Chapter 10
Percy had everything sorted.
He'd ran into a bit of a problem with Oliver needing to go to an emergency at work, meaning he had to quickly call Sirius and Remus to babysit, however everything was sorted now.
Meaning he could finally get on with the torture that was Sunday dinner with the family.
He gave the door a quick knock before opening it, he found it odd that after everything, his parent's still had a hazardous habit of leaving the door unlocked. To be honest, he shouldn't really complain. It really helped him all the times he'd snuck out as a kid, although, you could hardly call what Percy did sneaking out. More like he just left and no one noticed.
Percy walked into the kitchen where everyone was talking, he silently opened a cupboard and grabbed a glass. He poured in a vivid coloured squash then filled the remainder of the glass with a little something from the flask in his pocket, it was the only way he would actually get through these things.
That how he stayed, sipping on his drink alone in the chaos of the kitchen.
Breathing steadily out of his nose, careful to keep his mouth in a neutral smile.
He just waited, leaning against the sideboard, until finally dinner was called. Percy sat on a far end of the table, which was extended to accommodate more people. He grabbed some food with a murmured thank you before idly picking at it with his knife and fork.
Everything was loud. And for the millionth time, Percy was glad he'd learned a spell to tone down sound all those years ago.
He remembered all the meltdowns he had as a kid because everyone was just so god damn loud, he also remembered all the 'you're being dramatic' and the 'you're making a scene, just be quiet'. That was almost constant until he learnt to push it down and deal with it when he was alone. After that he was labelled the quiet one, the independent one, the one they didn't have to give a shit about.
"Well, what about you Percy?"
Percy finally lifted his attention from his plate and realised everyone's eyes were fixed on him.
"Hm?"
"You're coming over for Christmas right?" Molly seemed to repeat it with an agitated edge.
"Oh, I was going to say but I have a load of stuff on round then, I mean, you know how my work is."
She frowned, "But it's Christmas Percy, surely you could take the day off."
"I really am sorry. But there's nothing I can do."
Molly huffed, "Everyone is coming though, is your work really so heartless they won't let you off on Christmas?"
"No, no. It's just really busy round then an they need extra staff otherwise they don't have enough people to operate all the work stations and function rates would-"
"Well, you don't have to give me statistics to tell me you won't turn up."
This was one of the few times Percy felt okay with being interrupted, it saved him having to make up a load of crap about why he couldn't get there. Getting interrupted was a huge stress when he was younger because he just couldn't tell when someone couldn't give a shite about what he was saying, meaning he'd go on a massive rant about something he was incredibly passionate about only to be told just to shut up.
And of course he was lying. he worked from home, only needing to go in for emergencies. This was perfect for Olivet an him, seeing as Oliver's work was almost always busy.
"Percy, that reminds me. When are you ever going to bring a girl round here eh?"
Ginny looked at him with a form of alarm, how was he gonna get out of this one.
"I just haven't found the right person Mum."
"Well, Anne at who works down by the owl cleaning service was talking about her daughter who's a similar age to you. And you know what they're families like. You two would be a great match, love. What do you think?"
"Well I-"
"Exactly, perfect. I'll see what date you can both do and me and Anne will set you up. She'll love you I'm sure."
"No, I was going to-"
"What?", she frowned, "What do you mean no?"
"I meant that-"
"Don't be ungrateful Percy. I'm trying to be nice here."
"I know and I'm really grateful for your help but I'm not sure thats a great idea."
"well why on earth not, you need to get out more Percy. You are a bit isolated at the moment aren't you. I don't think I know a single one of your friends."
"I'm fine Mum, really"
"I you're sure."
Luckily, that was all the conversation he received at the dinner table, the focus returning to something else he wasn't fully paying attention to.
He continued picking at his food and sipping on his drink until they were told to get down from the table.
Percy looked at his watch, just an hour and a half and it'd be considered appropriate for him to leave.
He was thinking he might have to try an talk to someone before leaving before Ginny came up to him.
"How are you Perce?"
"Good, good. How're you?"
"Great yeah, can I come over your on Saturday?"
"Oh, sure. Why, whats up?"
"Cause Mum keeps tryna get me round here and I needed an excuse so I just used you."
Percy snorted, "Ha, yeah 'cource. As long as your still okay babysitting on Sunday."