InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "You are a people too"

Penny (clearlypenny) wrote in finnigans_rpg,
@ 2014-10-05 02:25:00

Entry tags:

character: penelope clearwater, character: percy weasley

Who: Penny and Percy
What: Paying up after a quidditch bet, catching up.
Where: Penny's house
When: Saturday, October 4th, evening
Rating: SFW

Much of the day had been spent tucked up on the couch, watching the weather roll on by with a cup of tea and her latest acquisition and a German notebook. A nearby page was filled with written notes, some words highlighted to draw attention to them when she returned to the office on Monday but for now there was just this. The smell of food lingered in the house as she'd chosen to pick dishes that required little attention; tonight was not about spending ages in the kitchen but with her friend and finding out what had happened to have him seeking out lists.

She was as good as her word, a fresh pad of paper and pen sitting beside the bottle of wine and two glasses as the brunette dashed to freshen up. Tucked neatly away were the final proofs for Dorothy's new novel and if Penny spent longer than usual choosing which top she wanted to know then only she would know it, right?
"I'm late, late late late. Where did I put that blasted other earring?" Her voice echoed off the walls as she dashed around, looking for the finishing touches and trying desperately to ignore the clock which read 7.19pm. The house was ready - its owner was not.

Each moment was another reminder that she had a lot to do, fluffing cushions and making a last minute spring the length of the house to turn the telly off as it began the familiar refrain for the news. There was just enough time before she heard the wards announce his arrival for Penny to take a deep breath and remember to smile. It was just dinner, something they'd done a hundred times before.

"C'mon in Percy, the doors open." Her wards would always be open for him.

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clearlypenny
2014-10-12 07:29 pm UTC (link)

"Are you sure? I don't mind helping, you're my guest after all and tonight's about you." Percy knew the way around her kitchen, somewhat. There were days even Penny would swear that her cupboards were enchanted against her but with a nod of her head the brunette slipped off the couch towards the much cozier end of the cottage where a fire was burning merily in the grate. A few flicks of her wand, a quick fluff of cushions and she was happy with how it looked; an enticing juxtaposition against the encroaching evening.

Sitting down, tucking her feet underneath her as her body fitted into the corner of the chair Penny listened to the sounds of her friend bustling about in the kitchen. Nearby, on an end table were baskets of paper, buttons and pens but the latter interested her as she scored a sheet and labelled it pro's and cons. Sometimes the oldest ways were the best.

"I don't claim to know your mum very well Percy but," looking up as she finished writing the headers so that her voice carried through "But she seems the type who would enjoy getting stuck in to raising a grandkid; it must be strange., To go from having seven kids crowding a house to having none. Maybe she misses the noise and mess and life they bring to a place?"

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abidingpercy
2014-10-12 07:52 pm UTC (link)

"And a good guest helps to do the washing up after their host has cooked a wonderful meal. I'll join you shortly." Once she was away, he pulled out his wandand started the spells that would have the dishes washed, dried and put away. Thankfully, the spells did not require supervision and so he grabbed up the wine bottles and glasses and followed Penelope to the other end of the cottage.

He lowered himself on the sofa sitting kitty-corner to Penelope's chair, years of sharing a seat with a small child drawing him instinctively toward the larger surface. He poured their wine before setting the bottles aside and placed Penny's glass within arm's reach.

"Perhaps you're right about my mother. I won't discount it as an option, but I would like to see what else we might think of first." He didn't mention that he also simply did not want to a further burden on the woman who had already been put through so much grief on his behalf.

"Perhaps we can speak a little more about some of the cultural points you brought up. If I were to work among Muggles, only the PM would know me as a wizard, so I believe I would have to come up with a believable cover story that would not alienate me from the othe parliamentarians."

