weave the great web

It had been a long day at week following the events of the Halloween masquerade and then a myriad of stress at the Ministry. Percy almost hesitantly denied a family dinner but it seemed the comfort he needed. Percy could easily be trapped in his work and his family always offered a keen escape that he craved. Even though he had just made amends with Charlie, he still was worried and concerned about Harriet.

As soon as Percy arrived at his former house, he gave his mother and father a chaste kiss on the cheek before heading up to his old bedroom to change. The work clothes seemed to be what he lived in, but even Percy preferred to change as soon as he left. The tie around his neck fell and the tightness loosened. 

Percy barely heard the door creak open until he turned around and saw Penelope. Penelope Clearwater was in his bedroom. Penelope Clearwater was here. Why was she here? Percy then realized he was stunned and speechless, only staring as he held his shirt in his hands. They had been talking for the last few months and Percy nearly had a moment to kiss her on the train but his insecurities got the best of him.

He cleared his throat and his brows knitted together in confusion. “Pen-penelope, what-what are you…did mother invite you?” he asked weakly, hating how surprised he sounded and knew he looked shocked too. Percy took a breath and turned to give himself a moment and to throw on the nearest shirt he had. Why hadn’t mummy told him about Penelope coming? It seemed like vital information considering Percy’s feelings and here he was looking like a speechless buffoon. “I’m sorry-I wasn’t-I didn’t know you were coming.”

◊

If there was a protocol for running into your ex-boyfriend shirtless while trying to rekindle your friendship, Penelope certainly didn’t know it. She stood in stunned silence while her brain flashed through different scenarios on how to react,  flushing bright red and ducking her head as Percy searched for a shirt. A tiny part of her brain whispered that he looked good, but she stamped it down ruthlessly and simply tried not to die of embarrassment. 

“I’m so sorry, I thought she would have told you,” Pen said, feeling awkward and out of her depth. “We ran into each other the other day and she invited me, I would have said something but we had those meeting conflicts for lunch yesterday,” she trailed off. Honestly, eating dinner with her ex’s family was a little out of Penelope’s comfort zone, but it was suddenly a lot harder to stomach knowing that Percy hadn’t known, and possibly didn’t want her there. 

“I’m sorry,” she said again, “I can go. Maybe this is just bad timing, I can create an excuse for your mum.” 

status: closed starter for @pennyhaywoodx​

Penelope felt almost lighter than air as she made her way to the café where she was meant to meet Penny. Intellectually she knew she was very much in the beginning stages of the honeymoon phase, having just confirmed her feelings for Percy were reciprocated the night before, but it didn’t stop her from feeling amazing! The only thing that could make it better was time with friends, especially friends who gave her the courage to confess in the first place. 

Snagging a table by a window, Pen put in her order and waited for Penny. She pulled out a notebook to get some work done, but only barely managed to stop herself from doodling Percy’s name in the margins. God, she felt 12 all over again. Thankfully, she spotted her friend’s blonde hair and waved, beckoning Penny over. “Penny!” 

status: closed starter for @percyweasley-arc​

Though Penelope and Percy had been working on rebuilding their friendship, somehow Molly Weasley inviting her to dinner at the Burrow still caught her by surprise. She’d been to the Burrow of course, though that was when she and Percy had been... together. And they weren’t anymore. 

Still, it was more time she would get to spend with Percy and she couldn’t deny that as much as she liked the Weasleys, there was only one Weasley that she’d do just about anything for. So here Pen was, walking up to the gate of the Burrow after all these years. 

Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the gates and headed for the door. It was a dinner with a friend’s family, Penelope reasoned, there was no reason to be so nervous. Knocking at the door, she let herself in at the call of a voice from inside. Molly was busy in the kitchen, doing something involving copious amounts of flour. Greeting her, Pen offered to help but she was shooed up the stairs to go find Percy. 

Penelope stepped lightly up the stairs to where she remembered Percy’s old room to be, trailing her fingers lightly over the pictures on the wall, smiling sadly at the young and innocent red-headed faces smiling back at her. Her heart twisted seeing Fred and George together. She didn’t know what she’d do if she lost Jason or Izzy, and the twins would never be the same without the other. Shaking herself out of her musings, Pen forced the thought from her mind and knocked twice on Percy’s door before letting herself in. 

“Percy? Your mum said you were up here—oh!” she exclaimed, as she walked into Percy’s bedroom to find him staring at her in shock, totally shirtless. 

