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Fleur ([info]sacre_fleur) wrote in [info]strugglewithin,
@ 2008-12-16 15:37:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:*complete, fleur weasley, percy weasley, september 1997

RP: Dark Streets
Characters: Fleur Weasley, Open
Place: Diagon Alley, Madam Malkins to start.
When: Tuesday afternoon 16 September.
What: Fleur is a bit perturbed by the new "precautions" in Diagon Alley.
Status: Public/Complete (Ping on people with wherever your character is in the alley, I can do multiple threads and Fleur is running errands.)

Fleur did not yet have her papers and had been stopped once exiting Gringotts after her half day was over and once again while just walking down the street. She had explained, barely keeping the ire from her voice, that her last name began with a W and hence she had not received hers yet, but when pressed she had produced her apparition license, which had given her some leeway. The wizards checking identifications were heavily cloaked and carried large sticks in addition to their wands, and she actually saw them chase someone down towards Knockturn at one point when that person could not produce any identification.

It was horrifying and she felt the disgust at it building. After her experience at the Ministry last week she knew even more clearly what they were facing. Just ahead was another checkpoint as she approached Flourish and Blotts, so she ducked into Madam Malkins, simply because she hoped he would be distracted by someone else later on. The shop was mostly empty, save a few people, and she went to a display of robes aimlessly, looking through them as if she had meant to come into the shop. She did not want to attract attention, particularly after the incident with Remus a few weeks back.


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[info]pompous_percy
2008-12-17 09:57 pm UTC (link)
Percy was so surprised that she'd joined him he nearly dropped the hideous robes in his hands. For a moment, he waited for her to add, 'Like a wedding?', but she didn't. Hoping to force the blush creeping up from the collars of his robes, he looked up, meeting her eyes.

He could do this. She didn't know him, and hadn't known him before she started seeing Bill. Everything she did know of him was based on what his family said, and though it was no doubt unkind, he wasn't going to give her a reason to think unkindly of him, too. That is, if not attending her wedding hadn't already accomplished that.

"No, actually," he replied, equally nonchalant. "I've recently had a pair ruined."

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[info]sacre_fleur
2008-12-17 10:02 pm UTC (link)
"I would think those would ruin robes for anyone," she said, her eyes going to the pair in his hands.

She was still clutching the lavender robes, which she would not buy, Merlin knew there was a chance they would both be out of a job soon, but if need be she could duck into a dressing room.

"How are you?" she asked. "You were missed at the wedding. I was so very sorry you could not make it." As was your mother and the rest of your family she added silently in her head.

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[info]pompous_percy
2008-12-17 10:29 pm UTC (link)
He glanced down at the robes and felt his face burn in spite of all attempts to stay relatively collected. He cleared his throat delicately.

"Yes. That's...you're quite right, I think." He quickly shoved them back between two sets of brown robes.

The last thing he expected was for her to ask over him, and he studied her expression for a long moment, trying to decide whether or not she was being sincere. Strangely, he thought she was.

"Well enough," he said. "Considering...everything." He didn't dare say too much - not in public, but when she said he felt compelled to say something about the wedding, and even looked shame-faced about it.

"I am, too," he said. "But, it was not a good time. The Minister...I was working...and it's supposed to be a cheerful day. I don't think I could have lasted the whole ceremony without being hexed by Fred or George." There was a note of bitterness there, but mostly because of the birthday gift he'd received.

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[info]sacre_fleur
2008-12-17 10:41 pm UTC (link)
"Yes, it was not a good day at all from what I am understanding, although the wedding was quite nice." That was said more softly, and she stepped closer to him, feeling somehow comfortable doing so, because, despite the assertions to the contrary, he was Bill's brother.

"Perhaps," she said. "But still, you should have been there, non?" She looked up at him, giving him a little look. "Your mother. She misses you terribly. Even though she no longer says such. If not for the rest of the family, perhaps, at some point, try for her?" Where this was coming from, she had no idea, but it needed to be said, and calmly, without shouting. Now was the time, she supposed, when they were effectively trapped in here for a few moments, well, she was, and he was too, because when Fleur had something on her mind she didn't stop until it was complete.

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[info]pompous_percy
2008-12-17 11:33 pm UTC (link)
"I'm glad," said Percy, and quite meaningfully. He felt a pang, but he was long used to stifling the feelings, and shook it off, straightening his shoulders out.

His reserve cracked a little when she told him he should have been there. He knew that, logically, but it hadn't made him feel any better about showing up. Bill's invitation hadn't been friendly, either. And his mother...well, if that didn't get him to clam up, nothing would. He did feel bad about his mother, but he'd dug himself a deep grave when it came to Mum, and he didn't think he'd ever be able to crawl out of it.

