Percy hadn't wanted to go out for New Year's Eve. In fact, by the state of his five o'clock shadow and the gray jumper he was wearing, he wasn't even prepared to go out. However, a small pit stop at the Burrow had his mother convinced she would never see Percy walk down the aisle if he didn't go out and mingle. Mingle. Like he had time to do so.
But Molly kicked him out and told him he ought to try and have a good time. So he was now trying to have a good time.
He moved to the counter, about to request a piece of cake to bide the time when he caught sight of a pretty girl wearing a rather funny tee shirt.
"That's a cool shirt," he told her before realizing what a stupid way to start a conversation that was.