Green with Envy

Green with Envy Chapter Two

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Percy awoke the next morning to the feeling of grumbling from his stomach. He smoothed his hair back out of his eyes, before he grabbed his glasses and shoved them on his nose. This enabled him to see clearly. His clock reported that it was a bit too early for breakfast. Of course his stomach continued to growl at him, regardless of what the clock said. Throwing back the blankets, Percy heeded his body's demands to get up and down to the Great Hall as soon as possible.

Percy didn't understand why he had such a big headache. Just because yesterday had been hellish did not mean it had to continue into today. Perhaps things would be better today. Percy looked around. Wood had left the dorm already, but Rex Irving was still sleeping soundly. After all the years of sharing a room with his brothers and his roommates, Percy barely noticed the sound of snoring.

Percy went to the Gryffindor bathroom to shower. Usually he took his showers in the prefect's bathroom, due to the privacy. He liked being alone to revel in his morning swim. Today, he supposed he would slum on the side of ease. Finding an empty stall, he stepped inside and undressed, casting an Impervious charm on his glasses. He turned on the shower and then breathed a sigh of relief as the air filled with delicious warm steam.

There were few luxuries Percy enjoyed more than a hot shower. If given the leisure, he could stay under the hot spray for hours. Growing up in a house with only two bathrooms and nine people, Percy had rarely had time to take a proper shower before being hurried out. He sighed with satisfaction as the warm spray hammered down on his tense muscles. This was bliss. He hummed a little ditty as the water cascaded down his shoulders, warming his body and calming his nerves. He wished the water could wash away all his troubles. He could stay in the shower forever, but the continued grumbling of his stomach reminded him of the need for sustenance. He finished rinsing his hair, closed the water, wrapped a towel around himself and returned to his dorm room.

Percy sternly chided himself as he rummaged through his wardrobe. He usually laid out his clothes the night before; it was more efficient that way. He had been stressed out yesterday, but still that was no excuse for laziness. Happily, the house elves had pressed his clothes for him. He therefore would look somewhat presentable. House-elf service was another luxury he enjoyed at Hogwarts. His mum had tried to keep up with the laundry but with so many people in the house, Percy had often been forced to wear clothes that were badly cleaned. When he became an important government official, first thing he was doing was getting half a dozen house elves to care for his household. He would even give one to his mother to reduce her labours.

After he finished dressing, he checked himself over in the mirror from toe to crown. His shoes were nicely shined, his clothes were neat, and his prefect's badge and glasses were polished. His face, hair and hands were clean. He was ready for a new day.

Grabbing his book-bag, Percy went down the steps into the common room. Some students were milling about, whispering. He shouldn't have been too surprised to notice no one was speaking to him. Everyone was just glaring at him coldly as if he was something the cat had dragged in. Fred and George were sitting with their friend Lee Jordan, casting dark looks in his direction. He debated trying to talk to them, but he knew his brothers. They were as stubborn as the stones that made this castle. They'd never forgive him or tell him what the blazes was going on that made everyone so nervous.

Surely the loss of points had not affected everyone this badly! He tried to look around for a friendly or even a neutral face. From the looks of it, he was about as popular as a garlic salesman to a vampire's convention. He had never been popular; he had long understood that he wasn't well-liked as his brothers were, but this hatred was something almost painful.

"Hi, Ginny," he said, noticing his little sister sitting in a corner by herself. She looked absolutely disgraceful. Her braids were badly done, and she had dark patches under her eyes, further emphasized by how pale her skin was. He supposed she had been through just as hard a time as he had yesterday. Despite her forlorn appearance, Percy couldn't resist a small smile as he walked over to her; Ginny was the kindest of his siblings and his favorite one. Perhaps she would be the first to make peace with him. He had always been close to her; their bond had grown strong by always being left behind with Mum. He knew she needed some comfort and then he could try to understand how she could have done something so horrible.

Ginny just gave him a cold stare. "Go away," she said angrily, turning away from him and burying her nose in a book.

"Gin, don't be that way. I'm still your big brother, regardless of what you did," Percy said soothingly, reaching down to pat her shoulder. He knew she was angry, but he also knew she needed him to protect her and help her.

Ginny's eyes flashed fire as she knocked his hand away. "Don't do me any favors; I have five far better big brothers to take care of me. You don't need me to get in the way of your master plan to take over the wizarding world," she spat, rising to her feet.

Percy tensed. "Ginny, you had best stop before you say something in anger that you do not mean!" he warned haughtily, towering over her.

"I very much mean every word I say. So go ahead; take off points from the house to punish me for speaking back to you. After the six hundred points we lost, let's see what more damage you can cause!" she dared, her eyes aflame. For a girl who was did not come up to Percy's shoulder, Ginny was also one of the most tenaciously brave people Percy had ever met. Percy had been roughed up and mocked by his brothers on numerous occasions, but somehow little Ginny was the one who could wound him deepest. He wanted to hold her tightly and tell her how sorry he was for getting her into trouble. If she had said one word of regret yesterday and blamed the twins for leading her astray, Percy would have defended her to the last. He would have been confident that she was too innocent to do such a deed on her own and that he was protecting the innocent. Yet, she had not. He just could not understand why his darling sister was becoming such a hoyden?

"When you are ready to apologize and make amends, we can continue this conversation. I am always here for you," he said formally, trying to force himself to act properly. It would not due for a prefect to show that a first year could hurt him like that.

"Don't hold your breath. Actually, in this case, do the house a favor and try it. It would make everyone happy," Ginny retorted, turning on her heel and walking away to her annoying little first year friends.

Percy didn't speak for a moment. He was actually rendered speechless; he had no idea what to say. He stared after her for a moment wondering what he should do, before realizing he was showing weakness. So he mechanically left the common room and walked down the stairs. Perhaps outside the Gryffindors, he would find some solace.

"Good morning, Sir Nicholas," he politely greeted the house ghost, as he passed by. He was rewarded with a sharp and rather ugly look from the misty face.

"I never wished on another my unhappy fate, but I must say you deserve worse for your treason. Gryffindor House weeps with shame at the day you were sorted. What kind of person would turn their own brothers over to the Head of Slytherin? Are you sure you were not near any cats yesterday?" he spat before floating away.

Just lovely, even the ghosts hated him! How could has-beens who were not even alive dislike him? He supposed it was easier to blame him then to actually acknowledge that Gryffindor's prized Beaters were at fault in the situation.

Percy decided to hurry, not wishing to meet anyone else before he at least had the defense of a full stomach. He finally reached the Great Hall, and found the rest of his house eating breakfast. Ah, the smell was almost intoxicating; he was starving and a bit light headed. He better tuck in before he collapsed and had to spend the weekend being fussed over by Madam Pomfrey. Although being cloistered in the hospital wing did sound nicer then being glared at, Madam Pomfrey was a bit too fussy and overbearing for his tastes. She reminded him too much of his own mother!

As he sat down on the bench, other Gryffindors within five feet of him immediately stood up and moved to other locations. "I do believe I showered this morning, Miss Frobisher and I promise you I won't bite," he said haughtily to the brown haired girl who had just vacated her seat.

Frobisher ignored him, her nose high in the air as she walked over to sit with Kathryn Bell. That explained it, Bell was on the Quidditch team; she and Frobisher were roommates. He looked around to see who to sit with. The sixth year girls were smitten with Wood; the fifth years included Panning, the team's Seeker. The fourth years were undoubtedly with the twins and most likely wanted him dead. Four out of five of them were on the Quidditch team; he was surprised they had not attacked him already. Even the seventh years were out. By the glares on their faces, they had not forgiven the loss of six hundred points.

Percy looked to the other end of the table where the lower year students sat. He could not sit with anyone that much younger, or he'd look desperate. Besides, he imagined the first years were friendly with Ginny and the second years were friendly with Ron. By Frobisher and Bell's behavior, he knew how the third years felt. The Dark Lord had not been as unpopular as him!

Percy defiantly took some waffles and syrup and began eating. It didn't really fill the hollowness inside him, but it tasted delicious. Misery was easier to handle when fed, his mother always said. He hoped she was right. He helped himself to some fruit compote to try to make himself feel better. It did not work.

He sighed. He knew the Gryffindor hourglass was filled with coal. Percy did have house pride; he liked to win more then anything. He did not like seeing the Slytherins win the House Cup any more then everyone else. Knowing Gryffindor was in dead last was not a happy thought to him. It was just something that could not be helped. He kept his wand in his sleeve in case of emergency. He had a feeling he might need it.

As he was finishing up his breakfast, Percy felt a tap on the shoulder and turned around. Flint, the Slytherin Quidditch captain was standing there, grinning madly. "Weasley, I'd just like to say thanks on behalf of every Quidditch player in this school. Without those poofs bashing Bludgers like girly men, the game ought to get a lot more dangerous," he said cheerfully.

Percy smiled thinly at the imbecile. He did not want to start hexing, but his nerves were being severely trod upon. His brothers were excellent Beaters and Flint knew it. "A great deal of danger is just what you deserve," he said derisively.

"Perce, since I like you so much right now, I'm going to take that as a compliment. You aren't half-bad. Look me up in Hogsmeade, and I'll buy you a Butterbeer," the cave troll said, clapping him on the back.

Percy rolled his eyes. All this over a stupid game! Bell, Johnson, Panning and Spinnet, the other members of the Quidditch team were giving Percy glares of death. They were leaning in so that they could overhear the conversation. Flint noticed this and blew them a kiss. "See you on the Quidditch field, ladies," he said, laughing as he walked back to his table.

"You are such a bloody turncoat! Chatting on with Flint and drinking Butterbeers with him like old friends! You disgust us all!" Panning said threateningly.

"I never drank Butterbeer with him," Percy protested angrily.

"Yes, but you will. You can toast to the destruction of the house," Katie Bell snapped, tossing her blond hair.

"Do you think I want the house to be behind six hundred points?" Percy demanded, feeling his head ache. How stupid could these people be?

"Yes!" came a chorus of voices, and a breakfast roll was thrown at Percy.

"Stop it!" Percy protested, going for his wand. He would not allow himself to be stoned by scones!

I told you, ignore the boffin! McGonagall's coming! Do you want to lose more points!" called out Randall Thacker, the senior Prefect of the House. The loss of the points had only added to the bitter year Percy knew Thacker was having. The loss of Head Boy-ship to Montague had hit him hard and now losing both cups seemed to have wounded him personally. Now he had told everyone to ignore Percy.

Professor McGonagall walked into the Great Hall a second later, followed closely by Oliver Wood, who seemed very dismayed.

"But Professor, the twins are patriots; they were just being a bit mischievous. They deserve to be able to play," he was saying, gesturing wildly with his hands.

"If by mischievous, you mean attempted murderers! Malfoy has internal damage. I would not call that behavior patriotic; Malfoy is not even on the Quidditch team. They had no reason to attack him," the professor sniffed, trying to avoid him.

"Well, it's not like they hit Malfoy with broomsticks! Why should they be off the team?" Wood continued, refusing to be shaken off, like a barnacle to a ship. Percy thoroughly recommended a hexing treatment.

"They must be punished for their actions. If Percy had not stopped them-" Professor McGonagall snapped angrily. There was a deadly glint in her eyes and if Wood had any sense, he would stop now. Of course, Wood never did have any sense and therefore he kept jabbering on.

"Sour Puss Percy never had house pride. He could not recognize Quidditch talent if it bit him! He has no appreciation of the genius of his own siblings. Look what an excellent job they did on Malfoy without bats. Imagine what a beating they can give properly armed," Wood explained eagerly, a mad glint in his eyes. He was pounding one fist into the other, a sure sign he had gone barmy.

