So Many Of Us Choose Our Path Out Of Fear Disguised As Practicality.

location: the burrow

status: closed starter for @percyweasley-arc​

Though Penelope and Percy had been working on rebuilding their friendship, somehow Molly Weasley inviting her to dinner at the Burrow still caught her by surprise. She’d been to the Burrow of course, though that was when she and Percy had been... together. And they weren’t anymore. 

Still, it was more time she would get to spend with Percy and she couldn’t deny that as much as she liked the Weasleys, there was only one Weasley that she’d do just about anything for. So here Pen was, walking up to the gate of the Burrow after all these years. 

Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the gates and headed for the door. It was a dinner with a friend’s family, Penelope reasoned, there was no reason to be so nervous. Knocking at the door, she let herself in at the call of a voice from inside. Molly was busy in the kitchen, doing something involving copious amounts of flour. Greeting her, Pen offered to help but she was shooed up the stairs to go find Percy. 

Penelope stepped lightly up the stairs to where she remembered Percy’s old room to be, trailing her fingers lightly over the pictures on the wall, smiling sadly at the young and innocent red-headed faces smiling back at her. Her heart twisted seeing Fred and George together. She didn’t know what she’d do if she lost Jason or Izzy, and the twins would never be the same without the other. Shaking herself out of her musings, Pen forced the thought from her mind and knocked twice on Percy’s door before letting herself in. 

“Percy? Your mum said you were up here—oh!” she exclaimed, as she walked into Percy’s bedroom to find him staring at her in shock, totally shirtless. 

location: ministry elevator 

status: open

Penelope fought another yawn, her eyes tearing at the strain and blurring the words on the page in front of her. It was far past the time when any normal employee would have (and should have) gone home, but Penelope had become utterly sidetracked by a translation of a journal from a Hogwarts student who had attended just after its founding. It was a fascinating if confusing read, the Old English translation a learned taste. Rubbing a hand against her forehead, Penelope knew she wouldn’t be making anymore progress tonight. 

She packed up her office quietly, carefully placing the journal into a locked preservation box. Locking her office behind her, Penelope sleepily made her way to the elevators, making the journey on autopilot. This sleep-deprived walk was so familiar to her that when the elevator door opened, Penelope walked straight inside, never expecting that she’d run right into someone. 

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Penelope said, wide awake now with a hand pressed against her rapidly beating heart. “No one else is usually in here...” 

mollywobblxs·:

molly looked over to the voice that had just spoken to her and smiled. it was always nice to see a familiar face other than her family. yes, she loved them to death. and yes, she appreciated everything they did. but they were pretty good at getting on her nerves.

“a personal favorite of mine is mixing salt and sugar,” she said as she laughed. truth be told, when she stress ate, she didn’t care what she was eating. she would eat just about anything. she just happened to be passing honeydukes. “hi, honey,” she said with a soft smile still present on her face. “i’ve been better.” she couldn’t help but to think about when arthur had been attacked by nagini and how he had recovered, allowing some hope that her husband was safe. 

-----

Penelope could imagine what Mrs. Weasley was going through, to an extent. Her fear of having the same or worse happen to her own family had lead to Penelope taking her family and leaving the country entirely. A coward’s move maybe, but her family had been safe. Those who’d been taken were a harsh reminder of what could have been, and what might be again. 

“There is something irresistible about the combo,” Pen agreed, taking a box of the truffles she’d been considering off the shelf. Now that Mrs. Weasley had mentioned it, salted caramel and dark chocolate was exactly what she needed. If only she knew what Mrs. Weasley needed, though. Pen hadn’t seen the other witch in years, really, not after she and Percy... And the woman’s husband had been taken, there were no words or gestures in the world that would make that okay. In the end she settled on clasping the other witch’s hand in hers for a moment, wishing silently that things would get better soon. “If Arthur is anything like his son,” Penelope said quietly, “He’s smart and resourceful and he will find his way back to you.” 

thoughtnott·:

With orders coming in at an alarming rate and people turning to protection guides, the shop was busier than ever. Theo was thrilled by the time closing came around. It had calmed down somewhat, giving him time to read through the book clubs latest novel. When the shop door opened, he stood from his seat and placed his bookmark in the novel. “Welcome to Obscurus Books and publishing. How can I assist you?” The woman who entered seemed determined and Theo’s mutterings seemed lost to her.

“Stay Out. A Compendium of Locking Spells and Wards by Edith Fowler.” Theodore repeated, mostly to himself to make sure the title stayed in his mind. He turned to the book that housed a list of all the titles currently in the shop and muttered the title once more, waving his wand over the tomb until the pages flipped to display the book information. “It seems we’re out of that title. A lot of people have been coming in for it. We should get a new shipment in tomorrow. Would you like us to owl it to you?”

