Percy paused, and glanced about for a moment. They were very much alone, and Percy's shoulders relaxed a hair, "Well, yes, I could have sent an owl. But then I wouldn't have had the opportunity to see your familiar features," he said, unsure as how candid he could be here, in the shop. He hadn't heard of the place being spied upon, but it wasn't too far fetched, with the way things were heading.
"I'm in for a nice, friendly familial talk," he said, a bit exaggeratedly but with his eyes looking at his brother. Percy stepped closer to the counter, "I am sorry if your Christmas wasn't good. Mine was fairly pleasant. Nothing too drastic or exciting. You..you have time for a drink, or something? Maybe we could go somewhere a bit more private?" he asked, the nervousness creeping into his voice.
Percy glanced about again, "I wish George were about as well, to speak of...things," he added, hoping that he was hinting enough at the general reason for his visit. He wondered if Fred was going to string him along, and enjoy his discomfort. One part of him hoped not; another part him thought that he deserved it. He'd let all of them down, quite spectacularly this time; even his father would have a right to call him a patsy. And for once in his life, Percy would have to agree with him, agree with all of them.
But wallowing in suffering and guilt did nothing to make a bad situation better. Action was what was called for at the present.