Percy was back from their last speech therapy session, Scabbers on their light grey walker, their parents behind them,  their mother bringing a circular cage containing a majestic brown screech owl. Percy smiled at Scabbers sadly, thinking about what must happen next. Their parents had bought them a screech owl as congratulations for being a prefect. Percy felt weird, their parents didn't give Bill nor Charlie owls when they became prefects. Maybe because they got twelve OWLs? But Bill got twelve OWLs too, yet he didn't get an owl. So, why them?

Their mother told Percy to give Scabbers to Ron, who will appreciate his company. A very hard sacrifice, Percy had grown very attached to the brilliant, loyal, attentive, brown rat. They need him and he needs them, but if they knew anything about Ron, is that he's also attentive. Ron will care for Scabbers' needs. Ron will listen to Scabbers. Ron won't waste Scabbers. Maybe Scabbers will be great to Ron as he's been great to Percy. Maybe Scabbers will tell Ron secret places in Hogwarts and secret passages, maybe Scabbers will lead Ron to the kitchens often. Ron loves eating, and being away from the Burrow can bring homesickness the kitchens can help cure.

What a hard decision to make, but it's needed.

Inside the Burrow, Percy places the walker in the designated place, reaching for the wall which has railings, now. Lifting Scabbers and letting him run to their shoulder, Percy took their owl cage from their mother, thanking her before walking up to their room, placing the cage in their study up their room, before sitting down their bed. Scabbers started to run down Percy's arm, only to be caught.

"No, Scabbers-" Percy shook their head, their voice though still a bit elongated on some consonants, was no longer unnecessarily pressing. "You'll be getting a new home, a lovelier home. You love Ron, don't you?"

Scabbers stayed still on Percy's cupped hands, and Percy sighed sadly, weeping the tears they don't realise have started falling already. "You don't love Ron?"

This time, Scabbers ran around Percy's hands, and Percy pressed their lips together. This is not making it easier for them. "I want you to stay too, Scabbers. I don't want you to go. But Mum just bought me an owl and wanted me to give you to Ron. You know I'd rather keep you to myself, I was the one who found you and cared for you, no one else." Percy kissed Scabbers' fur repeatedly, each time a different spot. "But Ron is a caring guy, and I know that you'll care for him as you've cared for me. Will you do that for me, Scabbers? Promise me that you'll do it, if not for him then for me."

At Percy's last words, Scabbers ran around Percy's hand, and Percy giggled through their tears. Scabbers never liked Ron, this Percy knew, though they speculate that it's their fault. Ron didn't like Percy, siding with the twins as soon as he can think for himself as he often joined them in picking Percy, and someone who upsets Percy is someone who Scabbers hate. Percy stood up from their bed, holding the railing. "I promise I'll visit you every day. I promise."

Percy stopped before Ron's door, dread in their heart at the thought of being departed from their friend. They don't want to be, why? They had found him themself, Ron can find his own! Why must he take Percy's Scabbers? Scabbers is their friend, and their friend only!

"Ok, listen to me," Percy whispered to Scabbers, turning away from Ron's door. Although it's not exactly a whisper, more like low-volumed speaking. "I want you with me and you want to stay with me, so this is our plan. I'll tell Ron that you're a useless, lazy rat and I don't like you, he wouldn't want you and would insist that I keep you. If Ron still wants to keep you, then be lazy and annoying to him, and keep running back to me. He'll get exasperated and give you back to me."

Scabbers ran circles on Percy's hand, and Percy kissed his fur lovingly again. The moment Percy's face touch Scabbers' fur, Scabbers turned his body so his muzzle touch Percy's face, rubbing it against their cheeks. Maybe, they don't have to be departed from their friend. "I know, I love you too. So much."

Percy felt a tap on their shoulders, turning their face to see Ron. "What are you doing here, Percy?"

"Can we talk, Ron?" Percy signed, their signs significantly slower ever since the brain bleeding (not that Ron cares, but Percy does). Ron nodded, and Percy moved to the side to let Ron open the door, letting Percy enter after him. Ron urged Percy to sit on his bed in front of Ron.

"What's wrong?"

"Mum wants me to give you Scabbers-" Percy showed Ron their hand, containing a fat brown rat. "Not that I liked him, he's a useless rat. He does nothing, he only sleeps and eats. Mum and Dad have bought me a handsome owl and I'm glad I can get rid of this rat, now."

"You're a good liar, but I know you," Ron signed to them. Percy pressed their lips together. "I know how much you love him and how much he means to you. I promise I'll keep a good eye on him, and whenever you want, you can visit him."

"Let me kiss him again, ok?" Percy begged, and Ron nodded. Percy turned to Scabbers, giving him one last lingering kiss on his fur before handing him to Ron, who pets Scabbers eagerly and kisses him too. Unlike previous deals, Scabbers didn't immediately bite Ron, instead snuggled up to Ron's face, causing the latter to giggle. Percy taps Ron's thighs, making Ron look up at Percy, his face still touching Scabbers' fur.

"Promise me you'll take great care of him."

"I promise."