To Walk a Mile

Percy Weasley had always been an achiever. First in his family to learn to walk, first to run...not the first to learn to talk, but with an impressive first word like 'carrot', what did a month longer than Ron count for, anyway?

Once at Hogwarts, he could only try harder to succeed. Surrounded by a surfeit of books, brilliant professors, and the prospect of a magical and successful future, he worked and worked to become the best in his year. Just to be Percy Weasley, brother of charming Bill, future Head Boy, and Charlie, the best player on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, was not enough. It was necessary to establish himself as an intelligent, hardworking boy with a future in the Ministry ahead. And all that was only at the age of eleven.

His parents thoroughly supported his ambitions. Though money was scarce in the Weasley household, with seven children and only one source of income, every couple of months his father would slip several Sickles into his hand and take him to a secondhand book shop, or to get new quills and ink. His brothers, however, were less supportive, and enjoyed teasing him about being a forty year old trapped in an adolescent body. Fred and George especially. It was not uncommon for Percy to find frog spawn in his text books or swear words scratched onto his essays.

But he persevered, and over the years became a prized student among teachers. He relished following set instructions and gaining his superior's praise. He realized, of course, that he was not quite as popular with people his own age, but he knew a few people he could confide in, in times of trouble.

When the letter arrived announcing that he had been made a Gryffindor Prefect, Percy was elated. It was, by far, the proudest moment of his life. All of his hard work had paid off. He shined his badge every night and showed it off whenever he could.

A scene on the train to Hogwarts that year would remain in his mind forever.

He had strolled importantly into the Prefects' carriage and almost smacked into Penelope Clearwater. She had been wearing a jean jacket, and her long, curly hair smelled like cinnamon.

"Hello Percy!" she greeted with a smile.

"Hello, Penelope," he managed. He began nervously cleaning his glasses on his robes.

She looked at his badge gleaming in the light from the windows. "I see you made Prefect! I figured you would. Congratulations!"

"I knew you would be, too," he said, bravely. "You're the smartest girl in Ravenclaw."

She offered him the seat next to her. "Did you shine your badge? It's almost glowing." She grinned.

He nodded nervously.

"It looks very nice."

Percy smiled and sat down next to her, feeling, not for the first nor last time, proud as a peacock of his achievements.

And he continued to achieve. Although his relationship with Penelope did not last, his cravings for success did.

In his final year at school, he was made Head Boy, and the entire school was under his authority. It was an indescribable feeling to call Prefect meetings, enforce school rules, and set a perfect example for the student body.

He continued along his pristine life plan; his N.E.W.T scores were perfect and he took a job at the Ministry of Magic. He felt drunk with it, the need to follow instructions, work hard, and be praised. Percy Weasley knew that he would do anything now for his future and his blossoming career. He felt important and valued in society.

Which is why, after a conversation with the two people who had always loved and supported him, he had a difficult decision to make.

"Percy," his mother had began. "We are so proud of everything that you've achieved over the years."

"But... Aren't you even a little suspicious of this sudden promotion, son?" his father had interjected, not unkindly, but Percy felt it almost like a slap.

"Suspicious? What is there to be suspicious of?" he replied, affronted.

"It's just such an important position. And, well, you haven't been out for school that
long." His mother touched his shoulder affectionately.

His father nodded.

"Look at your father. He has been working at the Ministry for well over twenty years and, sorry dear, but when was the last time he had a promotion?"

Percy had stared at his parents for quite some time. "I work harder- accomplish more- I am very good at what I do!"

"We know you are, son. And we could not be more proud of you. It's just, with certain circumstances..." His mother trailed off.

"The minister might want a spy in the family." Percy stood up and left--it was the only thing he could to do stop himself from firing off hexes in the kitchen.

How important is family, and how important is the future?

--

Percy Weasley had always been an achiever. He had achieved many things in his short number of years. Excellent grades, Head Boy, a good job.

One a windy, October day he stood in a graveyard, at a site simply covered in flowers. At his brother's grave. A brother who was gone before Percy even had the chance to apologize properly.

Slowly, he took something out of his pocket and laid it on the mound covered in short, green grass. The shiny Head Boy badge gleamed in the sunlight, the red and gold creating a stark contrast with the vivid flowers.

Walking away down the gravel path, he finally knew that he had achieved the greatest thing he ever could: final, lasting peace with a brother.