Chapter 12: My Duty
After Harry, Ron and Hermione had studied together for another hour, they made their way to the Charms classroom; they sat in their usual seats beside each other and awaited the stout Professor Flitwick's instructions. Once Flitwick had climbed up onto a pile of books he pulled out his wand. He had made them practice old spells over and over again until they were as perfect as possible. They did this for the duration of the lesson.
Afterwards the trio headed off out of the corridor when Ron spoke. "So, next weekend is Hogsmeade time, it's so that we can all get some new dress robes for the Yule Ball the week after. But I already did some thinking, and I though we could go together, but I'll give the two of you some time alone as well, sound ok?"
"That sounds fine Ron, but are you sure that you're ok with this?" asked Harry.
"I'm sure, besides I already have a date."
"What?" snapped Hermione? "But I-"
"Sorry, but I found my own date."
"Who is it?" asked Harry keenly.
"It's a surprise my friend, you will find out at the Yule Ball," answered Ron confidently. Hermione was about to speak when Professor McGonagall approached them.
"Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Miss Granger. Somebody would like to see you in the Forbidden Forest, I cannot tell you what the matter concerns as I do not know, but off you go, and be quick."
Although the three were puzzled at her announcement they made their way to the forest, Percy hadn't been seen for the whole summer since his fall out with the other Weasley's. They reached the outskirts of the forest, the three of them looked a little nervous and Harry couldn't resist placing a hand on his wand as they entered. The forest was murky and misty, the fog was freezing and Harry felt a shiver run down his spine, he pulled Hermione closer to him in an attempt to keep her warm. They froze in their spot when they heard something that sounded like a tree branch breaking. This time Harry whipped out his wand.
"Don't worry Potter, I won't hurt you," hissed a voice that sounded strangely like Percy's.
"Percy is that you?" asked Ron.
"Oh, hello Ronald. Yes it is me," he answered.
"What do you want us for?" Ron replied.
"I am here to carry out my duty, and to get the very power that I want," Percy said sternly, he was still nowhere to be seen.
They then heard Percy mutter a couple of quick spells, when Ron dropped to the ground followed by Harry. Hermione looked around anxiously, she wanted to check on her two friends but knew she had to defend herself. She pulled out her wand and felt a shoulder on her back, the arm gripped her around the neck and she felt herself choking.
"Hello Granger, you remember me don't you mudblood, I was always Percy the smart arse who everybody laughs at. But before I carry out my duty and murder you, I would like you to know that your life wouldn't be worth living anyway. After all, you too are very clever and people laugh at you for it, but you could never be in the position I am in as you are too loyal to your friends and family, if you had one that is. What I am saying is that your life would have been pathetic. Of course there is a second choice if you do not wish to die. You can join Voldemort and become a Death Eater like me, so what do you say mudblood?"
Percy heard her mumble something under her breath. "What was that Granger?" He eased his grip slightly.
"I said I would rather eat toe nails than join your stupid group," she hissed back at him. His face turned from pleasure to anger. He released her and performed a spell that bound her to a tree with rope. He walked slowly up to her.
"You know Granger, I always found you rather attractive," he started, as Hermione looked utterly disgusted. "And before I kill you I would like just one…little…kiss." He gripped her face tightly with his hands, and rolled his tongue up and down her lips. She wouldn't budge and open her mouth so he instantly pulled out his wand and pointed it at her neck. "Well if that's the way you want it." He stared coldly at her before beginning a bone-chilling laugh, but he was cut off when he dropped to the ground revealing Ron Weasley with his wand pointed at his brother. He tore the ropes off Hermione.
"Are you ok?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you Ron." She wiped her mouth with her sleeve and wrapped her arms around him in a friendly hug.
"Harry should wake up soon, remember I took the spell before, that's why I woke up first," he said, releasing the hug.
*
Harry woke up a short while after, and the trio explained to Dumbledore the whole story, and Percy Weasley was sent directly to Azkaban.
A/N : I hope I didn't make Percy a little too much of an…what's the word…idiot ? Yeah, that's right. IDIOT !