"Have you any concern for your fellow student's lives?" Professor McGonagall asked incredulously, her lips going very thin. Everyone from the table had turned to watch the conversation.

"Of course I do! Just not when it interferes with Quidditch," Wood explained earnestly. Percy rolled his eyes. The sad part was Wood was telling the truth. Sometimes he wondered if that boy had taken a Bludger to the brain.

Professor McGonagall turned gray with anger. "I do not want to hear another word on the subject, or so help me, Wood, I will permanently remove you as Quidditch captain and dissolve the team for the year." Wood ran away from the table, to the curious stares and a few smirks. Percy smirked. That would teach all these Quidditch idiots a lesson about annoying him.
"Percy, I'd like to speak to you for a moment in private," professor McGonagall said, coming over to the table. Percy nodded and rose, following the elderly professor away from the table, to the curious stares and a few smirks of the other Gryffindors. Percy ignored them. She most likely wanted to give him his medal. The professor led him to the entrance hall and then turned around, looking quite displeased. Percy observed with foreboding that they had stopped right by the hourglasses. The Gryffindor hourglass was filled to the brim with stones as black as coal, while the other houses had a nice supply of gems. Seeing the truth before him did fill him with sadness. Percy tore his eyes away and faced his favorite teacher.

"Percy, I am concerned. You showed considerable bravery, and I am still very proud of you, but I cannot ignore the fact that something is definitely wrong. Yesterday, I went back to my office to find your mother in tears and your father in an uncharacteristic rage. Now, I will admit that it was not unexpected, considering the circumstances that brought them to Hogwarts. What bothers me, Percy, is that was not the reason they were upset. I was astounded to hear of your disrespectful words. I expected better of a prefect who had previously shown such good sense," Professor McGonagall began, folding her arms and studying him.

Percy winced. He desperately wanted to forget what happened yesterday. He halfway wished to God that he had just left Malfoy there and had left him to his siblings' mercy, even if the thought of turning a blind eye to a crime made him sick. It appeared that no one was going to allow him to move on with his school year. Bad enough that his house hated him; he could not bear to have his Head of House think less of him. "It was a nasty argument on all sides and I wish it had gone better. It does not make someone popular to turn in one's own siblings. Everything just got out of hand," Percy said as diplomatically as possible. He shifted his feet around uncomfortably and wished he could just be left alone.

"I understand you were under a great deal of stress, but that does not excuse your behavior. This is not the first time you've been disrespectful. Yesterday, you were quite rude to me. So would you care to explain what has gotten into you? This is not like you, Percy. You are usually so respectful of authority figures. Is there something you want to tell me?" the professor asked softly, using her patented interrogation glare to great advantage.

Percy stood up straighter, trying to keep a posture of authority and virtue, even though Professor McGonagall was making him feel nervous. The professor's words hurt, but he would not look chagrined when he was in the right. He had no idea what she thought had occurred. "Thank you, but I really am fine and I did apologize, ma'am. I lost my temper, as did my father. We both said rather harsh things. This really is a matter between my family and myself. I appreciate your help, ma'am, but I don't think anything but time can help," he said, in an admittedly pompous voice. His hands found their way into his pockets. Professor McGonagall had the ability to make a sixth year feel like a wayward firstie. He hoped one day he would be able to command people with a mere glance.

"Are you quite sure? I am worried about you, Percy. Madam Pomfrey told me Lucius Malfoy threatened you and that had Professor Snape not intervened, you might have been killed. Did Malfoy do anything else to you? Blackmail you? Curse you? If you are afraid of him, then just say the word and I'll be more then happy to take that blaggard down a peg or two," Professor McGonagall urged.

Percy tried to resist a sardonic smile. "Mr. Malfoy was stopped before anything bad happened. He was just angry. He apologized for it profusely and I completely understand. If Elan had hurt Ginny or Ron, I'd have killed him long before anyone could intervene. Professor, I am doing this completely out of my own free will, I swear it," he answered.

Professor McGonagall gave him a long sad look as if she was studying the scene of a tragedy. She reached out as if to pat his shoulder, but then seemed to have thought better of it. "Percy, I know that this is a family matter and I should not interfere, but I just wanted to give you some good advice. I have seen too many wonderful young mages make horrible mistakes and follow the wrong path. Never forget who you are and where you come from. You came from good and devoted people who love you more then anything in the world. I have known Lucius Malfoy for many years, ever since he was a little first year. He was exactly like his son Elan: arrogant, charismatic, ambitious, cunning and cruel. He was the leader of a group of students and used his influence to dominate others and get his way, in less then savory manners. You might think working for him is a ticket to success, but he is also power hungry and ruthless. Your parents care about you and know what is best for you, not him. I don't want to see you become someone immoral and cold-blooded. He is putting a wedge between you and those who love you most," Professor McGonagall continued in a gentle tone.

Percy scowled. He was tired of everyone acting as though he was not competent enough to make a choice for himself. He appreciated everyone's concern but they were treating him like an obtuse child. He did not need to be patronized. He had always been responsible and trustworthy. If Mr. Malfoy truly was a danger, Percy knew he could defend himself. He had managed to survive Snape yesterday. After that, anything would be simple. He knew that Professor McGonagall cared about him, but how could she trust him with the lives of students when she could not trust him in his personal life?

"Yesterday you praised my judgment, Professor. I had to decide whether I would let my personal feelings interfere with my duties and turn in my own siblings. Most people would have said to look away, but I did what was right. You told me I would be receiving a medal for showing good judgment. I think I have earned the right to decide for myself what is right. It may be that Mr. Malfoy was a bully as a child, but he is now a very powerful man. He can give me things my own parents can't. I'll meet the right people and learn the needed lessons to become someone important. I promise I will be careful around him, but I have no choice but to trust him. I can't very well get a job in the Centaur Liaison Office. This internship will make sure that does not happen," he explained, looking up at his teacher earnestly. He flinched when he saw McGonagall's glare, but stood his ground. He ordinarily would have begged for forgiveness, but after yesterday's event, he had promised himself that he would cower to no one anymore.

"You are on dangerous ground, Percy Weasley. I am warning you to keep a civil tone with me, or else I will see to it that you are taught a proper lesson in manners. You may be a prefect, but that does not immune you from the rules. I am not sure what to say to such conduct. This behavior isn't the Percy Weasley I know. I can't believe a person can change so radically overnight," she snapped, pointing a finger an inch from Percy's face.

Percy opened his mouth and then closed it. He had nothing to say in his defense that would not be interpreted as insolence.

"I will give you a final piece of advice and hope you return to your senses. I cannot force you to do anything, but I would advise you to seriously rethink your behavior. You may be a very intelligent and amiable child, but you are still a child. You still need guidance. Think about that and about the people who really matter in life. You are dismissed," the professor said, more coldly than the tone she usually spoke to him.

Percy took the verbal blows silently. Afraid his voice would shake if he spoke, he merely nodded before leaving. He could not go back to the table, since he had tears in his eyes. He could not let the others see his weakness. Anyway, Percy had lost his appetite again. He had trusted Professor McGonagall, and she considered him a mere child who required a scolding.

He decided to go to the hospital wing and see how the little brat was doing. Perhaps seeing little Malfoy's injuries would remind Percy that if he had not interfered the situation would have been dire. Percy took the roundabout route, trying to avoid meeting anyone else on the way. The portraits all whispered as he passed. Percy snorted in derision. Portraits were such stupid gossips. He had nothing to say to them. Someone should put a good Silencing Charm on them.

He arrived at the hospital wing. As he walked through the door, he winced. Poor little Ginny was kneeling and scrubbing the cold tiled floor, her face woebegone and gloomy. Her robes were covered with dirt. She looked like a scene from Cinderella. He remembered only now that her detention was taking place here. If he had remembered that sooner, he would never have come after this morning's fight. He must look like a sadist now. Percy would have knelt to help her, but Ginny had already seen him. From the look she was giving him, that gesture would have been very unwelcome.

"Coming to gloat?" she asked angrily, as she cleaned harder. Percy had a feeling she was pretending the floor was his face and the rag was sandpaper.

"No. I came to visit Malfoy," he corrected arrogantly, though his heart broke anew. He truly wanted to hug Ginny and apologize for causing her any pain. He just did not know how to say it without condoning what she had done.

"Shows where your true loyalty lies! You are the most selfish prat I have ever met!" Ginny sniffed, scrubbing the floor even harder. Tears began to leak from her eyes.

"Ginny-love, please don't-," Percy began, but Madam Pomfrey stepped into the room, removing the privacy in the room and preventing the apology.

"Ah, Weasley. I was about to have your sister come and get you. Let me see how you are doing. Did you eat proper meals? Not overtiring yourself?" she bustled efficiently as she studied him closely.

Percy nodded. "Of course. I brought these notes for Malfoy to use, so that he can catch up on his work," he said, hoping she did not ask what he had for dinner last night. The last thing he needed was a day in the hospital wing under the glaring eyes of his sister. Though perhaps it would give him a chance to talk matters out.

The nurse gestured for him to sit down next to Little Malfoy's bed. "That is quite kind of you. Let me see your eyes. Open wide! Ah, good. You are doing fine," she said happily. That ended that plan. "Weasley-I mean, Miss Weasley, have you finished cleaning the floors yet?" she asked in a more severe tone.

Ginny threw Percy a resentful look and nodded. She had wiped away her tears, but her eyes were red-rimmed. "Yes, Madam," she murmured, looking quite pallid and tired. This was a lot of work for Ginny, who usually had the lightest load of chores at home. She was too delicate to do such heavy labour, couldn't Madam Pomfrey see that?

"Good. You will gather up and wash the dirty clothes and sheets by hand. You may however use magic to dry them, otherwise it will take all day. Then fold them neatly. After that, you can begin work cleaning the bedpans by hand," Madam Pomfrey directed authoritatively.

Ginny grimaced, but went to the next room to continue her duties. Percy sighed. Even if she hated him, Percy still loved his sister very much. He still wished he could offer to help her.

Percy looked over the small, pale form of little Malfoy and shuddered. The boy looked like a mummy, all swathed in bandages. He really was badly injured. A cold thought ran down Percy's spine. If Little Malfoy died, then murder charges would be pressed. Dumbledore would be powerless to stop his siblings from getting sent to Azkaban or given the Dementor's kiss. His mind flitted to his precious baby sister. She would not last a day in prison. She was so small and fragile. He wished she knew that his greatest wish was to protect her.

He still could not believe Ginny had taken part in this horrible act. Had he not seen it with his own eyes, he would have denied it to the last. Ginny had always been so kind to people. She had nursed sick birds back to health. She had never been violent. What had changed in her? The thought of losing his sister made him queasy. Malfoy did look paler then usual! "Why hasn't he woken up yet?" Percy piped up, his stomach churning. If Ginny were to be executed, Percy would most likely throw himself to the mermaids in the lake.

"Who, Malfoy? He's asleep because I put him to sleep. He's been hurt rather badly and has a lot of healing to do, but he should be up and about soon. You sit down and rest for a few minutes," Madam Pomfrey informed him, before going over to supervise Ginny.

Percy stared at the prone figure before him. Why didn't Ginny see how precarious her fate was? After all the trouble he had gone through, Malfoy had better live! "If you die and cause my siblings to get executed, I swear I'll find a way to study necromancy and damn you to the lowest reaches of Hell," he whispered under his breath. His fists were clenched and his chest was tight. He had a sudden urge to grab Malfoy and shake him, to scream "Wake up!" and save his siblings.