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clearlypenny
2014-10-12 08:06 pm UTC (link)

A mumbled 'thankyou' and her attention was brought back to the problem of passing off Percy amongst muggles. It could be done but ensuring he escaped detection amongst the clique of politics was a much harder task.
Her free hand reached down, curling around a socked foot as she realised the charm that usually kept her warm was starting to wear off and she would be relying on the fire for comfort this evening. Not that it would stop her brain from working; not when there was such a delicious puzzle to try and figure out.
"I think - I think it could be done but there would be difficulties. The majority of those involved in politics spend years building up contacts, even the ones who don't go to private schools. It might be plausible of course that you know the Prime Minister from your childhood or you were raised abroad. It wouldn't preclude your ability to become a part of Westminster or Downing Street - do you know which one you would be based on? Downing Street would be infinitely better as the flow of people through there are controlled.,"

It was a problem she was glad Percy had brought to her and something she was perhaps, in a unique position to answer. "A proper c.v wouldn't be hard to come up with, its very similar to working for the Ministry in that regards and you're doing very well there." Writing down some of the keywords she'd raised on the sheet of paper, she pushed it towards him for his input.

An idea struck her, one unexpected and personal but it would certainly open a lot of doors for Percy. "You ah, you can say you know my dad. Knew. My mum likes you, it wouldn't be too hard for her to drop your name at a few of her functions or meetings. Say Dad was fond of you, was trying to coax you into politics and his name - people might be willing to overlook your lack of connections."

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abidingpercy
2014-10-12 09:10 pm UTC (link)

His lips pursed in thought. "Kingsley said I would initially be placed at Downing street, but that the hope would be to develop relationships with all members of the current cabinet. Of course, that would depend upon the relationship I form with Prime Minister Blair."

He picked up the paper and looked it over, nodding approvingly. "I could incorporate some of these into my current c.v. tweak it to eliminate any magical mention. I do like your idea of having been raised abroad, so we could incorporate some elements from wherever I might have been - Ottawa perhaps?"

He was humbled that she would make such an offer of her familial assistance. "I would not wish to take advantage of the connection without your mother's consent. If I do take the opportunity, I would like to ask her myself, if I may." He reached out to place his hand on hers, quietly offering his support when no doubt she was experiencing memories of the father she had lost in the war. The same happened with him quite frequently whenever he heard Fred's name.

"So, this subterfuge is do-able, and I've a bit of experience at pretence from my own time at the Ministry. Is there anything that you feel I have missed in the consideration?"

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clearlypenny
2014-10-12 09:30 pm UTC (link)

Nodding at his words, her mind whirred at what was on offer. It was an incredible gesture, one earned through years of hard-work and sacrifice and that others saw it that way. He was a talented man with an innate sense of the mechanisms of government and he would do well in either world. "I can't say I know him but he does seem to have a very mundane collection of ties which is worrying." Skinny flashes of colour always in the same half-windsor knot with a dull suit and shiny suits were a world from pressed ministerial robes. Could she picture Percy in a suit? Tilting her head, she glanced over at him and decided that yes, yes she could.

"That is an idea. Make it easier perhaps on yourself and allude to a boarding school with four houses, time as a Prefect and then Head Boy. You worked hard for those things through school, maybe a few years as an intern or entry level in a department and then..it could all fit. Just change the names and locations and few would question it." Canada was half a world away - all she knew of Ottawa was it was likely very, very cold.

For a moment her mind had taken her back to her dad, the suits and the briefcase that was slightly too battered but a family legend. It had once been filled with childrens drawings amongst important papers. Afterwards..it had never been found. Gone, disappeared as if it had never been. "You're always welcome at our house. If you do decide to go ahead, I can arrange a meeting with mum and if you don't - well, she always did think you were a positive influence in my life."

His hand was perfect, exactly what she needed to dredge her thoughts from the past to the present. It was too easy to get lost there, amongst the heartache. "I ah, yes. What would Lucy think of all this? It would mean a change for her too, wouldn't it? Might even mean later nights or rushed tea and breakfasts. Weekends would become tighter and more important."

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abidingpercy
2014-10-12 10:03 pm UTC (link)

"Mundane is something I believe I can work with. A visit to a Muggle tailor would be in order, but the newwardrobe is something I would consider more of a pro than a con."

