"Thanks George. You make me feel practically...giddy with joy," Percy said sarcastically as he took a bite of the pizza, a little fuddled at the mess it was making on his fingers, "And I like the plan. And of course, you think of anything else I can lend a hand with, throw it my way."
He didn't address George's question about Penny at first but turned to look at Fred first and then down at his plate, "Is it that obvious? I've just gotten accustomed to fending for myself. I like to think I picked up a bit of talent from Mum on that account," and he let out a small sigh and turned back to George.
"No, shagging Penny is not currently in the picture. I don't expect it ever will be. We are friends and that opportunity," he said, pausing a bit, "Well, that's just not going to happen."
He put his pie down and pushed the plate away for minute to go and retrieve more whiskey for his glass. He didn't speak for a moment and glanced at his brothers, "I hardly think I should be seeking dating advice from the two of you. You're...well younger than me!" he blustered, and drained the glass to numb the sharp pain that hit him in the middle of his gut every time he thought about Penny's owl to him.
"I need to find someone new, I'll admit that, okay?" he said, looking at George, "But where to start has been a bit tricky. I'm not exactly sure I want some bar fly," and he smirked as he turned his attention to Fred, "And I don't have the luxury of hags throwing themselves at me. Funny, I managed to avoid that," he said with a snort, "And I've got no handy shop clerks to paw. There are mainly men in my office at the present, except for Mrs. Smith who is very, very scary."
Percy gave a small shudder of revulsion at that thought and pulled his plate back towards him to take another bite. The whiskey was loosening him up; he'd probably start speaking about just about anything as his guard started to drop.