Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_percy]

Penny? The most amazing thing happened. Lucius Malfoy's clerk was sacked this morning, and he immediately offered ME the job! I've already started.

Will you be home tonight if I floo you?

Comments

[alt_penelope]

Mr Malfoy!? Mr Malfoy! That's wonderful, Perce! What happened? I mean, how did it happen?

You forgot though that I'm with the CCF this week and shan't be home until Sunday - then it's straight off to Cornwall with the rising 2nd-years.

I wish I could meet you, though! You have to tell me EVERYTHING. That's so exciting!

I'm sorry I'm so late replying but we've only just called lights out for the students, so Dunc and I have a bit of time before we've got to sleep, too.

[alt_percy]

Oh, of course! I'm sorry, with everything that's happened today, it slipped clean out of my mind.

It seems that Hooper, the previous clerk, was talking out of turn. Spreading gossip, you know. Mr Malfoy was most outraged and sacked him immediately. He turned to me because I'd worked for him already. I knew that internship would open doors for me, but I never dreamed it would work out this way so quickly!

Perhaps we could seize an hour or so on Sunday and I can fill you in on everything?

[alt_penelope]

Technically I'm supposed to be inside making sure the girls are all asleep. But they are. And it's far too nice a night not to be out in the moonlight.

Plus I was hoping you'd write back.

I knew it wouldn't be very long - it couldn't take very long before someone important noticed you, Percy. I'm so proud of you!

But Sunday. I'll have to see if I can break away from my parents. At least I had told Professor Sinistra that I couldn't go straight on to Tintagel without even stopping over at home first, or I wouldn't even be in New London between the two!

I could tell my father there's been a change in plans, though, and meet you instead. Dinner? Doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a Fresher's Feast or something from one of the stalls. The good ones, though, not the ones with nothing but that brassicrose stuff. We have to celebrate at least a little!

[alt_percy]

Let's plan on some kind of dinner, yes. It'll be wonderful to see you. And yes, it's a celebration!

[alt_penelope]

How much more is it than the Ministry?

You'll not get in any trouble with them for leaving so quickly, will you? Surely they'll understand if Mr Malfoy wanted you specifically.

[alt_percy]

Oh, it's a substantial bit more. And there's a beginning bonus because...well, he was pleased with how I routed Mr Hooper. And, well, he's being quite kind, because he realises that my wardrobe isn't quite up to the standards he expects for his clerk to begin with. So there's a bit extra which it's clear I'm to use to buy new robes and what not. I'm not sure you'll even recognise me when you get back home again!

And Mr Malfoy said not to worry, that he would do whatever's necessary to smooth over things concerning my previous position.

Bill came over for dinner because Mum told him the news. Mum seems a little--well, not exactly as excited for me as I would have hoped. I mean, it's a really brilliant position! But Dad and Bill made it clear they thought it was a good move.

I think Ginny's just excited because she thinks it means she'll get more of a glimpse of Mrs Malfoy.

[alt_penelope]

Well, that's even better, though, the money. Because then we can really save up for a flat once I'm done school.

I'm sure your mum's just worried because you left the Ministry so suddenly. She'll come round once you tell her that Mr Malfoy smoothed it all over for you. Anyone would have done the same, given the chance.