Suddenly, he heard Madam Pomfrey's voice scolding someone in the next room. That brought him back to reality. Percy could not believe how close he had come to losing his temper. He did not want to think what would have happened if he would have.

Percy sighed to himself. "Even unconscious, you still cause me problems. I don't know why I even helped you. I think you are a spoiled, loathsome brat who deserved a good dressing down. You and your snotty brother went out of your way to abuse me for no reason besides the fact that you enjoyed tormenting me only for your own sick pleasure. I got punished because of your stupid mouth. Do you know how humiliating it was to have that assignment given to me? I bet you enjoyed it, didn't you? I bet you went to send a letter to your brother detailing just how you humiliated me when the twins, Ron and Ginny got to you. Here is the irony, I still saved your worthless skin at the cost of my social life. Everyone thinks I'm guilty of either beating you up or milking my siblings' guilt for all it's worth. It isn't fair. You have everything in the whole damn world, and you keep getting more. Why? All I want in the world is to be popular and respected. Is that so much to ask for?" he muttered softly, as he calmed down.

"'Lo, Weasley," a small voice said. Percy looked up and tried not to react to Harry Potter speaking to him. He may be a celebrity, but Percy was a prefect. He nodded politely. "Potter."

"How is he?" the little superstar asked, looking extremely worried.

"Still unconscious," Percy replied, trying to be encouraging. "Madam does not expect that he shall be too much longer in waking, however. She's a miracle worker, and thank God for that." He tried to comfort Potter and reassure himself that everything would be all right.

The two sat in silence for a long moment. Percy could only imagine how painful it was to see a friend hurt like that. He had no idea what to say. "What really happened, Weasley? There's stories flying all over the school, but I want you to tell me," the younger boy asked, looking up at him.

"And I think you should mind your own business," Percy said haughtily with a sigh. He was sick and tired of repeating the same boring story. Even so, he had nothing to hide and this was the Boy-Who-Lived. Perhaps a short recounting would solve the problem. "But very well. I came across my brothers beating up Malfoy. I stopped them. End of story." Stupid gossips that misconstrue simple events were destroying his reputation.

"Surely there's more to it than that," the little celebrity said insolently, staring up at him with no shame for his impertinence.

"What makes you say that?" Percy asked, fury filling his body. How dare anyone question his story? He had gone through Hell to prove himself and no second year, no matter how famous, would dare question it!

"Palce saw Snape dragging you through the corridors last night. Care to tell me what that was about?" Potter urged cheekily.

Percy felt his fists clench. How dare this ill-mannered second year question him? That nosy parker Palce must have told everyone! His immaculate reputation was besmirched. Damn these audacious and sadistic Slytherins! They were more trouble then they were worth.

"First of all, Professor Snape was not dragging me. I was merely accompanying him to his office. Second, Potter, if I had any guilt in the matter, do you think I'd still have my prefect's badge? Third, you will respect a prefect, or it will be detention for you," he snapped, trying to resist the urge to hex him. He stood up quickly, eager to leave before he lost his temper. "Good day," he snapped as he strode out. That would teach that little pint-sized personality a lesson in manners.

Percy was walking so fast that it seemed to take no time to get back to the house. He passed his brothers cleaning the hallway under the furious direction of Filch, but avoided being noticed by them. In the mood he was in, he was in no mood for more pain. After reaching the common room, he walked up to the dorm in the most dignified manner he could. Happily, Irving had left

His thoughts turned to his twin brothers. Percy did care about them a great deal. He could even say he loved them. He just did not like them very much. Every time they were together, it turned into an excuse of open season on him or just general ruffian activity. They often asked him to play Quidditch with him, but only because they enjoyed flying above the trees to annoy him. They knew he could not fly as quick as them and risk his glasses getting damaged. Percy appreciated good clean fun, but the twins had no idea of limits. He knew they were not evil, they were just horribly reckless and hot tempered. They never gave a thought to consequences.

Last Christmas, when they forced him to sit with them, Percy had been pleased until he was tricked into sitting on a horrible joke product of theirs. He just wished the two comedians would pull their heads out of the clouds and see that the world was more then just a series of jokes. They never thought of anyone else's feelings, of the consequences of their action and Percy found it completely disgusting. They were a bad influence on Ron and Ginny.

What was worse was how Dad encouraged them! Mum and Percy tried to discipline Fred and George, and Dad just completely hindered them. He was far too easy on them, and it was only by the grace of Dumbledore that they weren't in Azkaban at this very moment. Percy had been so scared for them. He had abased himself before others for them, and they still hated him. Someone really had to take those two in hand, but Merlin help the person who tried. He wished he knew a way to reach them. Now, the rift between them seem more vast then ever. He had no idea what to do. He felt so depressed.

His mother would say he should turn to the Bible for comfort. Percy knew Mum had packed a book of Psalms for spiritual substance. Percy always found them lacking in their ability to soothe his sadness, but he never told his mother that. He may be struggling with his beliefs on saints, hosts and angels, but he could make believe he deeply believed. He did not like upsetting his mother after all.

He supposed he could always turn to his love of music. He sat down on his bed and opened his grandmother's music box. A soft song played began to play a wordless melody upon the harp and flute. He placed the box in front of him and began to study for his Arithmancy class. After that, he completed Snape's punishment assignment and his Transfiguration essay. When in doubt, he could always turn to the academic world, with only a quick trip to the Great Halls for meals, which he took back to his own room. A slow Sunday passed miserably, and Percy again went to bed before his roommates had returned. He almost wished he would not wake up in the morning.

Percy usually did not pray at school. Even before he had lost his faith, he had found it embarrassing to pray in a place where his roommates might walk in and see him. Tonight however, he decided he could use a bit of divine help. Percy was almost positive it would not work, but it was worth a shot. He had already begged Mr. Malfoy for those he loved. He supposed God might be a valuable source of aid. He had nothing to lose, after all. Mechanically, as he had done as a child, he knelt down by the side of his bed. After crossing himself, he bowed his head with the palms of his hands pressed together, fingers pointing straight up to heaven, just like he was taught to.

"Lord God in Heaven, may it be thy will that Draco Malfoy recover and spare Fredrick, George, Ronald and Ginevra from prison. Allow them to see the error of their ways, bless them and keep them safe from harm. Also bless Mother, Father, Billius and Charles. May it also be thy will that I eventually regain my former familiarity with the members of my house and have everyone like me again, especially Penny. I beseech your aid in having my family forgive me for doing the right thing and embracing my choices as the proper action. Please help me achieve the fame, respect and fortune that I deserve. In return, I promise to be attentive to the sermons on Christmas and not think about Penny. When I do achieve said wealth, I'll make a lovely donation to the church," he prayed. He paused for a moment. "Please protect Ron and Ginny, they are only innocent children and know not what they do. The twins may be brats, but I love them all. Please watch over them. In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen," he finished, crossing himself again, before getting into bed. He hoped his prayers would be answered. He really need a miracle.

*******

The next morning, Percy awoke early, eager to start a better day then the last had been. Perhaps everything would have blown over already. People sometimes had short memories; with a little luck, he could be a respected prefect again. He splashed some cold water on his face to refresh himself. He usually kept a pitcher of water and basin by his bed, in case he wanted a drink in the night or wanted to refresh himself before taking the long walk up the stairs to the bathrooms, or the even longer trek to the Prefect's bathroom.

Suddenly the events of the previous two days came crashing back into his face, reminding him of his outcast status as he fell to his knees tearing and snorting. Someone had put pepper in the water! His eyes burned horribly, and he was forced to sit on the floor, dabbing his eyes with the sleeve of his pajamas until he could see again. Damn Wood! It most likely was him, wasn't it? He rubbed his eyes with the sleeve of his pajamas.

Finally, he was able to see well enough to put on his dressing gown and get to the bathroom. He needed a shower quite badly. The steam would help relieve the pain he was feeling in his eyes.

As always, the shower managed to calm him down. His muscles had been very tight due to all the tension he was dealing with. He felt sixteen again instead of eighty. After drying off, he tied his dressing gown on and walked back to the dorms. His roommates up and dressing. They did not greet Percy, but that was to be expected. Percy's school robes had been neatly laid out the night. Everything was on schedule, just the way Percy liked it. The only problem was the moment he finished buttoning his shirt, his whole body felt like it had been covered in fire ants! He resisted the urge to tear at his skin and merely went back into the bathroom. Finding an empty stall, Percy walked fully clothed into the shower. Growing up as the brother and target of Fred and George had taught him a few tricks.

After a few seconds under the running water, most of it washed off. After a quick Drying Charm, Percy was almost as good as new. Now all he needed was to deal with the culprits who had insulted his dignity. He marched back up to his room to confront his roommates. The two other boys were still talking.

Percy cleared his throat to get some attention. "I will not tolerate any juvenile pranks in this dorm, especially against my person. So help me Hecate, I will give the culprit detention," he warned, trying to sound important and official.

Irving just walked past him as if he hadn't heard anything. "Can I borrow your quill, Wood? I need to finish writing my Care of Magical Creatures essay," he said mildly.

Wood nodded. "What did you do your essay on?" he asked, handing him the writing utensil.

"Hippocampuses. Two rolls of parchment, just like Kettleburn wanted," Irving answered, as he opened up a scroll.

"Excuse me, a prefect is speaking!" Percy snapped angrily. How dare they ignore him?

Neither of them even looked up. Percy pinned his prefect badge on proudly. He would remain calm; he would keep his dignity. "I understand you didn't like what I did, but I am a prefect and will be minded," he said, trying to reason with the brutes. They refused to say a single word to him. The nerve, the sheer cheek!

He let out a groan of frustration and flounced out of the room. He would figure out what to do with them later. He did not bother lingering in the common room, but marched down to the Great Hall. He did not bother to feel upset over the fact that he was sitting all alone. Determined to put the stupidity of others out of his mind, he thought about something far more important to him: a girl sitting at the Ravenclaw table.

As Percy was eating his fill of porridge and treacle, he stole some discreet looks at Penelope Clearwater. Percy found her to be a most lovely young woman, graceful as a swan and hair like the waves of the sea. He hadn't mentioned it to anyone, but in his mind, she was his Penny, the rose of Hogwarts. He was in love. Percy had become better acquainted with her last year and had been smitten by her kind words and ready ear. She had always praised him, saying with his hard work, he'd be Minister of Magic someday. They had corresponded all summer; Percy had been amazed that such a pretty, popular girl would ever choose to speak to him. He had been sending her Transfigured flowers and cards, hoping to woo her. So far, it seemed to working. She had allowed him to kiss her a few days ago. Now they were a couple.

As Penny was exiting the hall on her way to class, Percy decided to go over and speak to her. Surely, she would make him feel better. She was a prefect; she would understand why he did what he did. Maybe she'd even think he was a hero and decide he was the one for her. He ambled over, trying to look nonchalant. He had to keep calm; he had to act suave, debonair and dashing. He could do this. There was no reason to be nervous.

"Good morning" he said, bowing gallantly, with a polite smile.

Penelope turned and smiled brilliantly. "Hello to you as well," she said softly as she waved him into an empty classroom.

Percy had to admit, his bad mood had completely evaporated, replaced with thoughts of his ladylove. "Would you mind listening to me rant a bit? I'm a bit hacked off," he answered, swallowing hard as he tried to be a gentleman. Hormones were giving him urges to do things he shouldn't.

"So talk. I always like to listen to all the brilliant ideas you have," Penelope drawled, wrapping a silky dark curl around her finger, as she leaned against a desk.

