(Untitled)

[vedovo]

Who: Arthur Weasley, Percy Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom
Where: A small pub in Dover.
When: 14th October 2001
Status: Complete

Comments

[foolishambition]

Percy hesitated before he approached his father; the man looked absolutely beside himself. Though, Percy couldn't blame him. Though he knew that if he took one second to think about his own emotions he might break.

"Hello," he said, touching his father on the shoulder. "Sorry it took me so long. Things...," he sighed and ran a hand though his hair. "Things are things."

Percy sat down next to his father. "They'll be here soon: Ginny, Ron, Neville, and Hermione. Bill and Fleur, Charlie, Fred and George won't be present." He paused. "When you're ready, I'll get them."

He watched his father digest the information and willed himself to remain calm.

[vedovo]

Arthur couldn't stop the amount that he jumped upon hearing his son's voice. Mentally cursing himself for allowing Percy to see how unnerved he was by the whole situation, he swallowed nervously. The names twitched at his heartstings each time another fell from Percy's lips, and he nodded in acknowledgement.

"So many of them. All of you - I'm so glad, you know, that you're all -" He broke off and looked down at his hands again, composing himself. "Give me a minute, Percy, I don't want them to see me like this."

After a few sips of Dutch courage, Arthur nodded. "Alright. Alright," he said, to himself as much as Percy, and rubbed his hands together.

[foolishambition]

Percy resisted the urge to reach out and embrace his father. "Yeah, of course," he said, his voice nearly a whisper. "You can take all the time you need. I'm almost positive they're not going anywhere." After pause that felt awkward to Percy he added, "I'm sure they don't care how you are so long as they get to see you."

He watched his father drink it was a jarring sight to Percy. He could only remember seeing his father drink for happy occasions - not to steel his nerves; but then, what did Percy really know?

"Alright. Shall I get them?"

[vedovo]

Arthur nodded, and finished the rest of his drink in one before placing the empty glass to the side. His face settled into a rather perturbed expression, though really it was an unfortunate attempt at making a neutral face.

Arthur dusted his hands off on his trousers and got to his feet, before stuffing them in his pockets to hide the shaking. Suddenly, the amount that he missed Molly became all the more acute.

[foolishambition]

Percy took one last look at his father, savoring the final moment that Arthur was his and his alone. "Right, I'll be right back." He clapped his father lightly on the shoulder as he walked away.

The walk through the pub was the longest walk he'd ever taken; it seemed to go on forever. He finally made his way to the group of people who were waiting rather impatiently, Percy thought.

"He's ready," Percy said. "And I think he's really nervous. You lot have a million questions I'm sure - and every right to ask them - but please ... don't be too hard on him."

He cleared his throat. "Well, let's go then."

And with that Percy began the process of formally reuniting his family.