He had worked hard in school, harder than many might imagine. There had been many subjects that hadn't come naturally to him, but with a lot of hard work, he had excelled and met his own expectations. "I know that there are universities, places of higher learning for Muggles after they have finished traditional schooling. Would I be expected to have attended one, or would the internship suffice?"

He nodded. "I would love to see your mother again either way. I always thought she was a wonderful woman, and I should reassure her that it is you who is the positive influence." And she was, though he did not tell her often enough. Perhaps he should more often.

"You have a point." While he wasn't anywhere near ready to make his decision, he knew the final word would be Lucy's. "But I promise not to let my family slide away from me, and me them. I will simply have to find a way to meet the challenge of the position and spend time with Lucy, Mum and Dad, my siblings, and of course you and Oliver." He spoke, never quite realizing that he did so as if the decision had been made.

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clearlypenny
2014-10-12 10:17 pm UTC (link)

"Yes, sadly. Perhaps something that would suit your strengths and I can pick up some texts on muggle politics or culture that you might be expected to know? The internship would stand you in good stead but if you decide to go for this opportunity then you'll be great and if you decide that its not for you, then that's just a valid decision. Every obstacle can be overcome but don't be pushed into doing something you don't want to or aren't ready for." She'd stand by her friend every step of the way too. Its what good friends did.

As he spoke of her mum, Penny flushed with pride and pleasure. It always made her proud to hear others recognise her mum, the had work she put in and how much she was idolised by her eldest daughter. "You're welcome to tell her that but she might think I've bribed you to say it!" this last was accompanied by a teasing laugh and the pillow she'd been hugging was pulled tighter against her.
It was a link between the past and present but two women could not have been more different than Phillipa Clearwater and Molly Weasley. Both formidable, incredible women in their own ways.

"Interesting tense use there, Mr. Weasley." It was all Penny said on the matter, not wanting to push her luck but she trusted him. Knew that if there was a balance to be found between work and family, he would seek it out and Prime Minister Blair was very, very fortunate with the choice of new liason to the muggle world. "Another drink or is it a night for Firewhisky?"

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abidingpercy
2014-10-12 11:20 pm UTC (link)

"A few texts would be helpful. We learned a little about the Muggle government in Muggle Studies but nothing very in depth." His eyes lit up as something else occurred to him. "And there are public libraries, I could visit there as well if there is anything else I might need to know." Not to mention he really did love being surrounded by books.

He smiled. "I will simply tell her I am unbribeable, and if that doesn't work, I will have to promise her a taste of Mum's cherry cobbler." It had been quite some time since he had last seen Mrs. Clearwater - perhaps he would bring her some of his mother's cobbler anyway.

He bit his bottom lip at having been called out. He would have to think some more on his own about hisfeelings on the matter, but to say it wasn't tempting would have been a lie. "If you would like me to repay your counsel with some advice of some sort, I would be happy to stick with the wine. If you would rather hear about how Lucy convinced me to be raffled off for a date this coming weekend, then I'llbe in terrible need of a firewhiskey."

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clearlypenny
2014-10-14 02:33 pm UTC (link)

"I can do that," Reaching for a second piece of paper, Penny made a few notes for tomorrow, reminders to dig out certain texts or look over what was popular; her siblings could help with that since she too, was often a little behind the muggle world. Preparation, research - all areas that she was comfortable with and because it was personal she would do her best to make sure that her friend went into the non-magical world as fully prepared as she could make him. Raising the pen to her mouth and tapping it lightly against the curve of a smile, Penny continued to make notations, circling the odd word here and there before tucking it to the side. "I'll start compiling notes and a reading list for you and get it to you as soon as I can. This is going to be great fun, I've never tried to compartmentalise an entire world before." Indeed, part of her was relishing doing just that and seeing the muggle world from her own vantagepoint.

Rising from her seat, Penny found the firewhisky and poured two generous glasses, turning to raise an eyebrow when Percy brought up the mention of being raffled off. For a date. That implied women, wine, romance - all the things he should have ..

