Private message to Percy Weasley

[alt_bill]

I wondered whether you might be free for lunch today.

Specifically, I wondered whether you might be willing to have lunch with me.

Comments

[alt_percy]

Well, well, well.

Don't you mean, are you willing to have lunch with me?

But of course you are. You've heard that I'm meeting with Our Lord, perhaps rising in His favour. I suppose that now you're regretting your hastiness in cutting ties with me, hmm?

[alt_bill]

Actually, the impetus was a notation on my calendar.

Dad's recent birthday.

[alt_percy]

What a convenient excuse.

[alt_bill]

Very convenient, isn't it?

Is it sufficient?

[alt_percy]

Oh, well now, I'm not sure. I have many important meetings today. You know, the sort that take up quite a bit of time on the schedule of an ambitious, rising young wizard.

[alt_bill]

I can eat quickly.

[alt_percy]

Yes, I'm sure you can. We all had to learn that, didn't we, wrestling for scraps at the Burrow?

And I imagine you're quick to snap up any crumbs Corax Mulciber tosses your way, too. Aren't you?

[alt_bill]

Let's say for the sake of argument that my yen to sit down to break bread with you only stems from an ambitious wish to milk whatever relationships I have in order to rise as high in the Ministry as I can.

Since you always sneered at Dad for refusing to do so, how is that any skin off your nose? On the contrary, wouldn't it please you to see me coming to my senses?

[alt_percy]

Hmm. A point.

Perhaps.

[alt_bill]

You can always entertain yourself with how much it will enrage Mum, if that would help.

[alt_percy]

As if you would tell her. Besides, what Mrs Weasley thinks is a matter of complete indifference to me.

Still, hmm....

We can meet at Celeste's at 1:00. You can pay the bill.

I presume you'll know which fork to use?

[alt_bill]

I'm sure I can muddle my way through without embarrassing you too much. I even promise not to pick my teeth at the table.

1:00 at Celeste's it is.