"I just don't understand why everyone hates me," he burst out, diving right into things. "I had to do my duty in saving Little Malfoy. My whole house is against me and so is my family. I had the worst day of my life two days ago," Percy began, trying to keep his eyes on safe areas of the female physique.

"Because the little Slytherin was so badly hurt?" Penny asked, looking up at him lovingly with her lovely brown eyes.

"Well, discovering the body was no pleasure, but being around an irate Snape is like being around a mad chimera. He marched me down to the dungeons and made me wait for the ax to fall. I was so scared, I thought I'd never see the light of day again. He finally got me to drink Veritaserum!" Percy explained.

"Veritaserum? But that's illegal! You could have died!" Penny protested, putting an arm around him.

"Ah, my dove, it is illegal for him to force it on me. Snape's too smart for that, he just put the glass in front of me and glared at me. Who was I going to protest to?"

"Why didn't you wait? I am sure Professor Dumbledore would have saved you sooner or later," Penny asked.

"Snape hauled me around by the collar till I nearly choked to death, and that was only on suspicion. I was scared of what he would do if he actually had cause to claim I was being insubordinate. I had to do what he said," Percy explained.

"Snape would scare a Dementor. He's a horrible bully," Penny agreed, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Indeed! Besides, refusing to take the serum can be seen as an admission of guilt. So I took the wretched serum and spilled everything. I can't remember that much of what I said, but I am sure he had a fun time combing my brain for embarrassing secrets. I got so sick from the potion I had to be taken to the hospital wing. All because of my stupid siblings. Of course, when I tried to explain this all to my family, they didn't listen. Do they think I sadistically enjoyed turning them in?" Percy demanded, rubbing Penny's hand affectionately.

"They are just being stubborn since they don't want to admit they did wrong," Penny assured him quickly.

"Fred, George, Ron and Gin are lucky this did not happen under the previous headmaster's reign. Mum told me that before Dumbledore, prefects were empowered to hex the daylights out of students if they so chose, as long as they could later identify proper cause. Prefects could even use Muggle punishments like caning or tawsing on students. They could force students to elf for them, and woe betide students who stepped out of line. Back then, students would have thanked their lucky stars if prefects only turned them in. Even when Dumbledore removed those powers, he still allowed prefects to be there to enforce discipline. I was only doing my job. Sadistic prefects less kind then I would have made sure they went to the headmaster in a great deal more pain then a simple Binding Spell," Percy said bitterly.

"You are too easy on them," Penny fawned comfortingly.

"You are right, and they don't appreciate me. Who do you think was their nursemaid? I think my first words were, 'Don't touch that!' Not that they ever listened. The troubles Fred and George got into! I swear, the house would be in shambles if it wasn't for me. Sure, Mum was always there, but she had housework to do, and she couldn't have us all always running underfoot. I was the responsible one, the one she could trust to watch the others. I'm the one who kept them out of trouble when she was tending to Ginny or went to market. I am the one who prevented the twins from selling Ron for a bag for Chocolate Frogs. They managed to leave Ginny in town, and don't think it was easy finding her! I am the one who comforted Ron when the twins turned his teddy bear into a spider. I'm the one who found Ron in the woods after the twins tied him to a tree. The poor kid was hysterically crying since it was already dark. I am the one who stayed up with Ginny when she had nightmares because the twins felt the need to tell her that vampires were going to come and eat her. I'm the one who fixed meals when Mum was out and mended torn clothes. I must have been the only eight year old who could sew and cook! I'm the one who checked that they all did their homework. I spent my childhood protecting them, and they mock me!"

Percy realized he was starting to get a tremendous headache. The sheer injustice of it all and the absolute ungratefulness of his siblings had finally driven him to a form of madness. No more would he continue to try and try only to get kicked in the teeth. Let the little brats fend for themselves!

"They just don't understand how brilliant you are, Percy-kins. When you are famous, they'll all be sorry. After what you did, you are going to make Head Boy next year," Penny assured him.

Percy nodded and kissed Penelope lightly. "I knew you would understand. You are so wonderful. Just think, in a few years, I'll have a great job in the Ministry, and then I'll have enough money to buy you anything in the world you want. I'll buy you the most beautiful jewelry for the most beautiful girl in the world," he said lovingly.

"Just being with you is more precious then jewels. You are so ambitious, getting that high up all by yourself," Penny said sweetly.

"Well, Lucius Malfoy, one of the school governors offered me an internship this summer, so I won't be doing completely alone. Can you imagine that?" he explained.

"But you wouldn't take a job with him?" Penny's dulcet tone hardened a bit.

"What do you mean, darling? Why wouldn't I?" Percy was confused.

"How could you work for someone like that?" Penny demanded, her dark eyes glinting even though her tone remained level.

"I know you don't like Slytherins, but Mr. Malfoy is a fine person. He's really high up in the Ministry. Why would you be against this, my love?"

"Oh come now, Percy. You are smarter than this. Malfoy is the author of the Harry Potter Protection Act, which discriminates against Muggle-borns like me. The law says my parents are unfit to raise me. I wonder if he knows you have a Mudblood for a girlfriend?" Penny snapped.

Percy bit his lip. "Penny, you know I don't think any less of you because you are Muggle-born. I think you are wonderful;, you know that. I don't care what anyone thinks of you."

"So would you mind me working for an institution that works for discrimination against red-heads?" Penny demanded.

Percy rolled his eyes. "The Ministry as a whole does not discriminate against Muggle-borns. I am only getting his help to get a good position. Once I get my foot in the door, I'll part ways with him," he assured her.

"That is not good enough. You'll owe him your thanks. I don't want you connected with a fascist like Malfoy. As far as I am concerned, his son got what the father deserved. I'm sad that the kid took the beating, but it would give me great pleasure to see Mister Malfoy taken down a few pegs," Penny spat, her hands on her hips. "So you'll quit working for Malfoy?" she questioned imperiously.

Percy did not know what to say. It would solve nearly all his problems. He still would have lost the points and his siblings would still hate him. However, he'd at least be able to make up with his father, McGonagall would be pleased with him, and he would have Penny's adoration. Such an easy solution, it almost seemed God-sent. He would finally be on the road back to repairing some of the rifts he had caused.

None of this would be needed if Dad had retained his job. At least then he would have had some political allies, even if they had been minor. Mr. Malfoy's cuts had eliminated nearly every person who could have helped Percy on his way to success. The cuts had also made Dad a political pariah. No one would want to entrust anything of importance to someone whose father worked for the Centaur Liaison office. A vision of this future flashed before Percy's eyes. No matter how much talent he had, he was being passed over for important jobs. He had absolutely no political clout. At forty, he was still a low level bureaucrat, with an office the size of a broom closet. He was living in a small cramped house with a perpetually pregnant Penny and a dozen or more wild children. Elan Malfoy was Minister of Magic and he had to get that smirking tosser coffee in the mornings. It was Percy Weasley's personal vision of Hell.

"Penny, give me some time to think about it. I can't reject the job after one day. He's a powerful person who has a vendetta against my entire family. I do not want to make him angry. Give me time to plan this out, decide what to do," he finally said, dancing around the truth as best as he could.

Penny nodded. "Of course, you are right to wait a bit before rejecting the offer," she said softly. She studied Percy's face. "You are giving up this offer, right?" she asked.

Percy turned red. He had hoped she would have been fooled. Penny's glare returned with a vengeance. "Sometimes I don't know where your priorities lie. How could you side with Slytherins in a time like now?" she huffed.

"What do you mean, a time like now?" Percy asked.

"Don't you know? When I was on patrol on Halloween night, I found Filch's cat cold and stiff. Over it was a message written in blood. 'The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir, beware.' The Slytherins have a plot out, to kill all Squibs and Muggleborns. The next person could be me," Penny whispered, her eyes looking a bit wild.

Percy took Penny gently by the shoulders and kissed her. "Penny, my darling, no one is going to hurt you. I'm so sorry that you had to go through that alone. I'll protect you, I promise."

Penny allowed herself to be held. "I was so scared that night. I was sure whatever did that to the cat was waiting around the bend to come after me. I haven't even slept in two days. I keep seeing those bloody words," she trembled.

"It was most likely a prank. You are completely safe and have no reason to fear," Percy assured her softly, caressing her hair.

"A student could kill the cat?" Penny asked incredulously, leaning her head against his shoulder.

Percy nodded. "I'm sure a reasonable explanation will be found. Every student wanted to kill Mrs. Norris, and many of the upper year students are capable of poisoning an animal. The writing on the wall was a scare tactic, designed to misdirect the authorities from the true culprit. We are attending school with the world's most powerful wizard guarding us, so nothing bad will happen. Now don't worry anymore about any of these matters. I will make this work. I promise," he lied, not sure how exactly he'd follow through on his word.

"Make it work? Date a mudblood and work for a fascist?" Penny questioned, her head jerking up.

"Will you kindly drop the subject? I said I would, and I am a wizard of my word," Percy snapped, beginning to lose his temper.

Penny sighed. "I hope you are right. I have to get to class. We'll talk later," she said distractedly. She lightly kissed him on the check, before running off to class.

Percy felt miserable, but he managed to keep his dignity long enough to walk to his first class of the day, Defense against the Dark Arts with the Ravenclaws. Ah yes, the perfect class to start off a day of torture. It was his least favorite period of the day, and that counted the slumber room known as History of Magic. He sat at the back of the room and tried not to wince as Professor Lockhart made a fool of himself. That man was a complete idiot, so filled with hot air that Percy was greatly surprised that the man still remained on the ground. After the first lesson, when the braggart had abandoned the Gryffindor second years to deal with Cornish pixies, Percy had lost all respect for him. Someone could have been hurt! Percy had to be called to save a second year who had been hanging from a chandelier. The poor little mite had been shaking in terror by that time. For a man who claimed to have battled the denizens of the Dark Side, he was extraordinarily useless. He had long given up on paying attention in class, and usually spent the time studying his textbook or composing poetry to Penny.

I love you more then life and air/ I would do anything for my lady fair

He was many things, but he was not a great poet.

Oh Penny, my joy, my sweet, my dove/It is you alone whom I do love

"And I told the village chief not to worry, for I would vanquish the monster," the Professor was saying, giving one of his inane laughs that made Percy want to throw something at him. He wasn't alone as he looked around the room. Most of the boys sitting around the room had the same expressions on their faces. At least no one was noticing him. Or so he thought.

Professor Lockhart was standing next to him, speaking loudly in a voice guaranteed to carry all the way to Hastings and back again. "Ah, young Mr. Weasley, what a lucky coincidence that you were there to save the Malfoy boy. Of course, I was on the way myself, and in one more moment could have saved you the effort. It was a most valiant attempt nonetheless. I am sure you were trying to emulate me. I'm flattered, you know. Can anyone name some mistakes Mr. Weasley made in his rescue?" he said pompously as he patted Percy on the head as if he was a mere tot.

Percy gritted his teeth. How thick could this blaggard be? He forced his eyes down to stare at the stone floor.

He heard Melody Perkins's voice. "Well, for starters, Professor, he should have waited for you instead of trying to throw his own family to the Dementors. You would have known how to handle it properly," she giggled, clearly infatuated with the grinning ninny. Percy rolled his eyes. Mel had been in love with his brother Bill since she was three. Apparently, her affections to Percy's brother were quite fickle.

"Ten points to Ravenclaw, Miss Perkins. Yes, being a hero isn't something that comes overnight. It's a long journey, and only when you reach the pinnacle can you truly grasp how far you've come," Professor Lackwits blathered jovially. Percy felt a vein pulsate in his forehead as he wondered how best to slip under the table.

