Pairing: Percy/Ron.

Rating: PG-13.

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. Both Ron and Perce owned by JK.

Summary: Bill's talk with Ron and Percy...

Bill Weasley scanned his brothers with the cool, practiced calm of an experienced Curse-Breaker. He drew up a knee and folded his hands.

"So," he said quietly. "I take it that you're gay."

Bill started with the basics. Given how Ron's hand shook when he handed Percy his drink (poor kid), and the way Percy shrank from his little brother's accidental touch (oh man…) it seemed best to start simple.

Percy nodded. Good. That one was out of the way.

"Does anyone know you're gay? Besides the, um, obvious of course." Yes, that provoked visible cringes, but let's not pussy-foot around the truth. Bill had a feeling that was half the problem already.

Percy shook his head, firmly. "No. It's not anyone's business but my own."

"Mum and Dad?" Percy shook his head, no.

Okay. "Did anyone at the Ministry see you… together… at the party?"

Ron and Percy stared at each other in shock. It showed what a total mess the two of them had been that they hadn't even considered this angle. Surely in three weeks it would have occurred to them… Percy at least would think of it. Normally. It wasn't important, but the options were limited don't you think, mate, if the whole world knows?

Percy chewed his lip. "I'm… careful. I doubt it."

That made sense. Given that not even Mum knew Percy was gay, it was likely he was as paranoid as Moody.

"Ron?" Bill asked. His littlest brother, now the tallest, was pretty damned quiet.
'
"I - I don't think so. Wait -" Ron paled. His eyes were suddenly wide and frightened. "People saw us leave together."

"That's okay. That's normal. Think about it."

Bill took a deep breath. This next part… whew, man, can't believe I have to ask this -- but practicalities first.

"Did you practice safe sex?"

Yeah. He expected that appalled reaction. Ron's eyes hit the floor and he looked completely humiliated. Percy froze: if he gripped that glass any tighter it was going to break. Well, boys, if you're going to have sex with anyone…

"Last night Ron couldn't remember any spells you might have used, Percy. I'm sorry to ask."

Percy cleared his throat, though his voice still cracked a bit when he spoke.

"I had the Adalius Charm and Imperisio potion from a Medi-Wizard just a few months ago. Specialist."

Woo. That was some cash layout. Bill's eyebrows rose. It implied that Percy was pretty damned active, too. Ron looked puzzled, so Bill explained. "That was a yes."

Ron's mouth formed a little 'oh.'

Now.

"Ron. Are you gay?"

Percy shrank at that question. Good. So there were no romantic feelings on his part.

Ron burst out, "No! I was just at this party and I was really pretty damned fucking drunk and this bloke -- Percy! - he wouldn't leave me bloody alone, and I -!" Ron fumed.

There was the trap. Bill saw it launch like a curse. He shot that down, quick.

"Percy was just as drunk as you were, Ron." Bill skewered him with a look. "I'm not putting up with any blame here."

Ron hunched in his chair. Percy blinked, surprised. So like you Percy, to be prepared to take the blame. Bill sighed.

"It's up to you, Percy, to tell Mum and Dad…" Both boys were wide-eyed. "…about Percy's being gay, you idiots. That means not a word out of you, Ron. As for everything else… there's only one question remaining…

Two expectant faces turned Bill's way. A slow, evil smile spread across their brother's face.

"Was it any good?"