"You'll be quite safe," Percy assured her. He watched her for a long moment, trying to discern her expression from behind her curls, but then she looked up and locked eyes with him for a moment. His stomach flip-flopped.
She liked the company.
She wasn't the only one, and he nodded in utter understanding. He'd gone from one of the most raucous households in Britain to a lonely little flat with barely any visitors. Although he'd appreciated the quiet at first, having Penny in his home had been a breath of fresh air he hadn't realized he missed.
Penny looked miserable. Deciding that he couldn't bear it, he got to his feet and walked around the table. He had no idea what he was doing, and pulled a chair close to hers, sitting down in it. Taking his pride into his hands, he reached over and took one of her hands in his.
"I'll try to visit," he promised. "And Fleur and Bill are good people. You're staying with the black sheep of the family at the moment, so I'm sure you'll be fine. They're Weasley's in better standing." He gave her hands a gentle squeeze.