Thankfully, Rica Cleary asked to hear the blond fop of an educator retell how he had conquered the Vampire in Transylvania. That took away the attention from Percy. As the coxcomb launched into a lecture, Percy breathed a bit easier. Saved from that idiot! He sighed to himself and began organizing his notes. Every night, he would read the Defense Against the Dark Arts texts and outline them for himself. By the saints, he would score a top level N.E.W.T. in Defense Against the Dark arts, regardless of how inept his teacher was.

"I'll just keep to myself and study. Solitude never hurt anyone. Dezzi Ted lived alone, and she wrote some of the most beautiful poetry the wizarding world has ever known. Of course, she then went crazy as a loon," he thought grimly to himself. Perhaps solitude did have its drawbacks.

"I think we shall try some role playing, to see if you know what to do in a dangerous situation. Can we have some volunteers?" Lockhart simpered. Every female in the room raised her hand high above their head, waving it about enough to cause a tornado. "All right, Miss Perkins, Miss Johnson, and Miss Cleary. Now for some men," Lockhart grinned.

Percy tried to duck under his desk, but Lockhart called him up. "Mr. Weasley, our hero in training,"

"Weasley's no man, Professor!" called out Wood, to the sniggers of the group.

"Questions as to Weasley's gender are irrelevant to this lesson. Now I know very few people look strong next to me, but that can't be helped," Lockhart corrected sternly, as he pulled Weasley up in front of the class.

"As everyone knows, I faced the Three Vampires of Lancut, Poland. Weasley, since you are so keen on being like me, let's see how you fare in the same conditions. Girls, you will pretend to be the Lancut Ladies and try to attack. Respond to any spell a vampire would respond to. To win, you must remove his prefect's badge. Weasley, you must defeat them," he explained.

Percy winced as the girls grinned. "By staking them through the heart?" Those were the most vague directions he had ever heard.

"Of course. All right, begin!" Lackbrains directed.

Rica Cleary, who was standing next to him put a pointed heel on his foot. "OW!" Percy swore, hopping on one foot to the titters of the class.

"Mangy traitor," she whispered, giving him a hard kick in the shin.

"You are supposed to be a vampire, not Kunoichi," Percy winced, referring to the legendary ninja women of Japan who used both physical and magical means to destroy their enemies.

"Shut up," Johnson snapped as she pushed him over, landing Percy in a crumple of pain on the floor. Percy tried to get up, but received another kick to the knee. His vision went white with pain.

"Your traitorous blood is ours," Perkins grinned, sitting down on his chest. "Rebecca, get his arms," Rica directed, sitting down on Percy's legs.

"Mr. Weasley here is finished. In this situation, I would have-" Lockhart began.

Percy's arms were pinned, but his wand was still in his sleeve. As Rica leaned in, she put her hands around his neck. "I hope you don't like breathing," she smiled.

Percy was ready for her. "Ablegatio!" he cast. All three girls were blasted into the walls, landing in similar crumpled heaps. "Constringo ferramenta," Percy snapped, leaping to his feet. Chains grew out of the wall and bound the three girls together. Percy smiled. Iron nullified a vampire's ability to shape-shift and kept them confined. That meant he had won. "Professor, if you wish, I can leave these vampires until sunrise or just stake them. The spell is 'Asseri tria'," he said triumphantly.

"There was no point in showing off, Mr. Weasley. Five points from Gryffindor. Are you ladies all right?" Lockhart said, looking quite put-off at being shown up. With a flick of his wand, he unchained the three girls, who looked shaken up. "I'm surprised at you, Mr. Weasley. A wizard requires control," Lockhart continued angrily.

Percy was flabbergasted. "But sir, you asked me to act-" he began, completely confused. He had done exactly what Lockhart had told him to do! Anyway, Gryffindor had negative points. No one but Dumbledore and McGonagall could talk points off.

"I will not tolerate this backtalk. Another five points. Now sit down," the professor directed. Percy slunk back to his seat, tears in his eyes. He defiantly blinked them away. He would not be broken.

"Now, allow me to again point out Mr. Weasley's mistakes," Lockhart began. Percy barely listened, knowing that he had been perfect. It seemed like everyone was against him. He allowed the professor's voice to drone in the background, while he imagined his internship with Mr. Malfoy. He was dressed in beautiful new robes that were not hand-me-downs from Dad or Bill. Dad was bursting with pride for him, telling everyone how proud he was of his middle son.

Mr. Malfoy was standing there, looking just as proud. 'Nice job, Percy. I could not have done that meeting without you. The Minister was so impressed with you,' Mr. Malfoy was saying.

'What a brilliant idea, Percy. I'm hiring you the moment you leave Hogwarts,' Minister Fudge agreed.

Elan Malfoy was sitting resentfully in a corner, working as his errand boy. "Sorry, Malfoy, but while you were enjoying yourself in Durmstrang, I was doing real work," Percy was saying snidely. All right, he'd be generous. Elan would be allowed to work at his side as his personal assistant. Penny would be sitting adoringly at a café, eager to hear about work. The twins, Ron and Ginny would see the error of their ways. They would turn over a new leaf and become responsible young mages. Everything would be perfect. "Mr. Weasley," Minister Fudge was calling.

"Yes, Minister?" Percy mumbled.

"Mr. Weasley!" said another voice. "The bell has rung. Clearly you were daydreaming. How many points must you lose for Gryffindor House, before you are satisfied? Do you need detention to convince you to behave?" Lockhart snapped.

Percy snapped out of his reveries and shuddered. He had never served detention before, and he did not plan on starting now. He had been in more trouble in the past three days than in the whole rest of his life. "No sir, I'm sorry. I haven't been feeling well lately," he pleaded. What was getting into him?

Lockhart studied him arrogantly. "You have become quite a handful, haven't you? All the Professors assured me that you were a responsible young man who could be trusted with authority. Instead, I found a glory-chasing show-off who is so bigheaded about being a simple tattletale that he allows himself to dream off in class. Just because you wormed your way into some meaningless award does not give you the right to strut around like this. Next time, please leave the rescue work to me. I understand it is not easy being taught by a hero, but instead of being jealous, learn from me. That will be all. Next time you misbehave, it will be detention. You may go," he said imperiously, waving him out.

Percy walked out, wondering if he was cursed. Nothing had gone right for him. How much was he expected to bear before he went mad? He had resigned himself to never being as popular as Bill or Charlie, but he'd like to be tolerated. He had no idea what Lockhart had against him.

He walked to History of Magic. He knew he could skive off and Binns would never know. It just did not seem right to do that. He sighed. He supposed he could use a short nap before lunch. He crept into class and was not surprised to see the entire class asleep. How many incompetent teachers could be hired in one school? Between Binns and Lockhart, he was going to have a lot of studying to do for the N.E.W.T.s. After sitting down, he felt his own head loll over. He had already studied the material and sleep was beneficial to the brain. Within a few seconds, he too was in a stupor.

This time, he dreamt he was sitting in a dark room. He looked around, trying to figure out what was going on. The room was dark, like Snape's office. It was a dark and dank courtroom, made of cold gray stone. The air was so cold that Percy wished for a cloak as he looked around his surroundings. He was seated on a hard wooden bench, near to the judge. What he saw in front of him made the blood freeze in his veins. A savage crowd had gathered, sitting in every available seat and even standing in the back. Percy could recognize the most important and powerful wizards standing there, their faces filled with a cold-blooded thirst for blood, like a crowd before a lynching. Mum and Father were sitting alone in one corner, both crying and clutching each other. In front of the room were four chairs, bound with heavy chains along the arms. It was just like the trials Percy had read about for History of Magic.

"Bring in the defendants brought in," said a cold drawl that chilled Percy to his marrow. The judge was Snape! Percy thanked God Almighty that it was not him on trial. Mum let out a long wail as she burst into fresh tears.

The door opened and six hooded creatures walked in, flanking the prisoners. Had it not been for the red hair, Percy would not have recognized his younger brothers and sister. All of them were emaciated and grimy, as if they hadn't bathed or eaten in a long time. They were wearing gray prison robes that were ripped and disheveled. Ginny looked up at him, her eyes wide with terror, begging him to help her. Ron was trembling from fear and the twins were trying to look stoic. As they passed, the crowds hissed angrily like field of hornets. Percy gasped. They were pardoned by Dumbledore! How could they be on trial?

The Dementors led them to the four chairs. Ginny began weeping and had to roughly be shoved in. Percy winced in pain as the chains on the chair glowed and snaked up their arms, binding Percy's darling siblings there like sheep to the slaughter.

"You four have been brought here on the matter of the kidnapping and murder of Draco Malfoy, a heinous crime which defies explanation," Percy's heart nearly stopped. Little Malfoy was dead! No, this was impossible. Madam Pomfrey had said everything would be fine. Percy had even prayed, this wasn't supposed to happen. "Counsel, the witness is yours."

"Perfect," said a superior refined voice that made Percy's teeth set on edge. Elan Malfoy had materialized in front of the court, a cruel smirk on his pointed pale face.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were in Russia," Percy demanded, clearly dumbfounded. He had heard of the Devil's advocate, but this brought the expression to new meaning.

"Did you think I'd miss the chance to see this? I couldn't believe a peasant like yourself could actually be a hero. I knew I had to show the world what you really are. But enough pleasantries, Weasley. I have some questions for you. Let's start with this? Were you the one who found Draco?" Elan sneered, picking a speck of dust off his expensive robes.

Percy gulped and nodded, feeling his head start to spin. They would be executed! The coldness in the courtroom did nothing to stop Percy from sweating through his clothes. He knew just where Elan was leading this.

"I don't believe you answered the question. If you have the intelligence, then at least answer verbally. How you were made prefect is beyond me. You have the brains of a troll and the breeding of one as well."

Percy gritted his teeth. "Objection, your honour! Insulting the witness," he snapped furiously, getting to his feet.

"I'll allow it. Sit down immediately! You may continue, Master Malfoy," Snape gloated.

"Were the murderers the defendants being held here?" Elan asked gleefully, clearly enjoying Percy's torment.

Percy could not answer. The words would never pass through his lips. He stared down. If he spoke, he would be condemning them to death. He would not answer. They could do what they wanted to him. Even if they beat him or torture him, he would not utter one word. Let them do their worst!

"Did you hear the question? Answer immediately," Snape drawled, staring down at him from his seat of authority.

Percy could not look up to see the misery all around him. He stared at his worn shoes, drawing strength from the love he had for his family. He would not be the instrument of his loved one's doom. Even if it meant being the party to a murder. He would never forgive himself for it, he would be forever tainted with guilt. He just did not know what to do. He was tired of always having such responsibility, he was only a teenager! He had no right to decide life and death like this.

"You aren't a hero, are you Weasley? You are just a coward, a parvenu, a piece of garbage that tries to imitate your betters. Admit it, you are a murderer," Elan hissed, leaning close to him.

Percy glared at him. "I am not a murderer," he declared, knowing Elan was deliberately provoking him just to get an angry.

"Either you are protecting the people who killed my brothers or protecting yourself. Either way, you are a criminal, unworthy of anything. So what is it, Weasley?" Elan urged, smirking at him. Percy stared at the floor, refusing to speak.

"Perhaps you require another trip to the Hospital wing to teach you some respect. Answer the question," Snape commanded. Percy still refused to talk. If he did not speak, they could not prove any crime. That would make him an accessory to murder. At that thought, Percy started hyperventilating. "Dear Lord, give me a sign," he pleaded.

"Percy, help me!" Ginny suddenly called out. Percy's breathing grow more ragged.