"Mum will be fine," he replied sharply. "She's got everyone else. I think they'll be fine." He thought they'd probably been doing fine these couple years. He hadn't heard otherwise, at any rate, and no one had apologized to him for hurting his feelings - wounding his pride.

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[info]sacre_fleur
2008-12-17 11:36 pm UTC (link)
Her lips pressed together sharply. Fleur had a temper, and lately she had no one to use it on, not that she wanted to use it on Percy, but... well.

"Your mother, she is not fine," she said. "She misses her son. Especially after what nearly happened to your brother. "You are their family still. And you are my family now too. And I think it is within my rights to tell you that whatever happened, it can be fixed. Family is family. It is a bond that cannot be broken, no matter how hard it is stretched, unless both sides let go, and I am thinking that is not the case."

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[info]pompous_percy
2008-12-18 10:24 am UTC (link)
Percy stared at Fleur for a full five seconds, surprised by her audacity and stung by the truth of her words. When he finally spoke, his tone reflected that.

"That may be true, but as a Weasley, and one who has carried the name for a significantly longer period of time, I think I can speak with some authority on the matter. I have been the butt of family jokes for a long time - a very long time. I used to think it was because my brothers didn't understand me, but two years ago, it became quite clear that no one did. I was the only one with faith in my abilities to make a difference, even if they didn't fall along the Weasley norm."

He paused then, taking off his glasses to polish the lenses. "It's not that I don't think I've made a mistake, or that I'm not sorry for hurting my mother. I'm not blind or ignorant, and I truly regret some of the choices I've made in the past." He plopped his glasses back on his nose and gave Fleur a long look.

"My position in the Ministry is fortunate. They may not see it that way, but if I'm alienated from my family, it's better for them. I see the Minister and Delores Umbridge every day. I've been questioned numerous times and am grateful to be ignorant about my family's allegiances, particularly regarding Harry. If I'm going to leak information, Miss...Fleur...I want to be leaking information to the right side."

By the time he was done with his speech, and it had turned out to be a rather passionate one for standing in the middle of Madam Malkins, his face was flushed and expression earnest.

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[info]sacre_fleur
2008-12-18 11:45 am UTC (link)
At that, Fleur took one look at him, grabbed his arm, and dragged them both into one of the dressing rooms, yanking shut the curtain and casting a Muffliato charm around them.

"There are ears, even here," she hissed. "You know that, as well as I. They called all of us in, which I am sure you know."

Her eyes took him in, perhaps for the first time, taking his measure.

"Perhaps you are right," she said. "But in doing so, do not forget that your family loves you even..." She lifted her hand to stop him from speaking. "Even the ones that treat it as a joke. They are hurt, they see it as betrayal. You are not like them, maybe this is so, but you are still one of them, or you would not have said that."

She crossed her arms and swallowed, knowing she was both interfering and possibly being foolish in trusting him.

"I am your family now too. I want you back. Tell me what I can do, what you need me to do."

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[info]pompous_percy
2008-12-18 12:29 pm UTC (link)
Percy hadn't been speaking that loudly; he was no fool. He didn't appreciate being manhandled into the nearest curtained area, either.

"Excuse me," he said, wrestling his arm away with what little dignity he could muster. "I am aware of certain circumstances; perhaps more than you think."

He didn't wither under her gaze, but he pulled his lips taut, not really liking the scrutiny. Perhaps he was right? They were hurt? "I'm not like them, how?" he asked. "Because you don't think I'm hurt by all this? I suppose they told you I ran off at the mouth, insulted the family. That's partly true, I admit. But I'd finally done something to be proud of - something that separated me from the rest, and they all shrugged it off like I didn't deserve it. That it was their affiliations that led me to that position in the first place."

And maybe it was, but he liked to think that his dedication and talent had something to do with that, too. He'd worked very hard to establish himself. All he'd ever wanted was to impress his brothers and sister and to make his parents proud. All he'd ever got was a smattering of insults and jokes at his expense. Ridicule.

"I don't need help," he said, letting his pride outweigh his common sense for a moment. Immediately regretting it, he softened a little and rubbed his forehead, above his eyebrows. "Now is not a good time for me to be drawing attention to myself, Fleur. I've got other things to take care of before I start making amends."

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[info]sacre_fleur
2008-12-18 01:27 pm UTC (link)
Fleur glared, a proper veela glare, cold blue eyes that snapped and threatened to pierce through you, the kind that reminded you that under the pretty exteriour she had very sharp teeth,.

