Breaking Protocol {Percy Weasley}

Chapter Nine

"Sirius Black? That is impossible." Clara let out a wide yawn and Percy sat down beside the girl as she settled into the sleeping bag next to her friend, Michelle.

"It doesn't matter anyway." Percy said. "You're here, he's not. And so far everyone is safe."

"So far." Clara said, resting her head on top her arm. "But a murderer in the castle--"

"It's alright." Percy said. "I'll be keeping watch until the Headmaster comes back. In the meantime," Percy tucked a lock of Clara's hair behind her ear as her eyes fluttered close. "get some sleep." He whispered.

Percy stood up from where Clara lie, snuggled in a sleeping bag, and continued on watching over the students.

As the boy made his rounds around the room, scolding those who talked, he lost track of time as he listened to the uneven snoring of the sleeping students. The door to the front entrance cracked open, and in came Headmaster Dumbledore, along with a few of the other Professors of the school.

Standing tall and clasping his hands behind his back, Percy strolled over to the Headmaster. Informing Headmaster Dumbledore that all was well and under his control, Percy listened as Professor Snape entered and began discussing how such a person was allowed into the castle.

After it was confirmed that the whole castle was searched, even the dungeons, and that the Fat Lady who had been attacked by Sirius Black was found in the map of Argyllshire on the second floor, the Headmaster informed Percy to get some rest because he was to lead the Gryffindors back to their dorms come morning.

Penny had set up a bed for Percy beside her near the entrance if he was to get some rest throughout the night. While it would be nice to be near the entrance of the room if any trouble were to occur and Percy had to act fast, he found himself wondering over to where Clara was sleeping.

It was ridiculous for Percy to be among the group of Hufflepuffs when he was indeed a Gryffindor student, but he pushed the thought to the side as he nestled into a vacant sleeping bag next to the sleeping girl.

He studied Clara, how she really didn't look much different while she slept. Her face was still relaxed and peaceful, a hint of a smile playing at her lips still, despite the horror she must have gone through wondering the castle alone at night. Percy really did think the girl was beautiful, there was no doubt about it. Even though her hair was a mess, thrown over her body and face.

He wouldn't say Clara was more beautiful than Penny, who was always so elegant and put together, her hair always placed perfectly on her pretty little head. Penny's eyes were a stunning green, green that reminded Percy so much of fresh grass on a beautiful summer morning. There was never a wrinkle in her uniform, and Penny's organized behaviour when it came to her studies pleased Percy greatly. He always admired girls who focused on school instead of just 'making memories', and girls like Penny who were the top students in their classes.

Clara was the complete opposite of Penny.

She had dark, messy hair, and was the clumsiest girl Percy has ever run into. Clara did well in class, but her constant questioning of the subject always annoyed Percy, especially in Charms when she couldn't succeed in doing a simple charm.

Fred and George had taken an interest in the girl, which frightened Percy because anyone that got involved with those two were never good news. But for some reason, everyone liked Clara.

It didn't matter that the girl's English was horrid most of the time, or that she always looked like she had just rolled out of bed. It didn't matter that she somehow found everything so funny, no matter how dry the situation was, or how she never really had much to say, but just sat and listened to what others said--everyone liked her.

Including Percy.

Sighing, Percy found himself just drifting to sleep when he felt a cold hand rest against the back of his. Opening his eyes, he looked down to see Clara's hand on his. With a smile tugging at the corner of her pouty lips, Clara intertwined her slender fingers with his and moved to sleep up against his side.

And that's how Percy fell asleep. With the steady rise and fall of Clara's chest against his and her delicate hand in his. Because for the first time, Percy was able to fall asleep without anxiety slamming pots together constantly, making him toss and turn in annoyance.

Clara awoke from her shoulder being shaken. Groaning, she turned away from the source only for her name to be yelled.

"Oui, wha--" Clara shot up, parting her hair that was draped over her face with her hands. Michelle was standing with her hands resting against her hips, looking down at Clara with an irritated look.

"You're literally the last person to wake up. Honestly, Clara. You sleep like a bloody rock." Clara rolled her eyes at the girl and jimmied out of her sleeping bag. When she looked to the side, noticing Percy wasn't still lying next to her, her shoulders slumped forward and she glanced around the emptying room for the familiar redhead.

"Looking for someone?" Erika asked as Clara scrambled to her feet.

"Hmm? Oh, non." Clara shook her head, focusing her attention on her dirty and wrinkled skirt. Erika laughed, patting Clara on the back as the Hufflepuff house cleared out of the Great Hall.

"Percy was the first awake. The Gryffindors left a while ago. Sorry that your snuggling was cut short." Erica winked, and Clara's face became a bright red.

"We were not--"

"Oh I saw you two last night. Don't even try and lie to me, young lady." Erika scolded. "Who knew Percy Weasley wasn't the complete troll I always thought he was." Erika said, smirking. "He was rather cute in his pajamas, his little curls all a mess. A hot mess--"

Erika laughed when Clara's face was nearly as bright as Weasley hair. "You've got yourself a cutie, Clara."

"I do not got anyone." She said sternly, hiding her face behind her hair. "Percy was just making sure I was good."

"Mhmm... And I'm sure he confirmed that you were good indeed." Michelle said, wiggling her eyebrows at Clara.

"What are you two even talking about?" Clara growled. "Percy does not like me."

"Clueless." Erika exasperated. "She's completely clueless."