Lazarus hopeful
“Fine, I’ll look for a jumper.” Percy huffed turning to walk
“If you find a different coat you like more I’ll make an exception!” Lirum called out as he walked away.
“That would be more expensive!” He cut back sharply.
“I told you not to look at the price tag.” Lirum shrugged, picking the gryffindor scarf once more.
“This is absolute rubbish. Shouldn’t you be picking my present out?” Percy grumbled to himself.
“Well I tried that first Mr. Weasley.” Lirum joked following behind him as he looked at a few wool jumpers.
“Don’t Mr. Weasley me!” Percy snapped, turning to face Lirum.
“You should just let your boyfriend buy you the gift. There's no shame in it. It’s not worth fighting over.” The shopkeeper chimed from the till.
“They’re not my boyfriend! You’re the second person today!” A pang of loss for something that was never theirs followed those words.
“Come on Perce, you don’t have to be so angry about it. Its not like being mistaken for my partner is that insulting, right? We came in together and we’re pretty close. It’s an honest mistake.” Lirum said, trying to lighten the now tense mood.
“No!-Not insulting! I didn’t mean it like- I just meant that you’re- I’ve said something wrong again.” Percy said looking away, taking off his glasses.
“It’s fine Percy. Just look for something you like. Then we can go to Stitches and Draughts for you and I’ll drop off the things I needed and we can be back on our way to the castle.” Lirum said softly gesturing him towards the piles of wool clothing behind him.
“It’s not fine, I can see that it’s not fine. Please, don’t lie to me- that’s not what I need to say right now, I’m sorry. I just-“ He took a deep breath. Followed by a long sigh running his hand through his hair.
“When I say it’s fine. I don’t mean that it didn’t affect me. I mean that I won’t hold it against you. I’m not trying to lie to you.” Lirum explained.
“I’ve really botched this, haven’t I?” Percy asked, looking at Lirum.
“It’s ok Percy, everything’s going to be fine. Just look for something you like, please.” Lirum said.
They watched him shuffle away. Leaving them alone to breathe for a moment. He returned a few moments later mossy green jumper in hand.
“Green? I thought you’d rather be caught dead?” Lirum joked trying to bring back the playful air from the morning.
“You said I’d look good in it. It's soft and It’s light enough not to be confused for Slytherin.” Percy listed handing them the sweater he’d chosen.
Lirum brought the items for the till and paid. Before guiding him out of the shop bags in hand. They noticed Percy turned the wrong way out of the shop.
“Percy, where are you going?” Lirum asked, as he stopped his path forward.
“I thought we could go to Ollivanders next drop off whatever you needed then go to Honeydukes.” Percy suggested.
“What about Stitches and Draughts? Wasn’t that the place you needed to go?” Lirum asked.
“I thought we could finish your errands and we could get you something sweet. I know how much you like sweets.” Percy said, hand digging around in his pocket.
“I’d actually rather Ollivanders be the last thing we do today, if you don’t mind that is.” Lirum explained cautiously. “And you said you needed something didn’t you?”
“Please let me do this for you. Today was meant to be a pleasant outing together, and I’ve upset you twice.” Percy explained.
“Perc-“
“Your hair has spent more time brown today than I’ve seen it all year.” Percy said all at once. “Please just let me buy you something sweet as an apology and walk you back to the castle.”
Lirum followed quietly behind him. Neither knew quite how to proceed. So, they walked to honeydukes and Percy held open the door. Lirum walked in to see students everywhere grabbing candy and caldron cakes. Lirum went straight to the back where they knew they kept their display of Sugar Quills and Fairy Floss.
“I should’ve guessed.” Percy whispered under his breath.
“What did you think I would go for chocolate frogs or peppermint toads? I’m not a big fan of candy that moves around after you eat it.” Lirum teased quietly. The mood had improved some but it was still something they were painfully aware of.
“You’d be surprised all my brothers love chocolate frogs.” Percy joked watching a shiver through Lirum. A small smile reappeared. “By that I say our views on them are a lot closer.”
“I think I’d take regular chocolates any day. I had the bright idea to try the sugared butterfly wings one day. Talk about having butterflies in your stomach.” They joked back. Deciding on a sugar quill.
“I guess It’s my turn to buy your quill, huh?” Percy smiled, the tone finally not feeling stiff anymore. “Too bad it's nowhere near the same quality.”
“I’ll treasure it always.” Lirum said resting a hand on their heart teasing Percy.
“I’m so glad I chose to bring you here. I’ve discovered I hate it when you’re quiet.” Percy said, picking up a bag of Fairy Floss.
“And to think you thought the twins were a bad influence on me.” Lirum teased, the mood hadn’t been so light since breakfast and they wanted to keep It that way.