"Silence her!" Elan ordered imperiously.

"NO!" Percy suddenly called out, holding out a hand.

"What?" Snape enquired archly. "Are you commanding the court?" he hissed.

"No. I lied. It wasn't them. They did not hurt Draco," Percy answered, looking up at his family. He was a murderer, just like them now. So be it.

"That's quite interesting considering you gave your testimony under Veritaserum. That would make you a perjurer. Breaking the Ten Commandments, are we? Not a very good Catholic, but now it seems you are a failure at everything else, so why should that surprise us?" Elan mocked. "Your honor, you have the proof you need. Let justice be done,"

"Despite your inability to confirm your own testimony, it still stands. The law is very clear on what to do. I pronounce all five of you guilty. I sentence the Four Defendants to a life term in Azkaban. As for our star witness, you are hereby convicted of perjury, obstructing justice and incompetence. I suspect such a studious student knows the penalty for those crimes?" Snape derided, over the jeers of the audience and his parents weeping.

Percy was going to be rendered mute! Hands grabbed Percy and pulled him to his feet. "NO! Let go!" Percy demanded.

"You can take him to my chambers. After his tongue is removed, I could use it in an experiment," Snape sneered.

"And to think I might have respected you and that my father trusted you," Elan jeered, turning his back to him.

"PERCY HELP ME!" Ginny was screaming, like the sound of a bell!

Percy awoke with a start, realizing the bell had rung indicating the end of class. Beads of sweat were running down his forehead as he realized it was a dream. At this rate, he was going to go mad! He really needed a drink of water.

Percy and the rest of the students staggered out of the classroom. As he left his seat, a foot got in his way. Percy crumbled to the ground, falling flat on his face. His glasses fell off his nose and landed somewhere with a sickening sort of snapping sound. Percy started to panic. He could not see well without his glasses and everything around him was a blur of colour, due to his astigmatism. He felt around blindly, groping about amidst the fallen papers. He could hear Wood's snickers. "Got a problem, Weasley?" Percy would not respond to that with an answer.

"Looking for your glasses?" Wood mocked. Percy shuddered with rage as he heard the sound of crashing glass. Wood was stepping on his glasses! Percy could not take any more stress, or he would break down completely. Why couldn't everyone just leave him alone!

"If I find them, I'll definitely tell you," Wood continued, giving another hard smash. The grinding was awful! Percy winced as he fumbled about in the blur, trying to find a desk to help himself up. Half-blind like this, he could not use his magic.

"Stop that!" a cold voice suddenly ordered, coming over next to Percy. The voice wasn't very familiar. Percy gazed about blindly, wondering whom his new defender was.

"This isn't your concern," Wood sounded a lot less confident. Whoever this person was, it was someone not to be trifled with.

"Accio glasses!" a voice snapped to Wood's indignant sniff. "Occulus Reparo," the voice continued. A tap on Percy's shoulder guided him to the proper direction. "Here are your spectacles," placing them in Percy's hand.

Percy slipped on the glasses and looked up into the face of Slytherin sixth year Lawrence Derrick. "Are you all right?" he asked, looking mildly concerned as he offered Percy a hand up.

Percy nodded, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Thank you," he muttered, furious he had to be saved like a damsel in distress. Derrick was a friend of Elan Malfoy. The muscular tall boy always loomed in the background, reminding Percy that Derrick had the ability to snap Percy's neck like a twig. He had not realized the Slytherin boy was a decent bloke till now. Why was he helping him?

"What are you doing?" Wood demanded angrily, as Percy gathered the fallen papers with a flick of his wand.

"Nothing he needs your help with, Wood. Leave him alone," Derrick answered, subtly imposing.

"Don't interfere," Wood growled, trying to match his daunting stance.

"Thank you, but I'll be all right," Percy broke in, unwilling to let the situation escalate further.

"I saw what happened. He deliberately tripped you. He deliberately stepped on your specs. Well, I won't have any of that. You're a prefect and should be treated with respect," Derrick reminded.

Percy nodded. "Thank you. You are quite right. Detention for you, Wood, and I will speak to the Head of House," he said haughtily.

"You enjoy taking the house down a peg, don't you?" Wood clearly saw he was outnumbered.

"Do you need more detention?" Percy asked, with Derrick looming in the background for emphasis. When he become Minister, he would definitely rent security trolls. Their intimidation potential was wonderful. Wood gave him a resentful glare and walked off.

Percy turned back to the heavily built student and nodded his thanks again. "I really appreciated that," he repeated.

"Don't mention it, it was nothing," Derrick said dismissively. "Has he been bothering you? If you need any help with him, just ask," he asked as he walked Percy to the Great Hall.

"Losing my brothers as Beaters just addled his brains, I'll be fine," Percy said airily.

"Are you all right? During History of Magic class, you looked like you were going to be sick," Derrick asked, looking mildly concerned.

Percy did not respond the question. He had more important matters to attend to then answer uncomfortable queries. "I have to go study, I'll eat later," he said. He could not walk into the Great Hall with a Slytherin and hope to survive the encounter. He anyway needed some time alone to think.

Derrick shrugged. "As you wish. Just be careful," he warned as he walked into the hall. Percy waited a moment before going into the Great Hall. He grabbed some sandwiches and ran off to the Prefect's Lounge to study.

What surprising hero! He had always been afraid of Derrick. The burly boy had never touched him, but Percy had always wondered what would happen if Elan Malfoy ever had a bout of sadism. He realized now the threat was coming from elsewhere. He really had not expected Wood to keep acting like a ruffian. The boy really needed to move on. Percy burned with rage at being rendered helpless like that, especially after that horrible nightmare.

Being of poor vision had always been the bane of his childhood. He had always been weaker then his brothers because of his glasses. Fred and George had taken to calling him "Four Eyes," since they could count to four. He was not able to play Quidditch very well since his glasses would fall off if he flew too fast. Dad and the others always went too quick for him, so he was always left behind. He finally stopped going, and Dad did not even seem to notice. Mum did not like him flying anyway. "You could get hurt again, dear," she would always say.

Percy would never forget the day he had realized how poor his vision was. He had only been four or five and had been walking down the hall. His older brother Charlie had playfully taken away his glasses. Percy had laughed and continued walking despite the fact that his vision was blurry. He loved Charlie and knew he would never hurt him. The only problem was instead of walking into his bedroom, he found himself falling and tumbling down the stairs.

Percy had landed with a hard thud on the floor. He was dazed, and his head hurt horribly. Charlie was instantly by his side. Even through Percy's hazy vision, he could see Charlie had turned very white.

"Are you all right?" Charlie had quietly asked as he tried to help him up.

Before, Percy could answer, he heard a scream and his glasses were shoved onto his face. Mum had heard the noise and had come to look. She got hysterical, holding him and crying. Percy had not meant to be such trouble. He hated seeing his mother cry. "Mummy? It doesn't hurt much. Please don't cry," he had told.

Mum looked like she was more hurt then he was. She was shaking with anger, as she held him tightly. "Oh, my poor little boy," Mum kept repeating, half to herself.

"I-didn't mean to hurt him. He's going to be all right?" Charlie had said, sounding scared and tearful.

"How could you do this to your little brother? He could have died! Don't you know he can't see? Percy is not a toy! He's delicate and needs to be protected. You just wait till I finish with you. You'll think twice before you play rough with him again," Mum had scolded, as she carried Percy upstairs to bed. He would have to stay and rest for the rest of the day. Before leaving him alone, Mum fussed over him, forcing him to drink a potion and checking him again and again for injuries. Percy felt fine, but he did not want to disobey his mother.

Outside the room, Mum had given Charlie a spanking with the wooden kitchen spoon. Percy had heard his beloved big brother's whimpers of pain through the thin walls. "I have never been so disappointed in you. How could you be so foolish? You are older then him! This was your responsibility. Now you just go watch the twins till dinner and think about what you did," she admonished.

Percy had felt terrible. If he had followed the rules, his brother would not have been punished and his mother would not have gotten so sad. He had hated himself so much. From then on, he knew Bad Things happened if the rules were not obeyed. It was his responsibility to see them right. As this memory returned, he fiddled with his glasses.

He entered the prefect's lounge with a sigh. He missed his older brothers. Bill had always been so remote, being seven years older then Percy. He had been the studious brilliant Head Boy who had gotten such good grades. He had been the Pride of the Weasley clan and Percy's hero. That was until Bill spent the summer in Egypt, traveling with a friend of his. He fell in love with the country, the people and the lazy way of life. He began to dress strangely and lost all his ambition. He spent most of his time going to Imans trying to gain enlightenment. Bill had taken a job with Gringotts and rarely returned to Britain. Even so, the two were on good terms when they met.

Charlie had been closer to Percy and the two had shared a room for many years. Charlie had the wonderful ability to be close to every member of the family and Percy knew he'd know what to do in this situation. Charlie may have been the quietest member of the family, but he was a fantastic listener. When he still lived at home, Percy had confided everything in him. He wished he could still do so now and relieve the guilt, fear and uncertainty inside him.

He began munching a sandwich, while he kept close attention to the clock. He did not want to be late for his next class. In the same vein, he wished he could stay safe in the prefect's lounge instead of facing the outside world. Even though it seemed like Hell was inside him, not just around him.

Percy opened his bag to take out a book to read. He had taken out "Henry the Fifth" from the library and was hoping to catch up on his reading. When he untied the knot, a horrible pop resulted, following by a fetid stench. After years as the twins' elder brother resulted in Percy immediately recognizing the stench. Dungbombs! Damn it! To what depths of immaturity would his house sink to? He smelled horrible! Now he would have to go change. When he caught the person who did this, he would remember Great Hal's words and "Disguise fair nature with hard-favored rage; Then lend the eye a terrible aspect," and give them detention.

****

A freshly coifed Percy set his bag down in the Ancient Runes with a sigh. "You would not believe the day I've had, Tiffany," he said mournfully. A cold glare was her response. Wordlessly, she thrust her book into her own bag and stood up. Percy felt like he'd been slapped. Tiffany Trotter was his fellow prefect.

"Where are you going?" Percy asked his runes partner who was now going at a new worktable.

"I'm working with Trudy Hogun and Alder Holsbrook now. They don't stab cute boys like Oliver in the back," Tiff said, clearly in a tiff.

"Tiffany, you are a Prefect too. What would you have done?" he begged.

"Shooed your siblings away and said nothing. Someone else would have found the Slytherin. I would not have gone to Snape to make sure they lost their places on the Quidditch team. There is your lesson in proper prefect behavior. Now, if you'll excuse me," she smirked, turning back to her new study partners.

Percy walked to away from the middle workbench to the one by the door. He did not want to spend a moment more in this room then he had to. Percy was completely alone. He had bloody well done the right thing, what did everyone want from him? But Percy was nothing if stubborn and self-reliant. If he was condemned to be alone for his Hogwarts career, then so be it. He had his books and his work for company. He just wished he didn't have to do this entire translation alone! It would take him weeks to finish by himself.

"Do you want to work with us?" a voice said quietly. Percy looked up, half startled. He wasn't used to conversing with the students on civil terms anymore. On the bench nearest to him were two Slytherin girls. Percy knew them vaguely. Madeline Fitzjean and Lynn Fawcett were their names; they were part of Elan Malfoy's gang of friends. Due to their habit of snickering at Malfoy's gibes, he hadn't gotten to know them very well.

Fawcett's family owned a large mansion by his house, although he had never spent very much time with her. Dad and Mr. Fawcett didn't get along. Mr. Fawcett was the head of the Department of Magical Catastrophes and he had opposed Dad's Muggle Protection Act. "That Damned Edmund Fawcett," was the nicest name Dad called him. Black haired Fawcett repeated the invitation. "Please have a seat, Weasley."