"Ah, so you are aware their is a geis on the name of a certain person that is not to be named then?" she asked, lips pursed. "So that saying it brings people to your side to kill you like zat?" She snapped her fingers, her accent becoming very heavy as she started to get really irritated. "You are aware that Alastor was killed by zees same person right in front of your brother's and my eyes and now his eye is on zee door of a certain someone in your building? I am very aware of what is going on, and I am glad to hear you are starting to be too."

She should be surprised he treated her like an idiot,considering he resented people doing the same to him, but not, considering it was what he did. He would soon learn better. Fleur Delacour was noone to be messed with and neither was Fleur Weasley.

"And non, you pompous idiot. I do not mean that. I am certain you are hurting, look at how you are reacting now. I meant merely that you are more serious than them, less able to react to a joke. It is how I am too, it is not easy living with a man to whom everything was once funny and now nothing is anymore and likely will not ever be again after what happened to him." Her voice was a bit louder than she had intended, thank Merlin for silencing charms.

"Zeez same affiliations you speak of, they now, I would think, have proved to be correct, unless you are going to argue zat you think zee Ministry was right all along and He Who Must Not Be Named is still sleeping off his death in some far away grave."

When he softened, she pulled back and looked at him. "Oui. You do. You need an ally, one who does not have a past history of childhood wrongs yet still wishes to see you as the man you can be."

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[info]pompous_percy
2008-12-18 01:45 pm UTC (link)
Even Weasley women by marriage had a rather frightening glare, Percy realized, but thought better to make any assumptions about Bill regarding that little fact.

He had not been aware of two of those three things, but he didn't go around shouting You-Know-Who's name from the tops of buildings, either. "I don't speak his name," he said flatly. "And I'm sorry about Moody. I figured something must have happened - I've only known one person with an eye like his. But so you know, it's gone. It was stolen from the Ministry a couple weeks ago."

Bristling when she called him a pompous idiot, he decided that it was, perhaps, time for him to leave. He didn't know what to think when she began talking about Bill, but shook his head vigorously. "It's no excuse," he maintained. "Not for me, and not for them."

He refrained from rolling his eyes skyward when she talked about their affiliations being correct; that had already been established. "I've already made my thoughts on that matter clear, haven't I?" he asked. "I'm assuming that's why you dragged me in here with you in the first place."

"I am the man who I can be," he said, a little lamely. "Not everyone sees it that way, but I don't have time to waste convincing them otherwise." He sighed and shifted his weight, not sure what to do. This was not a conversation he'd intended on having this afternoon, if ever. "I don't understand, Fleur. What do you want to be my ally for? To help me back into the family?" The very idea caused a pained expression to flicker over his face.

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[info]sacre_fleur
2008-12-18 04:30 pm UTC (link)
Circe he was stubborn. Why were all Weasley men so stubborn?

"Sometimes the things we think and the things we think to do, they are different," she said after a moment. "And I do not mean to shout at you... much." He looked about ready to bolt and she stopped him with a hand on his arm, which she quickly pulled away.

"Percy..." Her voice grew more gentle. "Yes, perhaps part of it is I want to see you and the family reconciled," she said. "Or perhaps because maybe I am thinking you need someone who is a friend just now." She folded her arms and gave him a look.

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[info]pompous_percy
2008-12-19 11:38 am UTC (link)
Much. He nearly snorted. He supposed she didn't mean to drag him into a dressing room, either. Or call him pompous. It was enough to make him sigh.

He considered what she said for a few seconds, then nodded. "I have friends," he said, feeling the need to point that out. One friend, who was currently a fugitive, an ex girlfriend, and someone whom Percy had the urge to kiss for five days running.

"It won't be soon," he told her. "I'm not ready to reconcile right away, and I just don't feel now is a good time. But...if you could keep me updated..." He met her eyes. "I'd appreciate that."

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[info]sacre_fleur
2008-12-19 11:44 am UTC (link)
Fleur let out a breath. "Then you are fortunate," she said. "Because some people do not have any just now." She sighed and ran a hand through her hair, feeling completely like she should perhaps give up.

"And it doesn't have to be soon. Just... eventually. And I will keep you updated if you... if you promise that if you need anything, you know you can count on me." She bit her lip and looked up at him with big blue eyes. "People say things out of sadness they do sometimes not mean. Things they regret. Know that if you need anything, you can owl me and I'll come. Because whether you want it or not you are my brother, and I take that very seriously."

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[info]pompous_percy
2008-12-21 02:29 pm UTC (link)
Percy knew that well enough, and it made him even more worried about Penny, having to leave. At that point, he would have, essentially, no-one, and neither would she, and if that wasn't a grim realization, he didn't know what was.

