Chapter 1409: Percy's Choice
Chapter 1409: Percy's Choice
"So, Percy really is the spy you secretly planted in the Ministry of Magic?"
Ever since they began to suspect Percy, Fred and George Weasley had been looking for an opportunity to ask Albert about it.
"Something like that. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement," Albert replied, glancing at the twins. He could guess why they had come to see him.
"Percy is a very ambitious person. You know how much he wants to succeed and climb the social ladder. It's a practical concern for him to change his fate," Albert explained.
"Back when we were still in school, he came to me for career advice, and I offered him some help. In return, he agreed to keep me informed about the goings-on in the Ministry. It's a fair exchange," Albert said, making a hushing gesture to the complex-looking Weasley brothers. "Of course, this matter must be kept confidential. After all, it concerns Percy's safety."
"No wonder that guy didn't join the Death Eaters," Fred blurted out. "By the way, when he had that falling out with the family, was it also because of..."
"Partly true, partly false," Albert shook his head. "I'm not exactly clear on the specifics."
"Sounds like something he would do, taking advantage of the situation to benefit himself!" George scoffed. "No matter who wins in the end, he can face it calmly."
"No, he'd still prefer for us to ultimately defeat Voldemort," Albert interjected, pausing for a moment before continuing. "No one wants to live under such terrible circumstances." As he spoke, he looked up towards the door, where Penelope stood with her arms crossed, seemingly wanting to speak with him.
"Can you get in touch with him?" Penelope asked abruptly after Fred and George had left the office.
"It seems you still can't let him go," Albert said softly.
"I'm not as heartless as him, sending me off with just a letter!" Penelope retorted. "I just want a resolution. No matter the outcome, I can accept it."
"I'm not sure about Percy's situation either, but... I can do a divination for you!" Albert said as he waved his wand, summoning a crystal ball out of thin air and beginning the divination for Penelope. It didn't take long for them to get the answer they sought.
In the divination crystal ball, Percy was having a meal with a beautiful girl.
"Audrey, huh?" Penelope murmured, her eyes fixed on the scene playing out in the crystal ball. "They do make a good match—both purebloods, both working in the Ministry... It's enviable."
After getting her answer, Penelope turned and left.
Watching Penelope's dejected figure, Albert couldn't help but shake his head. Even though he had changed the fate of many people, some things remained unchanged.
Not long after Penelope left, Shana entered to report on a message she had just received from the Order of the Phoenix.
"They found Mundungus Fletcher, and he's still alive," Shana said.
"Oh? How is he?" Albert inquired.
"Not good," Shana replied. "He's in a daze. Voldemort forcibly probed his memories, messing up his mind." She recalled the reason Albert had instructed her to pay special attention to Mundungus.
"That guy really..."
"Don't make contact with Mundungus for now," Albert interrupted. "Have you confirmed his identity using the Marauder's Map?"
"You mean someone might be using a Polyjuice Potion to disguise themselves as him?" Shana asked, confused. She was aware of Albert's recent prophecy about Voldemort attacking the headquarters of the Defense Association, but the question was how Voldemort had found out about their location. Albert seemed to believe that the transaction between Mundungus and Fred and George was the key.
In any case, keeping an eye on that guy wouldn't hurt.
Compared to the news about Mundungus, the fact that "Percy Weasley is actually one of us" somehow leaked out and quickly reached the Order of the Phoenix.
"So, Percy is actually Albert's spy in the Ministry of Magic?"
Harry, Hermione, and Ron, who were the first to learn of this news, were stunned. The revelation had truly shocked them, but Hermione, realizing the gravity of the situation, quickly reminded them that something was amiss.
Once the secret about Percy being a spy was completely exposed, Percy, who was still working as the Minister's assistant in the Ministry, would undoubtedly be in deep trouble. Such matters were supposed to be kept strictly confidential, and it was baffling how the information had spread.
The one who was most distressed about this was Mrs. Weasley. She had been overjoyed when she first found out, but her happiness was short-lived as she realized that if too many people knew the secret, it would no longer be a secret.
As a result, the Order of the Phoenix held an emergency meeting, and they unanimously agreed that Percy should temporarily step down from his position as the Minister's assistant and go into hiding to avoid any potential disasters that the leak might bring.
When Percy first received the message from his father's Patronus, he was bewildered. He couldn't understand how this news had spread.
If this matter reached the Ministry, he would be finished.
After confirming the situation with Albert, Percy's first instinct was to flee to ensure his safety.
So, when Walton McNair arrived with a group of Aurors to arrest him, Percy had already disappeared without a trace.
This incident infuriated the new Minister of Magic, Piers Thicknesse. Anyone would be enraged to discover that their assistant was a spy.
After leaving the Ministry, Percy quickly rejoined the Order of the Phoenix and was welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. He had indeed been Albert's spy in the Ministry and had brought back a lot of valuable intelligence for the Order.
As for why he hadn't joined the Defense Association, it was because Albert had mentioned that Kingsley might become the next Minister of Magic. This led Percy to believe that it was important to build a good relationship with Kingsley first, which could help him return to the Ministry or even secure a higher position in the future.
When Percy met Albert again, the first thing he said was, "About the information that Penelope leaked..."
"Who told you to break up with her in the first place!" Albert reminded him. "And all you did was send her a letter."
Percy fell silent.
"So, don't you think you owe me an explanation?"
Penelope appeared at some point, her eyes fixed on Percy.
"I'm sorry, Penelope, but romance isn't everything in life, especially after starting a career," Percy said coldly. "I need a wife who can support me in my work and help me advance in my career. I need the backing of other pureblood families."
Percy's words were cruel, but they reflected his true thoughts. For this, he received a slap from Penelope.
"I can understand your choice, Audrey, but you shouldn't have dismissed me with just a letter," Penelope said as she turned to Albert and bowed. "Sorry for causing you trouble."
Without showing any expression, she left.
"Sigh! I know it's not right, but I don't regret it," Percy said, touching his cheek. "If I hadn't joined the Ministry, I might have chosen to marry Penelope. But... I won't stop here."
"What are your plans now?" Albert asked.
"I'll start by building a good relationship with Kingsley. Do you think he'll keep me as his assistant when he becomes the new Minister?" Percy hoped to get the answer he wanted from Albert.
"Probably... yes, because you're his best choice," Albert replied.
(End of Chapter)
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