Task 001

aterryboot·:

“She had fought in the Battle of Hogwarts, I’m assuming they know she isn’t on their side,” Terry offered. He felt really bad that he was the one having to tell Penelope about all of this, she was a good person she didn’t deserve to find out this way. On the flip side, Padma didn’t deserve to be taken either even though the details on her being missing were still unclear. There was no proof that she was taken just a simultaneous event and an assumption. Along with that also came no reason on why Padma specifically.

It could have just been she was in the right place at the right time but Terry had no idea. He was even more out of the loop since he hadn’t decided to join the New Order, his parents still sending him constant letters almost as if a reminder of what they’d said to him. He really didn’t know what the right choice was. “Anthony’s been pretty worried since then so he wants me to check in with him every so often. You might want to talk to him– um, he can probably update you better than I can.”

-----

Pen felt a familiar guilt creep up on her when Terry talked about the Battle of Hogwarts. She hadn’t been there, she hadn’t even been in the country. It was an unexpected extra pain in her chest that she tried to ignore. Padma was what was important here, not Penelope’s own failures. “Of course,” she said quietly, trying to reconcile all of this new information. “The Redeemers must have long memories.” 

“I’ll go talk to him, check in,” Penelope promised Terry. It had been years since Hogwarts, even longer since she was their Prefect, but it still made Pen warm with pride and fondness when she saw ‘her’ Ravenclaws, especially together. “I’m glad Anthony has you. Padma, too,” she said, before pausing, the words almost stuck in her throat. “Are you going to be okay?” she asked, before rephrasing, “At least, will you be safe?” 

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.” 

location: a bistro on diagon alley

status: closed starter for @rowleing​

Penelope picked up her order from the counter, thanking the wix behind the counter and sliding her change into the tip jar. She rarely took the time to actually have lunch, let alone outside of the Ministry. But the sun was shining and Pen couldn’t resist a sandwich from one of her favorite little restaurants along the Alley. 

Luck didn’t seem to be on her side when it came to seating. There was no open table to be found, and Penelope didn’t feel quite like another lunch in her office now that she’d left. She spotted a relatively empty table with only one occupant and steeled her nerves, pushing away her anxiety as far as she could before she approached. Penelope got to the table and forced herself to ask, “Would you mind if I shared your table? It’s so nice out and there aren’t any other tables open.” 

hope — my writing

Poetry Inspiration Moodboards | paperthin

I write love letters to Lucifer but all I see is your face

percyweasley-arc·:

The action had been innate and Percy felt his hand lightly on Penelope. It was only a moment and yet he was immediately captured in it. They had both been working at the same place for years now and Percy had done little to reach out to her since after the battle. Acknowledging his feelings was not something he did often and had walked by her department, glancing in to catch a glimpse of her whenever possible. 

“Anytime, yeah,” Percy replied, feeling flustered and putting his hands back to his sides. It had been years since they might have had a proper conversation and many had gone just like this. Percy didn’t have the confidence to do much more than have a brief exchange, not trusting his words to refuse him. “Oh, really the Founder’s? That’s exceptional, what did you find?” Percy asked, his tone fascinated and distracted to the point a stranger would think he was a different person from the one before. It felt like it used to for a moment. His head dropped down and gave a tight smile. Everyone had been giving him condolences as if Arthur was already gone. Every time Percy just gave a brief response to a complex question. “I-yeah, I remember. I am the same. I’m fine, fine. It’s been…an adjustment, yeah.” The lift continued to descend for a moment. “-I’m not fine actually. I’m…scared-do you want to grab a drink…with me? Now?”

-----

She hadn’t seen Percy this close in years. They both worked in the Ministry, so Pen would see him from across rooms, but nothing like this, where she could meet his eyes and talk to him, even awkwardly stunted as it was. She thought he might’ve gotten taller somehow, or maybe it was that he was more confident. Either way, even though he was clearly stressed and tired, Penelope felt a little flustered at the sight of him. He even smelled good, for Merlin’s sake. 

Pen felt the familiar energy of a new interest take hold of her when Percy asked about the journal. It was half of why she’d stayed so late, completely caught up in it. “It’s a journal of a student who attended just after the Founders left the school,” she explained excitedly, lost in the familiar feeling of sharing her findings with Percy. “The translation is hard to read, but I’m hoping I’ll find something to support the new curriculum I’m proposing.” It was a little exasperating to Pen, how she could fight bitterly for her proposals, only to find them quickly accepted if she spun it around the Founders. 

Watching Percy visibly shrink, Penelope was surprised by the force of her unhappiness at the sight. Whatever might have happened between them, he had still been her best friend and she couldn’t stand to see him like this. “You’re not fine,” she told him, warring with herself over if it would be weird to hug him. When Percy admitted that he wasn’t fine, Pen threw out her book on propriety and hugged him quickly, a brief but tight thing where she tried not to get distracted by being so close to him. “I’d love to grab drinks,” she said, pulling back. “We could both probably use a real break.” There was a reason they were still at work in the middle of the night, after all, and it wasn’t because they had too much free time. Pen was determined that this could be a new start for them, to at least find their way back to the friendship they once had. She pushed the button on the elevator for the main floor, finally setting it to move again. “What’s still open, do you think?” 

location: estelle apothecary

status: closed starter for @littlexlunalovegoods

Penelope wanted to cry. Technically she already was, but uncontrollable eye watering did not count. She had been so excited to finally adopt a kneazle kitten, after toying around with the idea for years. And Marie was the best, most adorable kitten she could have ever hoped for, and everything should have been perfect, except it turns out that Penelope is allergic. 

Giving up on looking presentable, Pen apparated across the street from the apothecary where Luna worked, the company almost as desirable as the potions. She stumbled into the shop, distracted by a series of violent sneezes. Penelope spied what she thought was Luna (at the very least, saw a blurry shape that was probably blonde) and beelined for her. “Oh Luna, please tell me you have allergy potions in stock,” Penelope nearly begged.

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.” 

littlexlunalovegoods·:

Luna had enjoyed working at the apothecary over the last few months. It was somewhere that was paced evenly enough for her to breathe, but she knew her ingredients and potions fairly well. Even though there were still some parts she was learning, she loved brewing new things when she had the chance. The customers who came in were mostly a delight as a simple conversation could easily sooth her. 

When the door chimed, her mouth fell into an easy smile and when she saw Penelope she beamed. The woman seemed distressed by her words as well as her physical appearance. “Oh my goodness, Penelope. Are you alright?” Luna asked with concerned, already moving from behind the counter to look at her features. “What was it? Plant? Animal? Food?”

-----

Penelope sniffed miserably, trying to smile at Luna despite barely being able to see through her watery eyes. She would normally never show up in public looking like such a mess, but she needed both medical help and a friend, and Luna would be much better company than a healer. “Hi Luna,” Pen greeted belatedly. She rubbed a hand across her eyes, hoping that would help with the itching. It only made it worse. She sighed, feeling entirely defeated. “Animal. My new kitten.”