"Wezleby, please take these documents down to the Notary of the Wizegamont immediately. We need these notarized before the session can begin!"
Percy put down his quill, straightened his glasses, and walked with the poised, straight shoulder saunter that had become characteristic of Percy at the office. Many people believed that his newfound confidence and swagger emerged due to his estrangement from his family. For a while, it had only been whispered about among the gossip starved ministry employees. However, a chance encounter in a lift, in which Percy and Arthur resolutely started ahead and neither recognized the other, all but confirmed the split.
However, Percy knew that his new behavior was part of the character he had created, to separate Percy, the assistant to the minister, from Percy the spy to the Order. He quickly understood how essential it was to compartmentalize this double life he now led. As he walked through the narrow, winding paths of cubicles and desks, Percy put on a show of nodding and smiling at higher-ranking officials and ignoring lesser plebians of the office menagerie. As he turned a tight corner, he all but ran into a small bush of pink faux-fur robes, topped with a magenta velvet witch's hat.
"Dolores, I must apologize. Though I must say, it is a pleasure to run into you. You cannot imagine the afternoon I've had. I swear, some of these recent Hogwarts graduates seem to hardly know how to hold a quill and yet I am expected to get memos out of them!"
Umbridge smiled woefully, her toad-like face widening into a sympathetic grin. "I quite agree, Percy. It makes me see in hindsight that we truly took advantage of your competence during your entry into the ministry." Percy did a double-take - the power plays, double entendres, and covert operations were still unfamiliar to the former Gryffindor, even despite his formerly ambitious aspirations. Even so, Percy could detect the slight emphasis placed upon competence. The phrasing triggered the embarrassment following the Crouch fiasco, causing his face to flush a light pink.
"Tread lightly, Weasley." Percy thought as his mind raced for an appropriate response. He grinned at Umbridge, in a boyish, chagrined manner that caused Umbridge to soften her eyes.
"Well Dolores, I would disagree and say my first foray into the ministry wasn't quite as illustrious as you make it seem. However, under your tutelage I find myself growing more capable each day."
"It's funny you say that. The minister and I have been discussing ways that we can broaden my impact. Where are you going? As you have been a beneficiary of my tutelage, as you put it, perhaps you would be interested in hearing more of the minister's plans."
"Well, I must be quick - necessary notarizations for the minister, perhaps I could stop by your office?"
"That would be very satisfactory, Percy."
Time quickly found Percy in Umbridge's office - the sheen of satin pink wall paper glistening from the sunlight pouring in her faux window.
"Percy," Umbridge began, "I was just hoping that you and I might find ourselves in a one on one. I have been watching you, young man, and I am quite impressed with what I've seen." At this, her mouth broadened into a maternal smile that didn't match the sharpness in her eyes.
This was the game she wanted to play. Percy gave her a sheepish grin, as his cheeks reddened. "It is easy to succeed when I am surrounded by such a wonderful team. Honestly, I have never felt like I belonged more." Percy hoped she would catch his double meaning.
"Indeed. It is rather unfortunate - the lot you've been given. But my, your family must be so proud. Only a year out of Hogwarts yourself and walking directly under the Minister. What family wouldn't be proud?"
At this, Percy straightened his shoulder, attempting to play the part of a wounded soldier. He snuffed and looked down his nose before saying, "You would think so, wouldn't you? However it seems as though my family is instead rather comfortable with it, I like how you phrased it, 'their lot''.
"I was hoping those were simply rumors. The wretched ministry gossip mill, I hate to find out it was true. Percy, while it saddens me to hear of your family's neglect, I want you to know that you can find support here. We are very proud of you." Umbridge stretched her hand across the table, attempting to pat his hand comfortingly, but seeming to rather jostle his fingers. Nevertheless, Percy extended his hand, a shy smile creeping onto his face.
"I can't thank you enough for that. If I may be honest, while my family's lunacy continues to sting, the support I have felt from this department, the normalcy, has helped me in ways I can't describe. Everyone in this department looks up to you, Dolores. I hope we can work on a project together." Percy cast a hopeful look towards her; the look he used when he would weasel Professor Flitwick into signing off on his independent research projects.
"Funny you should say that; while I am glad we had an opportunity to confide in one another, I actually brought you in because I am heading a project and believe you are just what I am looking for." Percy sat up straight, feigning ignorance and excitement as he scooched to the front of his seat.
"Harry Potter and Dumbledore are about to have a captive audience at Hogwarts and are liable to spread more lies about the return of You-Know-Who. The Minister and I are both in agreement that this is unacceptable. I will be spending the year at Hogwarts, teaching, likely for the first time, Ministry-approved Defense Against the Dark Arts. I would like you to serve as my liaison - completing work here at the ministry."
"Dolores, I - I would be honored. Thank you for this opportunity. How can I help you get started?" Percy didn't have to feign delight - it would be an opportunity.
"That's the spirit. I knew I had chosen the right man for the job," Umbridged patronized, looking down her squat nose at Percy. "Our first line of duty is building an alliance at Hogwarts. We must gather free-thinkers and encourage them to think rationally. Dumbledore is spreading lies. If we could have free-thinkers that are close to Dumbledore on our side, we could hit the ground running. You have a brother that is close to Potter, don't you?"
"Oh yes, very close. He was Potter's person in the second task of the Triwizard Tournament."
"I've drafted a letter to your brother. Could you sign it and pass it along?"
Internally, Percy cringed. He didn't want to drag Ron into this. While he also felt on the outs with his family, until he attended Hogwarts Ron had felt much the same way. It wasn't until Ron befriended Harry that Fred and George really came around on him. Even their mother had been more attentive, sending Ron extra parcels as a guise to also send parcels to Harry. Ron's friendship with Harry was important; he didn't want to isolate his brother. But, for the greater good, it must be done.
"Of course - I would love to be of service."
"Excellent. Why don't we meet tomorrow? We can discuss the curriculum. I would love to gain insights from a recent Hogwarts Alumni.'
As Percy left the office, he couldn't help but remark on just how insightful the meetings would be.
