RP: Retail Therapy

[pb_percy]

Date/Time: 29 May, noon-ish
Characters: Percy Weasley, Cho Chang
Location: Diagon Alley
Status: Public
Summary:  Percy shops to take his mind off the night before.
Completion: Complete

The lunchtime crowds were perfect for it. He slipped out of the office after finishing his morning work early (type-setting for a new pamphlet with updated information

Comments

[pb_percy]

Penny...

Percy thought wryly back to his days at the Ministry, the fervor with which he'd thrown himself at the job...forcing himself to think cauldron thickness was important and the fall-out of his loyalty to Crouch and the Ministry. Penny had been a wonderful support in those days, his only, but he'd eventually managed to drive her away with his mad devotion (nay, obsession) with the job.

"If you don't mind a little experienced advice," Percy said, "take as much time as you can get. Work is important but that can never be everything."

Percy put The Never-ending Story down and continued to scan the tiny shelf. Tucked in-between two large volumes was a skinnier hard-back tome with intricately embossed leather. It was an earlier edition of an almanac-like book that had helped him get settled once he was living on his own: Melph's Magical Guide to Life After School, 2001 Percy smiled a little. Hermione would probably find it more useful but then again, the first time Percy had to do his own laundry...

No, Ron would need this. If it was one thing he knew in retrospect to living at The Burrow it was that there were some things better taught than learned, and try as Molly might, she tended to take much of the day-to-day essentials on herself. Book though it may be, Percy had a feeling it would see a lot of use. He got the stall owner's attention and made his purchase, not completely satisfied with his rationalization, but content enough.

He checked his watch and wasn't surprised to see that he had all of ten minutes to get back to the office.

"Well, I'm afraid I must be going," he said to Cho, "If you ever want to have lunch, my building is just down the way from the public entrance to the Ministry, number 81." He grinned warmly, then stopped, "would you care to walk with me?" Suddenly the crowded street had seemed strangely lonely.

[pb_cho]

Perhaps she'd hit a nerve? Penelope must be a personal topic for Percy, and she'd completely forgotten. It wasn't like Cho to be embarassed; most of the time, she was perfectly in control of herself, and when mistakes were made she accounted for them smoothly. But she didn't want another Weasley thinking badly of her - that simply wouldn't do. Particularly when she was trying to be rid of those old demons.

With Percy's reply, however, she was relieved. Though she had heard the same advice a thousand times over - from father, from her instructors - it was rather meaningful from someone she hardly knew. "Thank you, Percy. I've enjoyed speaking with you, however brief."

She couldn't help but return the smile. "Certainly."

[pb_percy]

Percy was more relieved than he would ever admit that she said yes. True gentlemen manners going full tilt he offered her his arm and helped extract her from the mass of customers around the stall.

This was nice. Bold, for him maybe, but still nice. There was no pretense here--just a fair bit of chance. Fair being the operative word there.

"So what's the latest news from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement?" Percy asked, honestly curious but trying to suppress it. There were so many other things to concentrate on: the weather was beautiful, he didn't have much waiting for him at work, and Ginny and Ron were certain to enjoy their gifts.

[pb_cho]

How long had it been since someone had taken Cho's arm? She was reminded sharply of Cedric; he had been just as kind. A gentleman. That was what she had liked in him, really - he was noble. Though he was competitive and strove to win, he never resented those competing with him. She had had quite a bit to learn from him, really, and had only just begun. If Percy had taken her arm months ago, she probably would have been tearing up by now, and living up to her reputation of being a completely unstable, emotional wreck.

Cho had grown up quite a bit. If Cedric had taught her anything, it was to appreciate every moment. And so, she allowed herself to continue smiling broadly -- why not encourage such gentlemanly behavior? It was rare enough, and she hadn't been lying when she said she was enjoying their conversation.

"Ah, the Department.. Well, to be honest, it seems there isn't very much excitement anymore," Cho giggled. "Mostly confiscating dangerous items - dangerous being the odd enchanted teapot or tapestry, mind you - and taking care of all the loose ends from the... You know. The ordeal we've just been through. We're being shuffled into odd jobs, honestly."

[pb_percy]

A slight chuckle escaped Percy. Sounded like a job for his father. After the initial end of the war there had been a string of massive raids, followed by, as he'd heard someone at the Ministry call it "a lot of thumb twiddling and general mindless buggery while the administrative end sorted itself out."

"I'd think you'd enjoy the lull, everything considered." he replied, "It's been a lot of paper-pushing on my end. There were a lot of functions and benefits in the beginning but now we're on to the nitty-gritty of meetings and action committees and just keeping an eye on the Ministry in general." Percy sighed, "It's hard to take much action in a political action group if there's nothing to act on, after all."

[pb_cho]

"My training is still just as demanding," Cho reminded him, playful. "And of course, I bet you by the time I'm a real auror, the lull will be over! Just my luck, really. ...Though if you ask me, I think my luck's shaped up nicely today."

Paper pushing! That was just what she'd tried to avoid, herself. The words political action group, however, quickly piqued her interest. "...What is it exactly that you do?"