It had been too long since they had a conversation, saying more than small talk and passing comments in the corridors at work. The war had shifted their relationship and friendship but enough had happened to both of them to shift their perspectives. Being close and talking to her was only stirring the familiar memories of them together. The proximity of them being close was already kicking in Percy’s mind, conscious of it but also keen on listening to every word she had to say. “Of course. I would love to hear all about it. You have my attention and time if you ever need it.” The thought of a promise of seeing her again made him hopeful that this would be a rekindling of sorts. Percy was left stunned when she left, thinking that the short conversation and promise of meeting somewhere else was enough to make him question everything. He smiled at himself with wonder at what it was before following suit.

time jump

One drink had turned into two and Percy couldn’t stop smiling at the conversation they were having. It had been a long time since he had this much fun on a weekday after work and with drinks none the less. It almost felt as if he had stepped back into time when they would do this after graduating or on their Hogsmeade trips. It had been a while since he had felt so relaxed with someone and he kept glancing at Penelope when she wasn’t looking. “Yes, you’re quite right. A lot has changed since school…so much has happened in the last few years to change any person. I’m glad I was able to see you again. Like this. Can’t tell you the last time I let myself do something like this. I should thank you.”

-----

There was a red flush covering Penelope’s cheeks as their one drink turned into several. Even knowing, vaguely, that she should take care to keep her wits about her, Pen couldn’t force herself to revert into the same horrid awkwardness she felt around Percy. Getting to spend this time with him, both of their guards down, was something she hadn’t thought would happen anytime soon, if ever. It was kind of wonderful. Besides, she never really left much time in her schedule for spur of the moment plans, and rarely let herself let loose, so this was probably past due. Or at least, that’s what she was going to tell herself. The lighting in the pub caught the edges of Percy’s face strikingly, and it was increasingly difficult to look away. She nodded along as Percy spoke, heart-sore as she thought about all of the hardships they’d faced out of Hogwarts. Penelope reached out across the table to where Percy’s hand rested, linking their fingers together. It was a familiar gesture, almost to the point where it was subconscious, if not for the warmth it sent through her. “Don’t thank me! This was your brilliant idea, this time anyway. But I’m glad to see you too,” she said with a small if giddy smile, before taking a sip of her drink for some sort of courage. “I really missed you, you know.” 

There had been times that Percy wanted to walk by Penelope’s department and fall into a conversation that they had so easily done so before. The battle at the school had been a lot especially with the after effect that came with a toll. Percy had an unfortunate fallout with her and he had been filled with guilt since. He had liked what they had even with the romantic bits aside, she made for lovely company. She was only a few levels down from where he worked and the thought usually drifted into his mind.

It could have been years since they had a proper conversation and Percy fell into the same energy as they once had. Despite him being incredibly tired and overwhelmed, Percy’s attention was fully alert to Penelope and her assignment. “That is so fascinating,” he emitted honestly. “You must tell me your findings as I would love to hear about anything that has to do with the subject. I’m sure the proposal will go well.” He was already keen to what she was saying, thinking she could talk about anything and she could hold his interest. 

It was the most subtle touch, but it was from Penelope and before his arms could come around her after the initial shock, she was already stepping away. He wanted so much to chase her touch and he couldn’t understand his thoughts now. For years he hadn’t seen her and now it felt like nothing had changed. “Yes, we could probably see somewhere other than our offices. Maybe a stiff drink or two. There’s a place by my flat that we could go to. Doesn’t close until 2 a.m. Would you like that?” Percy had yet to been alone with Penelope like this and he wanted it to be right. He wanted to continue this conversation and couldn’t hide the smile that she was agreeing to go out with him somewhere. Subconsciously he was standing closer to her now as the lift descended. The floo network was still going surprisingly and Percy turned to Penelope. “Um. Three Broomsticks, alright? My place is in Hogsmeade Village…if you remember.”

-----

Penelope couldn’t stop the bright smile she shot at Percy if she tried, excitement from her research and his vote of confidence in her work sending warmth through her. It was a little unexpected, how viscerally she responded to him despite the years of absence. Pen hadn’t realized just how much she had missed him until he was right in front of her, and suddenly the minor heartache she’d nursed all these years caught fire. “That means a lot, thank you,” she told him. Penelope tugged on a loose hair that had fallen from her bun. “If my proposal makes it through the first set of approvals I have to present it. If you ever have a minute, maybe you could give me your feedback? It would be good to get an outside perspective,” she trailed off, feeling awkward and like she might have pushed the boundaries of this uncertain friendship. 

