Percy could never say he felt completely comfortable alone in the bedroom with Severus Snape. Young or old, the man seemed to possess a natural talent for putting him ill at ease. They seldom talked unless it was necessary – to warn the faucet was leaky, or a carton of milk had gone sour in the fridge. All their interactions were limited to practicality.
Never once had they talked in a social sort of groove, and it made Percy wonder if this is why he would remain a virgin til death. He didn't know how to properly socialise and engage people in regular conversations. Granted, Severus was no ordinary specimen of a man to be social with, but they had a few things in common. They were both on their beds trying to read a book, for instance. Percy couldn't concentrate on his, but it gave him something to go off on.
Clearing his throat, both to gather his voice and to catch Severus's attention, Percy asked, "Do you mind me asking what it is you're reading?"