Percy was desperately trying to pretend as if he knew what he was doing, but he had no idea of what to do with half of the silverware that had been laid out on the table. Why did they need to have so many forks and spoons anyways?

Draco, who was sitting beside Percy, saw the confused expression on his face and whispered to him what each piece of silverware was for.

The blond-haired teenage boy did this in a way that did not draw anyone's attention to them, which Percy greatly appreciated.

Percy glanced over at Lucius, who was talking animatedly with the Minister. As he was talking, however, Lucius tilted his head just enough to notice them. He gave Draco a slight smile of approval, and he also gave Percy a reassuring smile.

Percy was surprised by Draco's behavior, especially considering how rude the teenage boy had been to him just a few years ago. Apparently, though, Lucius had talked to his son about showing respect to their guest. Percy supposed it also didn't hurt that he had changed since then as well.

Percy closely watched Draco as he used his soup spoon.

"Does your family honestly have no table manners whatsoever?" Draco hissed at Percy, even though he made sure to keep his voice low so that his father wouldn't hear.

Percy flushed slightly, but he didn't respond. He didn't need to be reminded that the Weasleys lacked the Malfoys' sophistication.

Percy put down his spoon. All of a sudden, he couldn't wait for the soup course to be over so that they could move on the next course.

"Look, I'm sorry," Draco sighed softly. "I did not mean to offend. It's not your fault you don't know how to act like a proper Pureblood, especially considering the family that you come from. But to your credit, you're learning very quickly."

"Thank you," Percy mumbled.

As he once again picked up his soup spoon (he would get this right), Percy couldn't help but think how all of this was so much different than dinner at the Burrow. At the Burrow, there was just one course, the main course. The Weasleys didn't bother with eating appetizers and soup first.

The Weasleys also didn't have so much silverware.

Percy looked around. Despite the fact that there were several families seated around the large table, there was not much noise. All the teenagers were, for the most part, silent. The only time they really said anything was when one of the adults asked them a question. Also, there was only one conversation going on, with only one person speaking at a time.

At the Burrow, there had never been such a thing as children are to be seen but not heard. And there were always multiple conversations going on at the same time, which sometimes made being heard very difficult.

"I think it's wonderful that you're evaluating the professors at Hogwarts," Lucius spoke to Umbridge, interrupting Percy's thoughts. "It is about time that Severus gets the credit that he deserves. Draco enjoys learning from him."

Snape smirked ever so slightly at Lucius's words.

Draco also smirked.

"Oh, yes, Severus is wonderful," Umbridge agreed. "He actually has high standards for his students. Sadly, I've observed that most of the professors are content with their students knowing just the bare minimum. They only teach them enough to get by but not enough to be truly successful."

"Draco has told me similar sentiments before," Lucius remarked. "That's why I truly am glad that the Ministry has such a strong presence at Hogwarts this year. It's about time that someone actually cares about our children's education. But I also hope that the Ministry does not plan on ending with just professor evaluations."

"Of course not, Lucius," Umbridge particularly purred. "I don't plan on ending anything until Hogwarts is a perfect school. What exactly are your concerns? Perhaps I can do something to ease them."

"The courses themselves," Lucius replied. "I know that Muggle-Studies is offered, but there are no courses on Wizarding culture and society. The Muggle-borns learn about many charms and potions, but they don't learn what it really means to be a wizard or a witch. And I think our traditions should be given the same respect as Muggle traditions are given."

Lucius glanced ever so slightly at Percy as he spoke. It was clear that the aristocratic wizard wanted to see Percy's reaction to his words, especially considering that Percy's family openly supported Muggle-borns.

But as far as Percy was concerned, Lucius had not said anything bad about Muggle-borns. In fact, as far as Percy was concerned, Lucius had bought up a valid point. A Muggle-born's education was seriously lacking by not having the Wizarding World better explained to them.

"A valid concern indeed, Lucius," Umbridge remarked. "We will definitely be talking more about this."

"Indeed we will," Fudge agreed.