There was a light tingling sensation all along Pen’s arms from where she had hugged Percy, and she had the distant thought that alcohol would probably only make it worse. But it only took another look at Percy and she realized that even if this was a mistake, it was a mistake she was committed to making. “That would be great,” Pen said. It was a chance for the two of them to reconnect, a little break from reality. Penelope thought they could both use one. “Three Broomsticks,” she nodded, before blushing at the memories that sprung to the front of her mind of Percy’s apartment. “I remember,” Pen said, flustered. She realized how close she was standing next to him as they made it to the fireplaces and took a quick step away towards the nearest hearth. “Meet you there!” she called over to him, as she grabbed a pinch of floo powder and stepped into the fireplace. 

…

molly couldn’t remember the last time she had seen penelope. she had heard rumours about her and percy’s relationship and had met the younger woman a time or two. she thought, if they were true, they made a cute couple. she seemed to calm percy. they balanced each other. she also had bonded with the other woman about their respective careers, penelope being and development specialist and her being a special education teacher.

when penelope took her hand, she gave the young woman a squeeze of the hand and a soft smile. it was a small, but very much appreciated gesture. that was all she needed, really, was the small gestures. she wasn’t one to call attention to herself. “and percy’s a lot more like arthur than the rest of our kids,” she said, giving a shaky laugh. “i know, i just worry. i’m a mum, it’s second nature.”

-----

It was odd, speaking to Mrs. Weasley after all these years. In a way, she represented a life that Penelope had thought she might have, a life with Percy. It was bittersweet meeting her, when Pen hadn’t really spoken to Percy in years. But his mother was wonderful, and a great resource when Penelope was first researching the magical world’s way of handling early and special needs education. Pen wouldn’t let her feelings get in the way of her relationships with the other Weasleys though, goodness knows there were too many of them around to be petty about it. 

Penelope wished there was anything she could do to help, not only Arthur but the others who had been taken. She felt sick when she imagined what Michael and Padma might be going through. Mrs. Weasley must be feeling a thousand times worse. She smiled at the other witch, admiring her strength as she laughed despite the chaos in her life. “My dad’s the worrier in my family,” Pen offered. Thinking of his mother-henning made Pen smile, missing him terribly even though she’d visited her parents a few weeks ago. “Mr. Weasley knows you’ll be worrying though, right? So he’ll be even more motivated to get back.” 

“It has been lately with the current climate.” Small talk with strangers wasn’t something that came easy to Theodore but with the counter separating him and the customer, words came much easier. His lips turned into a force smile at the terrible joke he had heard day in and day out. “This is Obscurus.” 

Stepping outside the counter, Theo listened before nodding. “Give me one moment and I can get you some options.” Locking your friend somewhere to question them didn’t seem like a marker of a good friendship but his job wasn’t to judge, it was to sell books. He returned with a stack of three options and placed them on the counter in front of the brunette. “We have A Broken Lock Will Always Work: One Thousand Charms and One Jinx, Gilderoy Lockhart’s Guide to Home Security though I wouldn’t recommend this unless you are truly desperate, and Password Journal: Parents Be Gone.”

-----

Penelope watched Theodore’s face twist at her accidental pun and she couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m sorry,” she said earnestly, a smile tugging at her lips. “I really didn’t mean to say it, I’m sure you hear it all the time.” She would have used ‘rare’, but often times that resulted in particularly expensive books and that wasn’t in her budget for the day. 

She grimaced when he mentioned Lockhart’s book, remembering her sixth year DADA professor less than fondly. “I agree wholeheartedly,” Pen said. “After his year teaching I don’t have a particularly high opinion of his works.” Lockhart’s books, often filled with misinformation and questionable scenarios, were one of the things she was hoping to improve about the magical world. It was lucky no one had gotten hurt from acting on the garbage in his books. “I’m sure I can find one spell among a thousand that will work though, thank you. Have you read it?” 

status: closed starter for @moonylvpin 

Penelope had arrived at the restaurant over an hour before she’d asked Professor Lupin to meet with her, making sure she was organized and ready. It was probably overkill, but Pen felt much better when she was prepared, and she didn’t want to waste Professor Lupin’s time either. It would be good to see him though, she hadn’t seen him for longer than a passing conversation since he first taught at Hogwarts, her last year. She had been thrilled to have a competent teacher in DADA, and spent a decent number of afternoons in his office to get his perspective on issues she was having as Head Girl. 