-----

“I didn’t realize it was that popular,” Pen told the wizard across from her, squinting slightly as she tried to recall his name. Unless she’d had disciplinary issues with them during her time as a prefect, and later Head Girl, Penelope wasn’t always tuned in to the students of other houses. She glances around quickly, eyes finally lighting on a small nameplate. Theodore Nott, yes, a Slytherin five years behind her at Hogwarts. Just knowing who she was speaking to made Penelope feel more at ease. 

“Actually, do you have anything more, well, obscure?” Penelope asked. “My friend is keeping secrets and I need some locking spells that’ll stall her until I can get it out of her.” Normally she wouldn’t explain herself like that to more-or-less strangers, but Pen didn’t want him to think she needed anything dangerous or illegal. 

The worst part of having errands to run in Hogsmeade was the glaring temptation of Honeydukes. The doors seemed to have some sort of summoning array carved into them, the pull was so irresistible. (Or at least that’s what Pen would say, if she were asked.) It was therefore completely unsurprising to Penelope when she found herself walking right through the doors. 

She was standing between displays, trying to decide between dark chocolate and salted caramel truffles and lemon and raspberry cauldron cakes when she realized she’d stopped next to an achingly familiar head of red hair. Penelope smiled at Mrs. Weasley’s little quip, knowing a little bit of what the other witch must be going through. “Salty foods are my stress go-to,” Pen admitted. “Sugar’s up there too, though. Hi, Mrs. Weasley. How are you holding up?” 

molly wasn’t quite sure what her head space was. she had been told that there was still hope. kingsley had been let go, afterall, safely (albeit, with his memory erased of the incident). arthur was one of the strongest people she had ever met, having not only put up with the bullshit the ministry had thrown at him over the years, but also being attacked by nagini. she still worried, though. she couldn’t lose her husband so soon after losing her son. he was her rock.

not being able to stay in the house any longer, she made her way to hogsmeade, needing some time to herself out of the house that reminded her so much of her husband. spotting a little pop up full of chocolate, molly stopped and got some. when a person stopped next to her, she casually said, “unfortunately i’m a stress eater and i also love chocolate. it’s not a good combination.”

Mujde Akay 💙

task 001

GENERAL

Name: Penelope Elaine Clearwater  Nicknames: Pen, Penny  Age: 24  Place of birth: oxford   Spoken languages: english, latin, conversational french  Sexual orientation: bisexual  Occupation: education & development specialist at the department of magical education 

APPEARANCE

Eye color: brown Hair color: brown  Height: 5′6″  Scars: mainly old scars from childhood accidents  Piercings: an earring in each earlobe, usually with simple silver jewelry  Tattoos: none 

FAMILY

Sibling(s): jason & ismene clearwater  Parents: henry & elaine clearwater  Relationship with Family: extremely close, she would do anything for them  Spouse/Significant Other: none Children: none  Pets: a white kneazle kitten, marie 

MAGICAL

Wand: alder & phoenix feather, 10 3/4″, reasonably supple  First Spell: scourgify  Favourite Spell: summoning charm  First Magical Experience: causing her drawings to dance around the page, around age 4  Patronus (if they have one): swift  If they were a Magical Creature what would they be: sphinx  

HAVE THEY

Had sex in public: yes  Had a broken heart: yes  Been in love: yes  Cheated: no  Stayed up for more than 24 hours: yes  Broken a bone: yes  Bullied someone: no  Been fired: no  Got into a physical fight: no Got any grudges against anyone?: yes A dark secret: none 

ARE THEY

A virgin: no  A cuddler: yes, but she also gets too warm. loves hand-holding    A kisser: yes  A smoker: no  Scared easily: yes  Jealous easily: no  Trustworthy: yes  Dominant: likes to be in charge, especially leading teams, though she gets nervous sometimes  Submissive: generally open to compromise, around superiors  Forgiving: yes, but she has a good memory  Single: yes 

RANDOM QUESTIONS

Have they wanted to kill someone: not seriously  Have they actually killed someone: no  Have they ridden a beast: she rode a horse once  Do they prefer private or public praise after helpings others: private praise is more meaningful, but she recognizes the power of public praise  What keeps them up at night: worries about her family, fear that she isn’t enough, her latest research obsession  Guilty Pleasures: fried food, romance novels, beauty & bath products/spells  Last time they cried: last week, watching forrest gump with her mother  What event would you choose death other living through: her family being killed because of her If they died today would they be happy with the life they’ve lived: yes, though sad at the lost opportunity 

percyweasley-arc·:

There had been times that Percy wanted to walk by Penelope’s department and fall into a conversation that they had so easily done so before. The battle at the school had been a lot especially with the after effect that came with a toll. Percy had an unfortunate fallout with her and he had been filled with guilt since. He had liked what they had even with the romantic bits aside, she made for lovely company. She was only a few levels down from where he worked and the thought usually drifted into his mind.

It could have been years since they had a proper conversation and Percy fell into the same energy as they once had. Despite him being incredibly tired and overwhelmed, Percy’s attention was fully alert to Penelope and her assignment. “That is so fascinating,” he emitted honestly. “You must tell me your findings as I would love to hear about anything that has to do with the subject. I’m sure the proposal will go well.” He was already keen to what she was saying, thinking she could talk about anything and she could hold his interest. 

