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Life after the war was not easy.
Harry even struggled to comprehend that it was truly over, that Voldemort was no more.
Maybe he couldn't understand it because it wasn't really over.
Maybe he couldn't accept it because so many of his friends were dead.
Maybe he couldn't accept it because Remus and Tonks were dead too, and Teddy would be like him, he would be an orphan and everyone would celebrate the day his parents died.
As they had done on Halloween to rejoice at Voldemort's first disappearance.
Harry hated all of that.
Sighing, she walked back to the Burrow, where she was currently staying.
Molly was grieving the loss of one of her children, after all, and even she couldn't bring herself to accept that it was over.
He was terrified of losing any more of them.
The Burrow had never been as full as it was now.
All the Weasleys were there.
Everyone except Fred.
When Harry entered, he didn't see anyone around him.
It was late in the evening, it was not strange that they were all asleep.
That was what Harry thought, at least until he passed the closed door to Percy's room.
Parting it, she looked in to see Percy huddled by the window, tears running down his cheeks.
Harry walked into the room, knowing that sometimes it was better to have company, even if it was silent, when dealing with a loss.
With Sirius, Harry couldn't bear the thought of being alone, yet he didn't want to hear idle talk, not when he'd just lost his godfather.
It was nonsense, but Harry wasn't going to leave Percy alone, not like this.
"I am sorry." Percy whispered, breaking the silence.
"I know." Harry whispered back, and Percy looked at him. "You shouldn't be here."
"I couldn't sleep, anyway. And I'm not sorry."
Percy shook his head. "You shouldn't be here comforting me. I turned my back on you when you needed it most."
Harry snorted. "All right, Percy. You were scared. It's understandable."
"You fought."
"I didn't have much choice. If it makes you feel better, though, I forgive you."
Percy smiled at him, before murmuring. "I've spent years hating Fred and George's pranks, and now I'd rather they made fun of me."
Harry smiled.
He would have preferred it too.
Life just wasn't the same, not without Fred.
"I understand that. But you couldn't have known it was going to happen, Percy."
Percy looked at Harry before saying. "It's my fault. I should have avoided making that joke if I hadn't..."
"Fred would have died without the smile. He died laughing, Percy. And it was because of you. Your last interaction with your brother made him laugh."
Percy smiled through his tears.
"Why are you here?"
"I thought you might enjoy the company. I know I wouldn't want to be alone in your place. And honestly, I didn't realize you were so good at taking the blame."
Percy snorted. "You're a talker. Ron had interesting things to reveal."
"Ron has a big mouth and you shouldn't listen to him when he talks." Harry said, making Percy laugh.
A moment passed, and Percy's hand covered Harry's.
"All right?"
"All right." Harry nodded.
He felt himself blushing.
She'd never said anything to anyone, but she'd had a tiny, microscopic crush on Percy when they were at school together.
Despite everyone's thoughts, Percy looked good.
Ed was intelligent and approachable, and Harry loved seeing him talk about whatever was on his mind.
When he'd suggested changes to the Ministry in his third year, Harry had listened to him and couldn't help but notice how good his ideas were.
Percy Weasley was a genius.
Harry swallowed.
Thinking about his old crush on the boy who was right next to him didn't seem like a good idea.
But Percy was smiling.
"I have a confession to make." Percy said.
"Tell me."
"I had a crush on you when you were in fourth year."
Harry blushed.
"Thank you."
Percy laughed, before leaning down and kissing Harry.
Yes, Harry thought, returning the kiss, he had definitely been right to stop.