"Your mums cobbler is a potent bargaining chip," reaching over she handed him the glass and then settled back as if prepared for one heck of a story. "I'm rather partial to it myself but first, you'll have to tell me about this raffle. Are you really prepared to go on a date with someone you don't know? What if they're awful?"
What if they weren't..

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abidingpercy
2014-10-14 07:38 pm UTC (link)

"I'm glad you find it an enticing challenge. And I do appreciate all your help, I hope that goes without saying." Yet it was nice to say it nevertheless. "I have utmost faith in you. You have yet to guide me wrong."

He took the glass of firewhiskey from her fingers and took a nice sip, feeling the alcohol warming him from the inside far more than the fireplace did the outside.

"The raffle dates are completely platonic, I was assured, and that there are no expectations other than that both people share the other's company for a period of time. Actually, Oliver volunteered despite being in a relationship, so I would hope the assurances prove true." He sighed.

"All 'dates' have been donated, and all funds raised will be going to the Fawley Foundation." He made a face. "Which is why I believe Alicia's twins may be the ones to put the bug in Lucy's ear. She was the one who convinced me to volunteer, saying it would help the foundation and that she really wanted me to help. Between you and I, I suspect my mother of having a hand in it as well. I've tried telling her that I've had quite a successful long-term relationship with my job, but I don't think she was as amused as I was." It wouldn't be the first time his mother had hinted - or outright stated - that he needed something more in his life, and no matter how much he argued that he had Lucy and she was all he needed, his mother would argue back just as vehemently. She said she just wanted him to be happy - he said she just wanted more grandchildren.

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clearlypenny
2014-10-14 09:56 pm UTC (link)

Penny regarded her own drink for a few moments before sampling it; she enjoyed the different colours of the amber liquid. How it could never entirely settle on one shade and was like looking into the depths of a dying fire - impossible to resist.
"Gosh Percy." It wasn't the most erudite comment she'd ever made, brow arching at the thought of him even consenting to being raffled off. It was..very bold and brave of him, not something that could be plotted in advance though whoever 'won' him for an evening was guaranteed an enjoyable conversationalist.
Still, it made her bring the crystal to her lips and take a careful sip as the burn flowed through her veins and settled comfortably across her body. There was something very decadent about enjoying a glass of firewhisky besides an open fire on an autumn evening.

"If it's for a good cause, if there is the chance to 'win' an intimate evening with a new confidante on a date that I've never been on before does have a certain appeal. I do believe I might turn up and purchase a few tickets on the off chance that lady luck smiles on me. And," raising her glass to peer at him through its etched design "you should consider partaking in a relationship. You have a lot to offer and your mother is a formidable lady. I do believe that if you don't attempt to appease her she might be forced to take matters into her own hands and do you really wish that? Awkward blind dates with your mum smiling behind you, plotting happy ever after?"

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abidingpercy
2014-10-14 10:27 pm UTC (link)

The surprise in her voice wasn't a surprise to him - he'd shocked himself by agreeing to the raffle and still wondered at his own sanity. Yet the thought of Penny bidding on someone else and going on 'an intimate evening with a new confidante' had something twisting in his stomach. He tried to drown it with another sip of firewhiskey before the sentiment could reach his eyes.

He was bowled over, however, by the suggestion that he consider entering into a relationship. It wasn't that he was exactly opposed to the idea, but he simply did not relate well to that many people, and not many women were interested in men with children. "My mother is a force to be reckoned with, yes, but I doubt she would take matters into her own hands. There are times when I still sense her walking on eggshells, as if she were afraid I would leave the family again. I doubt she would push the matter heself, she'll simply leave the dirty work to Lucy. And as for relationships..." He shrugged helplessly and looked down into his drink. "Perhaps you're right. Though between work and Lucy and my family, my life already feels so full that I hesitate to find room for anyone else. Perhaps for her sake, I should consider it more seriously."

His eyes then lifted, gracing Penelope with a look that was genuine and caring. "And should lady luck smile on you, then I wish you all the happiness in the world. You deserve that and so much more."

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