Of Wings And Warriors | Harry x Hermione x Draco

Chapter 29 | Trip to Azkaban

Previously on Of Wings And Warriors -
The relative expressed condolences, but as the conversation continued, Percy noted the sly smile playing at the corners of Molly's lips. She was using the fabricated story to garner sympathy and, more disturbingly, to gain financial support from the community. This made sense. Nobody really knew what was going on inside Hogwarts and all the Dail Prophet had printed were speculations. Hence, it was easy for Molly to push the entire blame onto Bill and Charlie by saying that they have aligned with the Death Eaters.

On another occasion, Percy observed his father, Arthur, in the living room, hunched over a pile of paperwork. Molly entered the room, her face set in a stern expression.

"Arthur, have you finalized the insurance claim for Ginny?" she demanded.

Arthur looked up, his expression weary and defeated. "Not yet, Molly. It just doesn't feel right, using Ginny's death like this."

Molly's eyes flashed with anger. "We need that money, Arthur. Do you want to see us out on the streets? You need to be stronger, for the sake of the family."

Arthur sighed, a defeated look crossing his face. "I'll finish it tonight."

Percy couldn't believe his ears. His father's reluctance and his mother's relentless pressure were clear indications of their true natures. The man who should have stood up for what was right was instead caving under the weight of his wife's demands.

A few days later, Percy caught a glimpse of another incident that solidified his understanding of his parents' characters. Molly was writing a letter, and as Percy approached, she quickly tried to hide it.

"What are you writing, Mum?" Percy asked, trying to sound casual.

Molly's eyes narrowed. "Just a letter to an old friend. Nothing for you to worry about."

Percy later found the discarded draft in the trash. It was a plea for financial assistance, filled with exaggerated tales of woe and misfortune, blaming Bill and Charlie for everything that had gone wrong.

The final straw came when Percy overheard a late-night conversation between his parents. Molly was discussing potential ways to secure more money, mentioning various dubious schemes. Arthur's response was a resigned acceptance, devoid of any attempt to argue or stand up to her.

Percy cursed himself for not seeing these signs earlier. His mother was undeniably greedy and selfish, willing to lie about her daughter's death and frame her own sons to gain money. His father, once a figure of strength in Percy's eyes, was revealed to be a spineless man, unable to stand up for what was right.

One evening, Percy confronted his mother directly. "Mum, how could you lie about Ginny's death? How could you frame Bill and Charlie?"

Molly's eyes flashed with anger. "You don't understand, Percy. Everything I've done is for this family. Sometimes you have to make hard choices."

Percy shook his head, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. "Those aren't hard choices, Mum. They're wrong choices."

As Percy walked away, he felt a heavy weight lift off his shoulders. He knew he could no longer stay in a place where greed and deceit ruled. The first thing Percy did was reject the job offer in England and move back to Ireland with all of his stuff. He did not want to be a part of any of this madness.