Location: Obscurus’ Books 

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. 

percyweasley-arc·:

It had been a long day to capitalize a long week. He was steeped in stress about his father missing, his family under the need to find him, and the work that deterred him from focusing on what was happening. It wasn’t unusual for him to find other things to distract him from what was going on. There was a time that his father had gone missing a couple of years ago and his heart dropped to his stomach, his mind already tailing the last time. 

Usually Percy left when Kingsley left and when the Minister had told Percy to go home, it was what it took for him to finally leave his desk. Everyone had mostly thinned out by then, it being well past time to be home and yet Percy took his work seriously. He didn’t want to show Kingsley how tired he was, how much the news was weighing on him. His face changed, becoming more candid with emotion when he knew no one was watching. The idea of going back to his own apartment seemed attainable but he knew his presence might be needed at the Burrow. 

As he was debating where to go while he waited in the lift, he brought his attention to the company added to the lift. Percy’s arm innately reached out to catch her, releasing the hold on the strap for his briefcase. “Late night,” he commented, giving a small smile as to both of them staying late. “By your own admission or your department? Kingsley asked me to leave hours ago.”

-----

Penelope relaxed into the hold that had caught her almost automatically, before her brain caught up with her body and harshly reminded her that her days of laying in Percy Weasley’s arms had long since passed. She coughed, flustered, and tried to remove herself without seeming spastic. Pen wasn’t sure she had been altogether successful, but when faced with your ex-boyfriend, ex-best friend? She’d like to see anyone be completely put together. 

“Thank you for the save, Percy,” Penelope said, cobbling together a smile she thought was both genuine and calm. She took a moment to rearrange herself, shuffling her bag back onto her shoulder and pulling her jacket back into place. “No, it’s my fault, I found the most fascinating journal, from the Founder’s era! It’s incredible, I—” she cut herself off. They weren’t like this anymore. Percy didn’t need to hear her ramblings about her latest fixations. Pen tucked a loose hair behind her ear, lips quirked in a halfhearted little smile. “Sorry, I’m talkative when I’m tired. Um, how are you? I heard about your dad, I’m so sorry.” 

aterryboot·:

“Yeah, I was just visiting Anthony. Making sure he was okay,” Terry told her though even he himself could hear the lie in his words. There was no need to really tell her the full story, that maybe if he checked in with his best friend once or twice a day he’d give up on the plan of locking him inside his house. That would probably just confuse and worry her though there was no way to avoid the bad news in answer to her question.

With a tired look, Terry tried to make his next words come out softer. It was already bad enough that she hadn’t heard and he’d have to tell her, and he didn’t want her to freak out if she could help it. “Oh um, you haven’t heard? The night at the celebration… she was taken.”

-----

Was there something wrong with Anthony? This conversation with Terry was starting to feel decidedly ominous. Penelope felt her shoulders tensing, fingers clenching around the handle of her bag. She had absolutely no idea what was going on, but it was becoming very clear she had missed something big. 

Terry’s words sent a shock of ice down Pen’s spine. What? Taken; a word all too reminiscent of the last war. Penelope’s thoughts spun wildly in her head as she tried to reconcile the terror from only a few years ago with Padma, one of her Ravenclaws and a friend. “Taken?” Penelope whispered, almost to herself. “But, she’s a pureblood, why didn’t that protect her?” She had always mentally counted her pureblood friends as safe, and this revelation threatened to shake the uncertain footing she’d found again in the magical world. 

percyweasley-arc·:

It had been too long since they had a conversation, saying more than small talk and passing comments in the corridors at work. The war had shifted their relationship and friendship but enough had happened to both of them to shift their perspectives. Being close and talking to her was only stirring the familiar memories of them together. The proximity of them being close was already kicking in Percy’s mind, conscious of it but also keen on listening to every word she had to say. “Of course. I would love to hear all about it. You have my attention and time if you ever need it.” The thought of a promise of seeing her again made him hopeful that this would be a rekindling of sorts. Percy was left stunned when she left, thinking that the short conversation and promise of meeting somewhere else was enough to make him question everything. He smiled at himself with wonder at what it was before following suit.

time jump

One drink had turned into two and Percy couldn’t stop smiling at the conversation they were having. It had been a long time since he had this much fun on a weekday after work and with drinks none the less. It almost felt as if he had stepped back into time when they would do this after graduating or on their Hogsmeade trips. It had been a while since he had felt so relaxed with someone and he kept glancing at Penelope when she wasn’t looking. “Yes, you’re quite right. A lot has changed since school…so much has happened in the last few years to change any person. I’m glad I was able to see you again. Like this. Can’t tell you the last time I let myself do something like this. I should thank you.”