Percy ignored the offer. This was the second time a member of the opposing house had stuck up for him. "Lovely, I am so low on the social scale that the Slytherin females pity me. Any lower and Filch might start inviting me to tea," he thought bitterly, if it were possible for that gang to have mercy, that is. More likely, they wanted something. Percy had no time for their taunts or psychological mind games, he had a term of exile to serve and a mound of work to finish all by himself.

Fitzjean looked up at him, amused. "Are you afraid that we shall bite?" she asked, her voice lightly accented.

Percy shrugged. "Yes," he said simply, trying to walk away from them faster. He would be hexed for such a flip comment.

To his surprise, both girls started laughing. "Well, you are a clever one!" Fitzjean giggled.

"Clever enough," Percy retorted, wondering what she found so funny? Did vipers find their venom amusing?

"And you feel you must prove it by doing all these translations by yourself? That doesn't seem very clever to me. True, it's dangerous working with us evil Slytherins, but nothing in life comes easy. But suit yourself, Weasley," Fawcett quietly remarked, returning to her work.

His first thought was to tell them to sod off, he didn't need their smart remarks. The enormous list of instructions on the board reminded him that he could use the help on the projects. It was worth being laughed at or facing great danger just to get the work done sooner. It was only business after all. "All right..." he said, sitting down, across from Fitzjean.

"So glad you could join us. I do hope it wasn't that much trouble for you," Fawcett answered dryly. The two girls opened their scrolls.

Percy had a haughty remark to say, but he really needed the help. "No, thank you for having me," he forced himself to say in a genuine tone. One can catch more N.E.W.T.s with Sugar Quills then with Dad's cooking.

The girls seemed pleased with that response. "So, how shall we go about this?" Fitzjean asked.

"I have a steady quill, so I'll copy down the runes in larger for the presentation, Maddy will translate them and Weasley will look it up and write down the instructions. I'll be responsible for making the chart. Works for you all?" Fawcett delegated. Percy nodded. That arrangement seemed fair. Maybe this project wouldn't be so bad. He opened his Rune book, and began classifying the symbols Fitzjean was handing him.

The three didn't speak much, mostly to ask for more ink, or for help on a word. Fawcett definitely had a sure hand, copying the runes down beautifully. Fitzjean on the other hand had a messy scrawl but her translation couldn't be better. He found it easy to categorize them. Working seamlessly, they were soon finished, and there was even some time to spare. Percy was very pleased; this would allow him to spend more time studying for Arithmancy.

"We should try one out in the sand pits to see if we did it right," Fitzjean suggested.

"All right, but you are the experiment. I was the one who suffered last time. Weasley, would you help me?" Fawcett asked briskly. Percy didn't know what else to say, so he nodded. The three trooped over to a box of sand, where students practiced performing the runes. Sand reduced the power of spells, allowing mistakes that would ordinarily be fatal to just sting the hands a good deal.

"We shall attempt the Confining rune. Weasley, please read the incantation, I will do the drawing," Fawcett directed, handing the parchment to Percy.

Fitzjean sighed dramatically. "Why do I have the feeling I am going to regret this?" she asked mournfully.

Fawcett didn't respond, but a smile tugged at her lips.

"You can sit down, Fitzjean, this may take a few moments" Percy suggested, levitating a chair for her. The brown haired girl smiled at him.

"Thank you, is that a last privilege?" she said, sitting down.

"We have work to do and you both can chatter later. If Maddy tries to escape, please petrify her," Fawcett said in a calm voice. Percy was a bit confused until he saw the mischievous glint in her eyes.

Fitzjean stuck out her tongue. "Let's see you confine me first. I do not think either of you have the skill to do it," she challenged.

"You'll regret that statement!" Percy said in a teasing tone. He could not believe had just made a joke. The words had just come out, he had not meant for them to actually leave his mind. He winced and prepared a haughty damage control, but to his surprise the girls giggled pleasantly.

"I believe you are in trouble, Maddy," Fawcett smiled.

Percy decided not to try his luck on another joke. He picked up the scroll and began chanting, as Fawcett floated the picture of the rune in front of her, as she knelt in the sand and draw a circle in the sand. She then began to copy down the various swirls, twists and designs around it, in an intricate pattern with her wand. Percy, even as he chanted couldn't help but marvel at Fawcett's talents at drawing the runes. He admired talent whenever he saw it and she definitely had it. "All right, nearly done. You can stop now, Weasley" she directed.

Fitzjean twisted a lock of russet hair with a smile as she got up from her chair. "I do apologize, noble wizard for offending you. As my last request, Weasley, please insure Lynn does not get my broomstick," she teased.

"Your esteem is duly noted. Please hold still, I don't want you ruining the runes," Fawcett directed, waving her wand.

Fitzjean's hand flew above her head, and her body rose from the floor, like a marionette. "That is not fair!" she hissed before she was levitated inside the circle.

Percy couldn't resist a grin. It was nice to have light fun again, even if it wasn't something he usually enjoyed. Having anyone speak to him nicely was welcome. Once Fitzjean was inside, Fawcett completed the final loop. "All right, everything seems to be in order. Maddy, you are free to go if you can," she directed.

Fitzjean tried to take a step forward, but was stopped as if by invisible walls. She tapped her fingers around the air around her, but it was solid. She gave them a thumb's up. "It works."

"Excellent work, a lovely job. Twenty points to Slytherin and ten to Gryffindor," Professor Malachite said, admiring the work. "I am very pleased with you three,"

"Excellent work," Fawcett said, shaking hands with Percy. She had the habit of looking into Percy's eyes directly when she spoke to him, a habit Percy found quite interesting.

"Congratulations, now let me out!" Fitzjean ordered, her hands on her hips.

"That is an interesting. Should I let Fitz out? I think the dorm would be quieter without her. I also believe I would like to try her broom," Fawcett mused calmly.

Fitzjean stamped her foot. "Lynn, let me out immediately, I should have known you would do this to me," she said, trying to keep the laughter from coming into her angry face.

Percy just stood there, trying not to laugh. He had really hated this humor before, but it was such a relief to laugh again and feel part of something, of anything!

"Weasley, please be a dear and save me from Lynn," Fitzjean begged.

"Don't you already have a Slytherin in shining armor? I imagine you should wait for Jehan to save you," Fawcett reminded.

"I asked Percy to save me, not snog me. If Jehan was here, I could ask him to do both. Most likely simultaneously," Fitzjean said honestly.

Percy's face now matched his hair. Fawcett must have noticed, because she patted his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Weasley. I didn't mean to make you feel nervous. Maddy and I are just joking around. We work hard and play hard, that's the Slytherin motto," Fawcett explained.

"I thought the Slytherin motto was 'Might makes right'?" Fitzjean said lightly.

"Another fine quote of the House," Fawcett released her friend. "We keep changing them to keep people on their toes," she continued, looking directly at Percy.

"It was lovely working with you ladies" Percy mumbled as the bell rung.

"Indeed. You were not half bad yourself. Next class, you have to promise to help me do something evil to Lynn," Fitzjean said.

Percy just nodded and fled to the sounds of the girls' laughter. He needed to clear his head. For the second time today, Slytherins had come to his rescue. What a strange world it was turning into. If he did not know better, he would believe everyone had gone mad. Looking around him and even at himself, he would believe that.

*********

Percy had been studying on the conch of the prefect's lounge the next morning, having eaten his breakfast in there. His roommates had short sheeted his bed, giving him no end of annoyance last night. It had taken him a half hour of precious study-time to fix the sheets to make the bed useable again.

All night he had been subjected to horrible dreams of failure and ruin. Tossing and turning all night, he had finally took some Passion Flower from his potions kit to help him sleep. That seemed to help him get a few hours rest.

This morning he had awoken to find his best pair of shoes glued to the floor of the dormitory. After twenty minutes of yanking, charming and coaxing, he had finally given up and fetched another pair. Shoes were expensive and he would have to save his pocket money for a new pair. Being poor stung him anew. He had no idea who the culprits were, but he had a feeling it was his twin brothers. Without proof, of course there was no recourse of stopping the harassment.

He was in no mood to be mocked so he had continued to take his food and find a quiet place to eat. The door opened and someone entered the prefect's room. Percy looked up and when he saw who the speaker was, he was furious. That gossipy Sam Palce who had told everyone about what happened over Halloween. "May I take this seat?" the Slytherin asked. Percy was in no mood to be mocked.

"I'd prefer you didn't. I'm quite displeased that you made up rumors about me. Just because a certain professor was speaking to me, you assumed I had a part in criminal activities. You should be more careful then spreading rumours. It ill befits a prefect to accuse the innocent," Percy said haughtily.

"I must have misunderstood the situation. If so, I apologize. I only mentioned what I saw, I didn't dare listen in," Palce said politely, a small smile on his face.

Percy bit his lip. He could tell that Palce was trying to be gracious, but that both knew Percy had been exaggerating. Snape had been dragging him around. "I know how it looked," he began, "but he did only want to talk to me. He was just very resolved on the matter," he said, looking away.

Palce smiled sheepishly. "Honestly, I do believe you, Weasley. At the time, nobody knew what was going on. I only mentioned it because it was so out of the ordinary, considering what a model prefect you are. We were just joking around about Snape being in a bad mood and the minutiae you must have been caught on. People must have just connected the events based on circumstantial evidence. I apologize if I embarrassed you in any way,"

Percy has nothing else to say. He got an apology, what else could he ask for. "Not a problem, Palce, it was a mere misunderstanding? Please sit down. So, you are here early?" he said, hastily changing the subject.

"I was passing by and saw you go in here. I figured you were preparing to get an early start on studying and decided to join you," Palce said lightly, as he rummaged through his bag, taking out the day's copy of the Daily Prophet and laying it on the table.

"May I see the paper?" Percy said, not sure what to say.

"Sure," Palce said, still rummaging around.

Percy opened up the paper and noticed the front page was dealing with the trade bill being proposed with the Chinese Empress Tao Jun. The deal would bring in millions of Gallons into the economy. Dad had often criticized the Chinese Royal family for their cruelty to Muggles, kidnapping them and using them for potions ingredients. Percy figured that Dad would like nothing more then to put embargos on the entire country.

"So, what is your opinion on that matter?" Palce asked, nodding to the picture of Prince Tao Ren meeting with Minister Fudge.

Percy adjusted his glasses and thought for a moment. "Well, I don't think Britain ignoring them will make the Royal family pass laws protecting Muggles. I know it's terrible that they still sell Muggle parts for potions ingredients but an embargo is foolish," he answered

Palce nodded. "Do you think we are sanctioning Muggle hunting and slavery if we trade with the Tao Dynasty?" he continued.

"Britain is merely making a profit, it is not making a statement on Muggles rights. There are other countries China can trade with and they have a great deal of power in the East. If insulted, the Empress might just harass the Muggles even more. Worse, she could build an alliance against the West. Britian no longer controls so much of Asia," Percy replied, feeling as though he was being quizzed.

"And what do you think caused that?" Palce pressed and then laughed. "You'll have to forgive me. I love talking about politics and there are so few knowledgeable people about the school," he continued.

"Quite all right, I enjoy a good political discussion as well. Well, that incompetent Minister Louis Donaldson lost parts of the empire. If he had sent in Aurors at the proper time, we would not have to kow-tow to foreign rulers. The only way we can contain what power we do have is maintaining the finest foreign trade," Percy said, thoroughly enjoying himself.

