Percy froze, his cup mid-way between saucer and chin, at the mention of bad news. Something was wrong, but he didn't know what. It couldn't be a death in the family, else Ron would have been a nutter from the very beginning. But it could still be family, just something not quite as bad. Had Ginny gotten herself in trouble again? He'd already gotten her out of jail once, it was far too soon to go back, but when that girl had something in her head.
Yes, that was most likely it. Or perhaps George had pulled something. Or maybe it had something to do with these miserable nightmares and spot that were of such conern. Yes, that must be it. Bloody hell, isn't it bad enough he saw me break down yesterday?
He cleared his throat, resting his cup in his saucer and holding them between his hands.
"The best way is often to do so simply and quickly, like pulling off a bandage. Come, it can't be that bad."