The Houses Competition
Round 8 - Drabble
House: Hufflepuff
Class: Transfiguration
Prompts: [Situation] alt: Not knowing most people at an event
Word Count: 995 (Google Docs)
A Change in Power
Deep breaths, Percy, deep breaths. Percy Weasley repeated the mantra over and over to himself as he stood outside the large gathering hall in the Ministry of Magic. Things at the Ministry were changing at a rapid pace. Positions were turning over left and right, and he knew it was only a matter of time until he was under scrutiny, too.
Something strange had happened to Minister Scrimgeour. The more Percy attempted to understand what was happening, the more he was certain there had been a cover-up. Only the top officials knew what had happened. Apparently, his Junior Assistantship position still didn't make him privy to that information, but he was bright enough to put two and two together. This was the third change in power he'd managed to make it through—so far, at least—and they still couldn't be bothered to keep him informed.
Percy clutched the invitation to the inauguration ceremony of Pius Thicknesse in his hands, checking the details one last time before peering in through the door. At least he'd been invited to this prestigious event. It was another step in the right direction. Percy tucked the envelope into the breast pocket of his robes before squaring his shoulders and entering the stuffy room.
He kept his head held high as he looked around for a familiar face to gravitate to, but he didn't see anyone he knew. Where was Enders? Or Connelly? He was certain that Watkins would at least be there. Yet, as Percy scanned the room for anyone he could mingle with, he realized that he hadn't seen any of the colleagues he worked with at the ministry.
Something was amiss, and Percy was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. He was never one to ever skive off an engagement for his job, but he found himself wondering if he could slip away and feign illness. Surely, no one had noticed him—
"Ah, Mr. Weasley, you've arrived! Please, come join us." Percy looked to see that Yaxley was gesturing him over to where he and Minister Thicknesse were seated.
Though his voice sounded cheerful, there was no smile on his face, and his body language was anything but welcoming. Percy took a deep breath in an attempt to quell the unease that coursed through him as he walked over to their table.
"Sit down, please. Join us," Minister Thicknesse told Percy. His voice was soft spoken, but there was an edge to it.
"Thank you, sir," Percy responded as he took a seat. He did his best to keep his voice even and unwavering. "Forgive me, I assumed the ceremony would commence before you mingled with the guests. At least, that's what—"
Thicknesse held up his hand to stop Percy. "The inauguration concluded a short while ago."
Percy's eyes widened in horror. Had he been late? "Oh! I'm so sorry. I could have sworn my invitation said three o'clock," he apologized profusely.
"It did." Yaxley's words were now cold and cut through the space between them. "We preferred to get the official business out of the way before the rest of our guests arrived."
Percy nodded in understanding, thinking it best to not speak again until asked to do so.
"This won't take long, Mr. Weasley," Minister Thicknesse began. "Currently, you are the Junior Assistant to the Minister, is that correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"Is it a position that you enjoy?"
"Yes, sir," Percy acknowledged again.
Minister Thicknesse nodded slowly before continuing. "I would like for you to continue in your current position if you accept. Someone of your stature will be...invaluable to my agenda."
Percy nodded automatically, even as alarms were sounding in his mind. What was his agenda? Why was he speaking so cryptically? This was significantly different from the change-over with Scrimgeour. Something wasn't right here.
"I've heard from others that you are hard-working, and always do as you're told. No questions asked. Can you maintain that work ethic as a member of my staff?"
"Y-yes, sir." Percy hoped the falter in his voice would be perceived as eagerness and not unease.
"Good. I have one final question for you. It is my understanding that you are estranged from the rest of your family. Is this true?"
"It is, sir."
Percy felt his stomach twist into knots at the mention of his family. They weren't in danger, were they?
"Wonderful. We wouldn't want to have any blood traitors on our staff now." A small smile curled on the Minister's lips as he spoke flippantly of Percy's family.
"Thank you for meeting with us today, Percy. Expect there to be many changes in the coming weeks and months. I am looking forward to working closely with you as I find my footing as Britain's leader. We will see you on Monday. You are free to go."
Before Percy knew it, he was shaking hands with those around the table and walking back toward the door he'd entered not fifteen minutes ago. What just happened? His mind was reeling as he moved quickly to the fireplaces to return home to his flat. He was expecting to be in attendance for the inauguration, and instead, it seemed as though he'd shown up for an interview.
He noticed other wizards and witches loitering the halls, whispering to each other as he hurried by. It wasn't until he'd returned to the main foyer when he finally understood what was going on. The marble statue had been replaced — where once it had proudly promoted the cooperation of all magical species, now it indicated anyone 'lesser' than pure-blood were firmly being put in their place. Percy felt sick to his stomach.
He didn't want to believe the whispers, but now he had no choice. Perhaps his family had been right all along. Voldemort's power was rising, and now, Percy was certain he'd taken control of the Ministry. It was clear that he needed to find a way out, but he feared it was too late.