He studied Fleur, still boggling at the sincerity in her words, and then nodded. She was sincere, and it brought a true smile to his face, even if it was a faint one. "Anything," he repeated. "And I'd like to offer the same to you, Fleur. I have...connections. They're not always the best, and I'm afraid I've been cast out of the loop on some of the more important matters, but on occasion, I receive updates before everyone else does. I'm not sure it would be wise to pass information by owl, but if it's vague, it shouldn't be too much trouble. And Penny, Penny..."

He trailed off, wondering if he hadn't said too much, but Fleur didn't know Penny, or her situation. Still, his cheeks flushed a little. "Penny bought me one of Fred and George's journals," he finally said. "So we can communicate."

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[info]sacre_fleur
2008-12-21 09:45 pm UTC (link)
Fleur smiled back at him and nodded. "I have one as well," she said. "They will come in handy, I think, and I will be certain to check mine every day. Just in case."

When he spoke of Penny, she gave him a curious look. "This Penny is a friend of yours?"

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[info]pompous_percy
2008-12-22 07:27 pm UTC (link)
"I'll check mine, as well," Percy said. Normally, he thought it was rubbish, and he and Penny didn't need to write each other when they were living in the same flat, but once she went on the run, he knew he'd check it vigilantly and thoroughly.

He bowed his head when Fleur asked after Penny, but he nodded. "She is," he said. "If you ask my brothers, you'll learn that she's my ex girlfriend."

Because she might, he realized, so he may as well not keep secrets.

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[info]sacre_fleur
2008-12-22 07:48 pm UTC (link)
That Penny. She thought she remembered Molly saying something about her.

"Ah. The kind you still write notes in journals with." She smiled at him and hung the lavender robe up on a hook to leave it in the shop.

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[info]pompous_percy
2008-12-22 08:09 pm UTC (link)
He looked a little sheepish. "Not that kind," he said. "I mean, that's not why we're writing to each other. She's...Fleur, you can't mention her to anyone."

He wasn't sure if the silencing charm was still in effect, so he cast another. "She's Muggle-born," he said quietly. "She's...she was called in. She didn't show up. You mustn't mention her, in case someone overhears and traces her back to me. Please." He gave her an earnest look.

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[info]sacre_fleur
2008-12-22 08:16 pm UTC (link)
Fleur's eyes searched Percy's face at that, worried suddenly, both for him and his friend.

"I would never," she assured. "I promise, I will not say anything, not even to your family."

She could see the look on his face, he knew, as she did, what was happening to the Muggleborns. "It is dangerous for her right now," she said. "Believe me, I understand that." She bit her lip. "Is she alright? You know if she needs help..." Her words trailed off, but the look in Percy's eyes told her he was sincere. "There are ways."

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[info]pompous_percy
2008-12-22 08:24 pm UTC (link)
"Thank you," he said, relief flooding him.

He wasn't sure what to say when she asked after Penny, but decided if he'd said this much, he might as well fill her in on the rest.

"She's fine, for now," he said. "That is, as fine as you can be, stuck in a tiny flat." He cleared his throat. "My flat. She won't tell her parents what's happening, doesn't want to worry them. But she has nowhere else to go."

He reached up and combed his hair back, a nervous movement.

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[info]sacre_fleur
2008-12-22 08:28 pm UTC (link)
His very movements revealed how concerned he was, and really, she couldn't blame him. It was how she had felt, from the first, when she learned Bill's movements were being tracked.

She cleared her throat and looked up at him.

"Percy. The cottage, where Bill and I live now, it is Unplottable. Bill made it that way after Remus and I were attacked." She considered him carefully. "If it gets bad, contact me. She can stay with us. If you need to do it to keep the both of you safe."

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[info]pompous_percy
2008-12-22 08:37 pm UTC (link)
Fleur had a point, and he considered it carefully. It was better that Penny might go there than him, and he had a feeling that they couldn't bide time for too much longer.

He didn't know about Remus or Fleur, and wasn't surprised that Bill had made their home Unplottable; he always was good with a charm.

"I will," he promised. "Thank you. You just...you can't predict what might happen anymore."

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[info]sacre_fleur
2008-12-22 08:47 pm UTC (link)
Fleur looked up at him and gave him a quiet smile before squeezing his arm in a sisterly way.

"Non, mon frere. Goodness and right always are predictable things. It is the rest we have to be vigilant for."

She pulled aside the curtain of the changing room and stepped out, relieved to see the shop was empty. She raised her hand ever so slightly in farewell before slipping out the door and onto the pavement.

Bill would not be pleased about this, which was fine, because she would just not tell him. A wife had to have some secrets, after all. And besides, it was for both his and his brother's own good.

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