She’d invited him to lunch to hopefully get his perspective on how he thought Hogwarts could be improved, and maybe see if he had any input on some of the proposals she was going to be submitting. At the very least, it would be good to talk to him. Penelope’s watch chimed that she had five minutes left to their appointment, and she quickly put away her papers save for a single sheet of parchment to take notes on. Just in time too, as she spotted the wizard heading towards her table. “Professor Lupin!” she said, standing to greet him. “Thank you for coming.” 

Luna had enjoyed working at the apothecary over the last few months. It was somewhere that was paced evenly enough for her to breathe, but she knew her ingredients and potions fairly well. Even though there were still some parts she was learning, she loved brewing new things when she had the chance. The customers who came in were mostly a delight as a simple conversation could easily sooth her. 

When the door chimed, her mouth fell into an easy smile and when she saw Penelope she beamed. The woman seemed distressed by her words as well as her physical appearance. “Oh my goodness, Penelope. Are you alright?” Luna asked with concerned, already moving from behind the counter to look at her features. “What was it? Plant? Animal? Food?”

-----

Penelope sniffed miserably, trying to smile at Luna despite barely being able to see through her watery eyes. She would normally never show up in public looking like such a mess, but she needed both medical help and a friend, and Luna would be much better company than a healer. “Hi Luna,” Pen greeted belatedly. She rubbed a hand across her eyes, hoping that would help with the itching. It only made it worse. She sighed, feeling entirely defeated. “Animal. My new kitten.”

The table was more writing desk than lunch holder, but he was quick to gather all crumpled pieces of parchment close to him, to give Penelope room to sit and eventually have food be brought to her there. Sebastian loved solitude, but he could never turn his back on spontaneity, happenstance, soft daily surprises. When someone asked to sit next to him, there was no answer other than yes. One never knows where true inspiration lies. “I would absolutely love that. I ordered a second strawberry lemonade and dreaded the thought of having to drink it by myself.” He sipped the last quarter of the previous lemonade he already had in front of him. “I’m Sebastian.”

-----

Penelope felt relief wash over her when her unusually-imposing question was met with not only grudging acceptance, but maybe even welcome. She sat quickly to avoid a passing family also looking for a table and smiled gratefully at her new dining companion. “Thank you so much,” she said honestly, already feeling more awake with the sun shining above her. She flushed a little at his offer to share his drink, already feeling like she’d put the wizard out enough. “Oh, are you sure? I’m already imposing on your table,” Pen said, waving a hand vaguely at the area around them. “It’s nice to meet you Sebastian, I’m Penelope.” 

“She had fought in the Battle of Hogwarts, I’m assuming they know she isn’t on their side,” Terry offered. He felt really bad that he was the one having to tell Penelope about all of this, she was a good person she didn’t deserve to find out this way. On the flip side, Padma didn’t deserve to be taken either even though the details on her being missing were still unclear. There was no proof that she was taken just a simultaneous event and an assumption. Along with that also came no reason on why Padma specifically.

It could have just been she was in the right place at the right time but Terry had no idea. He was even more out of the loop since he hadn’t decided to join the New Order, his parents still sending him constant letters almost as if a reminder of what they’d said to him. He really didn’t know what the right choice was. “Anthony’s been pretty worried since then so he wants me to check in with him every so often. You might want to talk to him– um, he can probably update you better than I can.”

-----

Pen felt a familiar guilt creep up on her when Terry talked about the Battle of Hogwarts. She hadn’t been there, she hadn’t even been in the country. It was an unexpected extra pain in her chest that she tried to ignore. Padma was what was important here, not Penelope’s own failures. “Of course,” she said quietly, trying to reconcile all of this new information. “The Redeemers must have long memories.” 

“I’ll go talk to him, check in,” Penelope promised Terry. It had been years since Hogwarts, even longer since she was their Prefect, but it still made Pen warm with pride and fondness when she saw ‘her’ Ravenclaws, especially together. “I’m glad Anthony has you. Padma, too,” she said, before pausing, the words almost stuck in her throat. “Are you going to be okay?” she asked, before rephrasing, “At least, will you be safe?” 

GENERAL

Name: Penelope Elaine Clearwater  Nicknames: Pen, Penny  Age: 24  Place of birth: oxford   Spoken languages: english, latin, conversational french  Sexual orientation: bisexual  Occupation: education & development specialist at the department of magical education