uncomfortable silence fell upon the mismatched trio, as she chose to focus on her work, rather than talk with Percy any further, hoping that the cold shoulder she was giving him would give him the hint to leave. Unsurprisingly, Percy didn't get the hint. "What do you think of the changes made by Professor McGonagall?" he asked, trying to make conversation.
'What a dull subject,' she mentally noted, wondering if Percy even knew how to properly chat up a girl. "I believe the changes are for the better, you?" she asked, knowing Percy loved the sound of his own voice and wouldn't be able to resist an opportunity to expound on his opinions.
"Same," Percy agreed with a quick nod and an approving smile. "It's a good thing that there is new emphasis on discipline around the school; it's been far too lacking in recent years. Frankly it's about time someone did something about it. Then there is the new work ethic being enforced, requiring good grades in order to go on Hogsmeade weekends or be a part of school clubs. Even new rules on uniforms are a good thing in my book; it ensures everyone respects the uniform and good discipline on uniforms helps create self-respect." She nodded in response, agreeing with most of the points he raised.
"Your twin brothers don't seem to agree with you." She voiced, knowing that the twins had been having a hard time with the new school rules.
"What can you expect with those two slackers? They're always too busy goofing around, causing trouble," Percy offered with a firm shake of his head in disapproval. "It's about time they were reined in. Mother and Father were always too soft on them if you ask me; they have no respect for authority and rank!"
"Very true," she agreed with her own nod, before adding. "And Professor McGonagall is restraining Professor Snape and Slytherin house..."
"Do you think Headmaster Dumbledore will be back?" Percy offered, as she took on a thoughtful look, considering what she knew about the situation.
"No, I don't think he will, unless Professor McGonagall willingly steps down, but I can't see that happening," she shared. "Do you?"
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A/N : if we get 400 power stones by the end of the week, I will release an extra chapter ;)
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