"Even if it means eliminating certain embargos on say-flying carpets?" Palce asked softly.

Percy reddened. "That wasn't fair," he protested, feeling quite put off.

"There is no law that says you have to agree with your father, is there? I am just asking a hypothetical question. I meant no offence," Palce defended himself.

Percy shrugged. "Well, I really don't agree with that law my father made," he said, especially if Dad broke the law in his own house. He supposed that despite the problems, he did have a good family. "Even if I disagree with them, I am lucky to have a family and not be raised by house elves like..." Percy started and then blushed.

Palce raised an eyebrow. "Me and the rest of the Slytherins?" he asked, looking amused. Percy looked away and nodded.

"May I venture a guess as to what you consider Slytherin childrearing? Our parents have arranged and loveless marriages, which often end up in alcoholism and physical abuse? Children are grudgingly created for heirs and then abandoned to house elves to be raised, while the self-absorbed parents have balls and ignore their offspring. Once in a while, said offspring are trotted out and allowed to be in the same room as parents. We children live in fear of our parents, who have us brutally whipped if we breathe incorrectly, but we have everything in the world besides love? Is that what you think my family is like?" Palce asked incredulously.

Percy did not answer. He felt a bit embarrassed. That was what he had been told by his parents, that the Green Bloods were horrible and cold parents who abused their children.

"It's amazing we are all able to get up in the mornings. Weasley, I have a wonderful family. You are invited to my house to see for yourself. I mean, my parents and brother are not perfect, but they are nothing like the way you described," Palce said wryly.

"I guess I just believed what I heard. I mean, rumors usually have some truth to them. I apologize if I offended you," Percy murmured lamely.

"Don't worry, Weasley, I'm more amused then offended. No idea how such nonsense could get spread. I mean, of course most children have gotten into trouble, including myself. Although no one I know has been given a dose of the cat o'nine tails and locked in the dungeons in chains. Somehow, every member of the House has managed to survive their childhood. It must been a bloody miracle," Palce said with a wry smile.

"Well, for once I'm glad to be wrong. It's almost time for class. I think we had better go," Percy said, trying to change the subject again.

Palce nodded. "My friend Montague told me the most interesting fact about the Tao dynasty. I'll tell you about it on the way,"

The two chatted amiably as they made their way through the halls. Even if Palce was a Slytherin, he was a prefect so it was all right to fraternize with him.

Percy entered the dungeon, trying to resist a shudder. This place had never been a place he liked and now he had more bad memories to add to the stew. He had arrived early to get a seat in the back where he could sit unobtrusively. He understood that he was working alone. As he sat down towards the back, Palce sat down next to him.

"The Blood Replenishing Potion does need two pairs of hands. Can I take this seat?" the Slytherin prefect asked.

Percy nodded. "Sure." What else did he have to lose? This was the third time Slytherins had gone out of their way to be kind to him. He had no idea they could be so kind. Or were they?

A note of worry crossed his mind, but Snape had entered the classroom. This increased Percy's worry to sheer panic. He could not forget how he had been manhandled and accused at his hands. Even though Snape was far less vindictive and sarcastic to his NEWT Level classes, Percy really did not want to see him. It brought back too many bad memories.

"You may begin work. Your potions should be ready to be tested by the end of the class. The best among you will not require more then half the time," the potions master directed quietly. He didn't need to raise his voice, his mere presence made students listen.

"You take odd ingredients, I'll take even," Palce directed. Percy nodded and busied himself with his work, as he began to stew the iron fillings. Palce was an efficient worker himself and together, they soon had a nice batch of the potion, bubbling happily on the fire. A few other pairs had finished brewing, like Fitzjean and Fawcett as well as Derrick and his partner Darcy Macnamara, the Ravenclaw prefect. Percy liked these mixed classes, only the brightest and best could attend. In this classroom sat future leaders of the wizarding world.

"Excellent purple colour, gentlemen," Snape suddenly said, interrupting Percy's musings. The professor was standing next to them and studying the contents.

"Thank you, sir," Palce answered. Percy nodded his thanks as well, and tried to resist the urge to tremble.

"I think it's ready for testing. Dip your turnip in the potion," Snape directed.

Percy did as he was told. Taking the vegetable with a pair of tongs, he dipped it into the brew for a moment. Raising it, he held it in the air while Palce's gloved hand squeezed it lightly. Red blood streamed out.

"Excellent work! Full marks to both of you. You may begin preparing for the next lesson," Snape directed, moving on to test Zanbini and Sawyer's potion.

"Admirable job, Weasley. With your brewing skills, your enemies should be checking their cup before dinner," Palce said, giving a huge smile. A calm feeling filled Percy before that nagging question returned. What did the Slytherins want with him?

*******

"Weasley, can I talk to you for a minute?" a voice said, interrupting Percy from reading. After leaving Potions class, Percy had gone for an early lunch. Everyone had moved away from him, leaving him isolated in one corner.

"Yes?" Percy did not look up from his book he was reading to distract him from his pariah-hood. He could see over the top of the pages that it was that cheeky Potter was sitting down across from him. Percy had nothing to say to him.

"Draco asked me to come find you and bring up to the Hospital Wing."

At those words, Percy was listening. His prayers had been answered! "Malfoy is awake?" he gasped.

"Yes." Sweeter words had never been spoken! Percy felt like a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

"Thank Merlin," he sighed. His siblings were safe from Azkaban. Everything was going to be all right. "And thank you for telling me," he said happily.

"He wants to see you," the celebrity child pressed, disturbing Percy's inward Hallujahs.

Percy glared at the pint-sized idol. He was having a happy moment, could he have it in peace? "Patience, Potter; it is a virtue. Malfoy isn't going anywhere soon, and I'll see him after I finish my lunch," Percy said haughtily. That boy really required a lesson in manners. Potter had started to stand up, but Percy motioned him to wait a moment. He debated giving the younger student another telling off, but he was too relieved to be that angry. His family was safe and Draco would tell everyone the true story. His reputation was safe as well. Besides, it had just been a little second year's overactive imagination. A mild scolding would be appropriate.

"I do hope this answers your questions about my being involved in such maleficent behaviour," Percy said quietly, so that the conversation would not carry to other ears. "Next time, refrain from making accusations based on circumstantial evidence."

To his credit, Potter flushed. "Sorry," he muttered, clearly embarrassed about being so impenitent.

"Accepted," Percy said generously. He was nothing but forgiving of those who wronged him. All they had to admit was he was right and they were wrong.

The next words took Percy completely by surprise. "Turns out you were pretty heroic. You saved my best friend's life. Thanks."

Percy blushed to the roots of his hair as he finished his sandwich. A hero of the wizarding world called him heroic. Even if he was an impertinent child, that was quite a compliment. "Thank you, Potter," he said, gathering his books up to leave. He could not believe how strange things were turning out.

Percy walked through the halls, quite unsure what to say. He hated the patient so much and yet, nothing had made him happier then Malfoy recovering. He entered the Hospital Wing and went to Draco's bedside. The little imp was still bandaged and a bit paler then usual, but he was alive.

"Weasley. Good. You're here," the little boy intoned as if he was Queen Elizabeth herself. Percy nodded, unsure what to say. "Won't you sit down?" the boy offered imperiously, as if it was a great honor he was granting.

Percy sat, still remembering that this was the little brat who got him a punishment essay. He was here as a hero and should be treated accordingly. He wanted to be more haughty with the boy, but he was too relieved to see him alive.

"I know you probably don't like me very much. That's how it was supposed to be. I wasn't all that fond of you either," the brat said imperiously.

Percy shrugged. "Well, I don't hate you," he haughtily lied through his teeth. What else was he supposed to say?

"Don't deny it. We both know it's true. It also doesn't change the fact that you probably saved my life." Draco looked right at him. "Thanks."

Percy did not know how to say he was regretting this decision, so he merely nodded. Hearing Elan's brother thank him was a very good feeling. He wondered what that bastard would have to say, knowing that the reason his precious brother was alive was because of him. Of course, that mental image was not enough to stop the pain he felt at being an outcast. "You're welcome. It was my duty after all," Percy said, unsure what to say.

"Come come, Weasley, be gracious about it," Draco said.

Percy smiled to himself. What an arrogant little boy. He wondered if it was exhausting to be so pompous. "I'm just not used to seeing such humble behavior from a Malfoy and I doubt I should get used to it. I'm trying to be as gracious as possible," he said archly.

"Malfoys are not humble. But we are properly grateful when gratitude is called for. For my part, I'm going to lay off you. I think you've shown everyone who you really are under all that pomp, and if you work on it a bit, you might start to resemble a decent wizard."

Percy marveled at the boy's egotism. He had the nerve to lecture him on superciliousness and pomp? If the brat was filled with more hot air, he'd float out of the hospital wing. That decent wizard comment would have irked him if it had been anyone else who said it. The poor little kid must be trying to be brave. He supposed the little imp had been taught not to show weakness by that arrogant brother of his. Percy did not need to tell him off, it would not be right. He almost felt sorry for the boy. He must be still shaken from the near death experience. "Duly noted. Did you get the papers I left you? I thought they would help," he said. He would be the bigger person and make sure the kid was doing all right.

"I need no help. I'm a top student, you know. Thanks for the thought, but I'll be quite all right. Your help to me has been noted as well. I hope you know you will be well rewarded," Draco said pompously, his bandaged nose in the air.

Percy nodded. "Your father already offered me an internship and some help getting into the Ministry ranks," he said, trying to resist the urge to laugh at Draco's pretentious behavior.

Draco seemed pleased with that. "I might have known Father would have taken care of things."

Percy would dearly love to listen to Elan's brother being grateful to him, but he had to get to Charms and Arithmancy class.

"All right. Well, feel better and if you need anything, your friend Potter seems to have a knack of finding me. Good day," Percy said, rising from the bench.

"Goodbye," Draco said haughtily. Percy resisted the urge to give a mocking curtsy and left. He would never understand Malfoys. In fact, he did not understand a lot of things about the world.

The rest of the day went quietly for Percy. Flitwick kept control in Charms class and had them practice the Protean Charm. Arithmancy was just lecture today, meaning he finally had some peace and quiet. Fawcett had been nice enough to save him a seat, though he has not had time to speak much to her. Percy knew he should be worried about the attention those Slytherins were paying to him, but he was in too good of a mood. Besides, he loved Arithmancy too much to spend the class in idle chit-chat.

During Muggle Studies, Professor Livingstone had the class independently finish reading the book "Dracula" by Bram Stoker. Percy had amused himself by underlining every inaccuracy in the book. According to his last check, that was nearly every line. After Lockhart's class, Percy at least knew how to slay non-human vampires. This book was sheer idiocy! He had no idea why Dad liked Muggles so much; they clearly had no concept of reality. The only reason Vampires feared crosses was because of their added use as effective stakes. Vampires could not control the weather, a complete blunder which had made Percy snicker. What kind of idiot wrote this blarney? Had Jonathan Harker met the real Vlad Dracula, he would have been dinner before you could say "Sugerquills." Muggle Studies was still an interesting class, though. Next week, they would be starting a new book which looked exciting.

Muggles Studies had not been Percy's first choice. He had wanted to take Divination instead, as he was curious about the future. He had heard rave reviews about it by older students, but Professor McGonagall had strongly advised him against it and he had taken her counsel. He knew it was a rather inexact science, but it sounded fascinating. Muggle Studies did look better on his resume, he concluded as he left class for dinner.

Despite still being ignored by his peers and being forced to eat dinner alone, Percy had never felt or slept better then that night. Surely, this was the start of better times!