“Can you blame me for wishing I could have seen this part of you without, fearing they’ll get you expelled one day.” Percy said, hand resting on their back pulling them toward the counter.
“Percy, I won't get expelled. I’ve never truly had an issue with any teacher.” Lirum defended, following his lead.
“No but I’ve caught you sneaking out twice last year, and based on the twins' arguments you’ve snuck out at some point this year as well.” Percy sighed, handing over the candy to the shop keep.
“But if I become a prefect next year It won’t be sneaking out. It will be doing my duties. I’ll be walking around safely after dark.” Percy chuckled at that, pausing to look at Lirum.
“That’s besides the point. If they're able to convince you to do this, what else can they convince you to do?” He replied as began to count out a few coins for Mr. Flume.
“Percy I hate to burst your bubble but they’ve never encouraged me to sneak out. If anything they’ve only ever told me to go back to bed or that if I’m going to sneak out that I need to give them pre warning.” Percy went to argue but before he could get a word out he’d been interrupted.
“Is that little Lirum Ollivander all grown up?” Mrs. Flume chimed coming out of the store room door at the other end of the counter.
“Good morning Mrs. Flume.” Lirum started awkwardly.
“Is that you? And you weren’t even going to say anything? It’ll be ten years in a month since you’ve left our little hamlet.” Her husband chimed from behind the counter.
“Oh, dear you’ve been sorted into ravenclaw your parents would be so proud! A handsome boy accompanying you around Hogsmeade? Don’t grow up to fast on us.” Mrs. Flume laughed. Setting down the box she’d been holding on the countertop.
“Oh, we’re just-“ Percy started being cut off by more questions.
“Shouldn’t your first hogsmeade trip have been last year?” Mr. Flume asked.
“I was a bit busy, I was very behind in divination. Percy here helped me out on my weekends so unfortunately I didn’t have a chance.” Lirum excused awkwardly as the couple riddled them with questions. “I do have to run by mum and dads on the way out of town though so we should probably pay and be on our way.” The room froze for a moment. The somber air settled through the group.
“It’s your first time home in years dear, don’t worry about the sweets. Ambrosius this one’s on the house. Take a cauldron cake or some chocolates with you for good measure.” Mrs. Flume said, pushing Percy’s coins back toward him.
“But I-“ Percy Started only for a flick of Mrs. Flumes' wand to have his money back in his pocket.
“Go on now-“ she said leaning in before patting him on the shoulder and pushing them toward the door behind Lirum.
“You knew them, I take it?” Percy asked, looking at Lirum.
“You could say that. My sweet tooth didn’t come out if nowhere. My parents took me there quite a bit when I was little.” Lirum explained walking out of the sweets shop.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk about them.” Percy said following behind them.
“I try not to.” Lirum explained following the cobblestone street toward the wand shop.
“I’d love to hear about them on the way. I mean you’ve met my parents and most of my siblings, but you had an idea of who you were meeting beforehand, and I know I’ve met your grandfather but-“
“I guess Fred and George never told you?” Lirum laughed awkwardly, stopping in front of their childhood home, Ollivanders of High Street.
“I suppose not-are you alright?” Percy asked as they stood outside.
“I’ll be al-“
“Lirum your hair is the darkest I’ve ever seen it! I don’t think it could even get darker!” Percy insisted, refusing to let Lirum run from this.
“You heard what they said, it'll be ten years soon. I’ve done very well to avoid this place.” Lirum answered, hoping it would’ve been enough to dissuade him.
“Please just tell me what’s wrong.”
“Percy I have lived three thousand six hundred and and seventeen todays, while they have not, their todays have turned to nevers, and my tomorrows still come with no regard to theirs. My hand is waiting to pen my triumph, but the words for that story do not exist. Give me peace.” Lirum answered not softly, hurt and anger being all that were left.
“Lirum I-“ Percy started.
“They died here Percy. Please, just give me a moment.” Lirum begged for a silence that didn’t last.
“Your grandfather, why would he-“
“Wand cores are too valuable to be delivered by owl.” Lirum took a deep calming breath readying themself to go in.
“Let me.” Percy spoke nervously.
“Percy-“
“You can stay right here, outside. I’ll take care of it. It should only take a moment right? Everything will be alright, no need for you to go back.” Percy said standing between them and the door.
“I hope you’ll never know how much that means.”
It felt like time stood still outside of the wand shop. Percy took the parcel Lirum had kept safe throughout the day, and entered the store. After an eternity the door opened again. Percy stepped out and behind guiding Lirum back to the castle. The walk was somber and quiet, as neither dared to speak a word.