Order Only: Percy

[alt_arthur]

It is indeed true. Percy is now Lucius Malfoy's new personal assistant/clerk.

Molly had managed to calm down enough by the time Percy came home for supper that I think we were successful in keeping our true opinions from him about his new post. At least he seemed blissfully unaware as he told us about it.

I don't think we'll be able to regard this as a new pipeline of information in any way. Lucius Malfoy sacked his former clerk for talking out of turn about news he had learned as a function of his duties. Apparently his retribution went beyond merely forcing him to turn in his keys and ushering him from the office. In fact, Percy was offered a bonus if he managed to prevent the man from flooing to St Mungo's for his injuries. This, of course, made a deep impression on Percy.

On the other hand, I fear that if Lucius Malfoy's influence on Percy continues to grow, this may mean an increased security risk for Molly and me.

I can only hope that we won't have cause to rue the day this ever came to pass. Not just Molly and me, but Percy as well.

Comments

[alt_bill]

I've offered to meet him for lunch once a week. If he can't offer me tidbits--and I think you're right, he'll be conscientious about keeping his mouth shut concerning Malfoy's business--at least it will give me an opportunity to monitor him. To see if, well, Lucius' hooks are getting in so deep that we need to worry.

[alt_arthur]

I think that would be very wise, son. Your mother and I believe he would more freely talk with you than he would with us.

[alt_sirius]

I'd say it's hard to believe that it would take very long at all before Malfoy shows his true colours, no matter how ingratiating he may try to be at first. He's sure to betray his own cruelty. Not that you'd want Percy to experience it first-hand, of course, but it'd be a rude awakening if he thinks he'll be able to beard the manticore in his den. But if he's already seen the price of failing that bastard, and he's still excited and eager to join the man's staff, well. Yeah. I think Molly's assessment yesterday wasn't too far off the mark.

Just watch yourselves, both of you. Bill, you too.

[alt_kingsley]

That's hard, my friend.

I won't be foolish enough to tell you not to worry; you're quite right to be concerned.

But I also I know that the values that you and Molly share have always guided you in raising your children. You'll just have to trust that those same values will guide Percy to walk the right path, no matter how beguiling a temptation Malfoy presents. Good luck to him, and to you both.

(And yeah, Bill, keep a sharp eye on him. For all our sakes.)