Lucius, however, shook his head. "We can talk all we want, but Dumbledore isn't going to allow any major changes to happen, no matter how beneficial they would be to Hogwarts and its students."

"We're working on that," Umbridge responded. "The process isn't going nearly as fast as I would like, but we are slowly decreasing Dumbledore's authority and control."

Umbridge glanced over at Fudge. "Surely there is more that we can do about Dumbledore."

"Unfortunately for us," Fudge replied, "there are still several prominent members in our society that respect Dumbledore for his past accomplishments."

"Then we must do more to show them that Dumbledore is no longer the man that he used to be," Lucius responded. "Percy, you are being rather quiet. Have you nothing to say on this matter? You are, after all, the Junior Assistant to the Minister of Magic himself."

Percy jumped slightly in his seat. He wasn't used to having anyone ask him about his opinions.

"I agree that Dumbledore has lost his touch," Percy finally said. "I have no doubt that he was great once, but I also believe that those days are long gone. Sometimes, change is necessary. You have definitely made me think, Mr. Malfoy, especially in regards to the education that Muggle-borns receive. There is History of Magic, of course, but that does not really help to explain our culture or beliefs."

There was a slight smile on Lucius's face at Percy's words.

Percy could not help but smile himself. He believed in every word that he had said, of course, but he really was glad that his words had pleased Lucius as well.

Several hours and several more courses later, dinner was finally over.

Percy sipped on some wine as he watched everyone start to get up and take their leave for the night.

"A wonderful dinner as always, Lucius," Mr. Parkinson commented.

"I'm afraid I can't take much credit for tonight," Lucius replied. "Narcissa is the one who did most of the preparations."

"You are very busy at the Ministry, Lucius, working to make our world a better place," Narcissa spoke up. "Taking care of dinner was the least that I could do."

"You two truly make a wonderful team," Fudge laughed.

"Yes, we do," Lucius agreed, giving his wife an affectionate smile. "Will we be seeing you at the Pureblood Christmas Ball, Fudge?"

"Of course," Fudge replied. "I wouldn't miss it for anything, especially considering that you and your family are hosting it this year. And I know that Dolores intends to attend as well."

"Of course," Umbridge smiled.

Lucius smiled back at her. He then turned to look at Snape.

"I usually wouldn't bother," Snape spoke, "but since you and your family are hosting it this year, Lucius, I'll be there."

"Severus doesn't care much for parties and balls," Lucius explained to Fudge.

The Minister laughed at Lucius's words.

"We'll make sure that you enjoy yourself, Severus," Fudge then said.

Even though Percy couldn't see Snape's face, he just knew that his former professor was most likely frowning at the Minister's words.

Percy continued to sip from his glass of wine as he watched Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco bid all their guests goodnight. All three Malfoys were the definitions of propriety and class.

"I suppose I will be taking my leave as well," Percy finally said, placing his half-empty glass of wine on the table. "It is getting rather late, and I have to be at the Ministry early tomorrow. Thank you again for inviting me over tonight, Mr. Malfoy. Dinner was absolutely wonderful, Mrs. Malfoy. It was nice to see you, Draco."

"Well, we're all glad that you were able to make it tonight," Narcissa smiled graciously. "We hope to see you again soon. In fact, we were hoping to see you at the Pureblood Christmas Ball as well."

Percy looked down at his clothes. They were nice enough, he supposed. They were certainly nicer than anything he had had ever seen his father wear.

But Percy didn't know if he had anything that was nice enough for a gathering of all the social elite. He didn't know if he had enough money to afford to buy something that would be nice enough for such an occasion.

A formal dinner was one thing. The Pureblood Christmas Ball, however, was something totally different.

His father had always spoken of the Pureblood Christmas Ball with nothing but scorn and disgust in his voice.

"You have no reason to feel any shame, Percy," Lucius spoke. "In fact, you should be proud of yourself and all your accomplishments. Look at this ball as an opportunity to celebrate. Besides, it really would make us happy if you were able to attend."

"Then I'll be there," Percy promised, his face visibly brightening.