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Gold, tangerine, and scarlet stretch far and wide across the sky as the sun sets over a shimmering harbour. Green foliage, fairy-lit paths and accents of ferns with blue and white sweet peas, tulips and jasmine surround the beer garden. The magical space springs to life, welcoming excited guests as they take their seats.
It’s an impressive sight for what should be the best day of his life.
And yet…
Percy fidgets with the intricate sleeves of his navy dress robes. He knows he should leave them be, considering how much his attire cost for this occasion. Except he’s nervous. Quiet tension settles around him as he stands in the back, hidden from view by a wall of Flutterby bushes.
Alone.
Waiting for a signal for the next Big Moment to occur.
So far, everything is running on time. At least he thinks so. Percy hasn’t bothered checking his watch because that would unnerve him even more. He tries not to pace. Tries not to clasp his hands behind his back. Or tap his foot impatiently. He hopes Penny and Katie have the rest of this event chaos under control.
“Doing all right, dear?” a gentle voice asks.
“I suppose,” Percy says, letting his shoulders sag with relief.
He turns to find his mother standing beside him wearing a cerulean dress with a shawl, looking happy. Proud. And right now, he’s never been so glad to see her.
“You suppose?” his mum repeats. She shakes her head and gives Percy a soft smile. “It’s not everyday I get to see my son exchanging wedding vows.”
“There’s still Charlie. And Ron’s engaged to Hermione. I’m sure we’ll be receiving save the date cards in the post any day now.”
“But today is your special day, Percy. Just look at you! My precious boy—so handsome and all grown up.”
Percy feels his face burn as his mother fusses over him. She straightens his gold bow tie and smooths out his collar. Brushes his fiery curls back, does another once-over before beaming. It fills Percy’s heart with comfort, knowing he still has this unconditional love. One that he could have easily lost.
“Everything looks so wonderful out here! Forgive me and Mairsali for being sceptical at first. Seeing how well the decor suits the inn now…I think everyone’s proved us wrong.”
“Ollie was adamant on Puddlemere colours,” Percy explains, his lips curling up. “That’s why I had a say in the event layout and catering. If it hadn’t been for Penny’s and Katie’s immaculate attention to detail, though, this whole thing would have fallen apart.”
“You have wonderful friends. And a very dedicated husband to-be,” his mum emphasises. “He’s definitely a Keeper.”
“Really? Was that absolutely necessary?”
“It’s true! That man would hang the moon and stars for you, and don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you look at him!”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, yes, you do. You love Oliver just as much. Proposing new laws to make Quidditch safer? Introducing him to all the important officials at Ministry galas? I do see and hear things, Perce.”
Percy rubs the nape of his neck and sighs. There’s no point in arguing because his mother is right. For most people, Percy does the bare minimum to be nice and polite. When it comes to one stubborn Scot though…
“It’s Oliver, Mum,” he admits. “How could I not love him? He could have anyone, and yet—”
“He chose you,” his mother finishes his sentence.
“Yes, he did.”
“And he’ll always choose you, just like you’ll always choose him. Remember, your heart is your best compass. Always listen to it.”
“I—”
Before Percy can utter another word, a violin suddenly changes its tune. The first few notes of “Your Song” play before the rest of the string quartet joins in.
“That’s our cue.”
It takes five seconds for Percy to realise a. he’s getting married and b. that’s happening right now. Oh Merlin.
A reassuring hand rests on his tense shoulder before panic can settle in.
“You’re okay, love. Here, arm out…that’s it. Off we go now.”
Percy takes a shaky breath as his mother locks her elbow with his. He could do this. Walking halfway down a gravelly path with her should be simple.
But when they emerge from the bushes, the guests are already on their feet. Percy swallows hard, trying to ignore their curious yet expectant stares. He needs to focus. He prioritises escorting his mother to his father. Who stands across from where Finlay and Mairsali Wood wait with Oliver.
That’s when Oliver takes a step forward. He’s glowing in cream dress robes accented with gold, paired with a navy bow tie. A perfect complement to Percy. A piece of his beating heart.
Percy barely has a chance to process anything until their parents are pushing him and Oliver together. Close enough for warm, brown eyes to gaze into big, blue ones.
“Hey,” Oliver murmurs, his voice sounding breathless. “You look incredible.”
“Hello yourself,” Percy whispers back. “So do you. Stunning, as always.”
“I’d snog the hell outta you right now, but…”
“Wait five more minutes, and we’ll be doing that in front of a live audience.”
Oliver grins, then waggles his eyebrows. “I’ll make it worthwhile.”
Percy rolls his eyes and smiles. “You better keep that promise.
“Shall we?”
“Lead the way.”