-----

There was a red flush covering Penelope’s cheeks as their one drink turned into several. Even knowing, vaguely, that she should take care to keep her wits about her, Pen couldn’t force herself to revert into the same horrid awkwardness she felt around Percy. Getting to spend this time with him, both of their guards down, was something she hadn’t thought would happen anytime soon, if ever. It was kind of wonderful. Besides, she never really left much time in her schedule for spur of the moment plans, and rarely let herself let loose, so this was probably past due. Or at least, that’s what she was going to tell herself. The lighting in the pub caught the edges of Percy’s face strikingly, and it was increasingly difficult to look away. She nodded along as Percy spoke, heart-sore as she thought about all of the hardships they’d faced out of Hogwarts. Penelope reached out across the table to where Percy’s hand rested, linking their fingers together. It was a familiar gesture, almost to the point where it was subconscious, if not for the warmth it sent through her. “Don’t thank me! This was your brilliant idea, this time anyway. But I’m glad to see you too,” she said with a small if giddy smile, before taking a sip of her drink for some sort of courage. “I really missed you, you know.” 

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.” 

location: cho and marietta’s apartment 

status: closed starter for @choeilidh

Penelope knocked twice on Cho’s front door, before letting herself in. Setting down a to-go box of pastries on the table, she wandered over to the coffee maker, pressing the start button and watching the machine with a little more interest than was probably healthy. It was only after Penelope had a mug of coffee clutched in one hand that she pulled a stack of newpapers out of her magically expanded bag, tossing them on the table. 

Turning to eye her friend skeptically, Penelope asked (not for the first time), “Are you sure reading through all the quidditch sections is going to make you feel better?” 

percyweasley-arc​:

It had been a long day at week following the events of the Halloween masquerade and then a myriad of stress at the Ministry. Percy almost hesitantly denied a family dinner but it seemed the comfort he needed. Percy could easily be trapped in his work and his family always offered a keen escape that he craved. Even though he had just made amends with Charlie, he still was worried and concerned about Harriet.

As soon as Percy arrived at his former house, he gave his mother and father a chaste kiss on the cheek before heading up to his old bedroom to change. The work clothes seemed to be what he lived in, but even Percy preferred to change as soon as he left. The tie around his neck fell and the tightness loosened. 

Percy barely heard the door creak open until he turned around and saw Penelope. Penelope Clearwater was in his bedroom. Penelope Clearwater was here. Why was she here? Percy then realized he was stunned and speechless, only staring as he held his shirt in his hands. They had been talking for the last few months and Percy nearly had a moment to kiss her on the train but his insecurities got the best of him.

He cleared his throat and his brows knitted together in confusion. “Pen-penelope, what-what are you…did mother invite you?” he asked weakly, hating how surprised he sounded and knew he looked shocked too. Percy took a breath and turned to give himself a moment and to throw on the nearest shirt he had. Why hadn’t mummy told him about Penelope coming? It seemed like vital information considering Percy’s feelings and here he was looking like a speechless buffoon. “I’m sorry-I wasn’t-I didn’t know you were coming.”

◊

If there was a protocol for running into your ex-boyfriend shirtless while trying to rekindle your friendship, Penelope certainly didn’t know it. She stood in stunned silence while her brain flashed through different scenarios on how to react,  flushing bright red and ducking her head as Percy searched for a shirt. A tiny part of her brain whispered that he looked good, but she stamped it down ruthlessly and simply tried not to die of embarrassment. 

“I’m so sorry, I thought she would have told you,” Pen said, feeling awkward and out of her depth. “We ran into each other the other day and she invited me, I would have said something but we had those meeting conflicts for lunch yesterday,” she trailed off. Honestly, eating dinner with her ex’s family was a little out of Penelope’s comfort zone, but it was suddenly a lot harder to stomach knowing that Percy hadn’t known, and possibly didn’t want her there. 

“I’m sorry,” she said again, “I can go. Maybe this is just bad timing, I can create an excuse for your mum.” 

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. 

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 

“The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.” - Bertrand Russell