It was the most subtle touch, but it was from Penelope and before his arms could come around her after the initial shock, she was already stepping away. He wanted so much to chase her touch and he couldn’t understand his thoughts now. For years he hadn’t seen her and now it felt like nothing had changed. “Yes, we could probably see somewhere other than our offices. Maybe a stiff drink or two. There’s a place by my flat that we could go to. Doesn’t close until 2 a.m. Would you like that?” Percy had yet to been alone with Penelope like this and he wanted it to be right. He wanted to continue this conversation and couldn’t hide the smile that she was agreeing to go out with him somewhere. Subconsciously he was standing closer to her now as the lift descended. The floo network was still going surprisingly and Percy turned to Penelope. “Um. Three Broomsticks, alright? My place is in Hogsmeade Village…if you remember.”

-----

Penelope couldn’t stop the bright smile she shot at Percy if she tried, excitement from her research and his vote of confidence in her work sending warmth through her. It was a little unexpected, how viscerally she responded to him despite the years of absence. Pen hadn’t realized just how much she had missed him until he was right in front of her, and suddenly the minor heartache she’d nursed all these years caught fire. “That means a lot, thank you,” she told him. Penelope tugged on a loose hair that had fallen from her bun. “If my proposal makes it through the first set of approvals I have to present it. If you ever have a minute, maybe you could give me your feedback? It would be good to get an outside perspective,” she trailed off, feeling awkward and like she might have pushed the boundaries of this uncertain friendship. 

There was a light tingling sensation all along Pen’s arms from where she had hugged Percy, and she had the distant thought that alcohol would probably only make it worse. But it only took another look at Percy and she realized that even if this was a mistake, it was a mistake she was committed to making. “That would be great,” Pen said. It was a chance for the two of them to reconnect, a little break from reality. Penelope thought they could both use one. “Three Broomsticks,” she nodded, before blushing at the memories that sprung to the front of her mind of Percy’s apartment. “I remember,” Pen said, flustered. She realized how close she was standing next to him as they made it to the fireplaces and took a quick step away towards the nearest hearth. “Meet you there!” she called over to him, as she grabbed a pinch of floo powder and stepped into the fireplace. 

location: a restaurant in hogsmeade 

status: closed starter for @moonylvpin 

Penelope had arrived at the restaurant over an hour before she’d asked Professor Lupin to meet with her, making sure she was organized and ready. It was probably overkill, but Pen felt much better when she was prepared, and she didn’t want to waste Professor Lupin’s time either. It would be good to see him though, she hadn’t seen him for longer than a passing conversation since he first taught at Hogwarts, her last year. She had been thrilled to have a competent teacher in DADA, and spent a decent number of afternoons in his office to get his perspective on issues she was having as Head Girl. 

She’d invited him to lunch to hopefully get his perspective on how he thought Hogwarts could be improved, and maybe see if he had any input on some of the proposals she was going to be submitting. At the very least, it would be good to talk to him. Penelope’s watch chimed that she had five minutes left to their appointment, and she quickly put away her papers save for a single sheet of parchment to take notes on. Just in time too, as she spotted the wizard heading towards her table. “Professor Lupin!” she said, standing to greet him. “Thank you for coming.” 

thoughtnott·:

“It has been lately with the current climate.” Small talk with strangers wasn’t something that came easy to Theodore but with the counter separating him and the customer, words came much easier. His lips turned into a force smile at the terrible joke he had heard day in and day out. “This is Obscurus.” 

Stepping outside the counter, Theo listened before nodding. “Give me one moment and I can get you some options.” Locking your friend somewhere to question them didn’t seem like a marker of a good friendship but his job wasn’t to judge, it was to sell books. He returned with a stack of three options and placed them on the counter in front of the brunette. “We have A Broken Lock Will Always Work: One Thousand Charms and One Jinx, Gilderoy Lockhart’s Guide to Home Security though I wouldn’t recommend this unless you are truly desperate, and Password Journal: Parents Be Gone.”

-----

Penelope watched Theodore’s face twist at her accidental pun and she couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m sorry,” she said earnestly, a smile tugging at her lips. “I really didn’t mean to say it, I’m sure you hear it all the time.” She would have used ‘rare’, but often times that resulted in particularly expensive books and that wasn’t in her budget for the day. 

She grimaced when he mentioned Lockhart’s book, remembering her sixth year DADA professor less than fondly. “I agree wholeheartedly,” Pen said. “After his year teaching I don’t have a particularly high opinion of his works.” Lockhart’s books, often filled with misinformation and questionable scenarios, were one of the things she was hoping to improve about the magical world. It was lucky no one had gotten hurt from acting on the garbage in his books. “I’m sure I can find one spell among a thousand that will work though, thank you. Have you read it?”