Chapter 359: Guidance
Chapter 359: Guidance
After leaving Weasley's Joke Shop, Liam and Hermione ran into Percy, who was rushing towards them. Upon seeing Liam, Percy's eyes lit up, and he said, "Liam, can I have a word with you in private?"
"Sure." Liam nodded, glanced at Percy, and told Hermione to head to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour to wait for him. Then, he and Percy walked to a less conspicuous spot near the Joke Shop.
"Alright, what do you need help with?" Liam asked, looking at Percy. Seeing his anxious expression, Liam quickly guessed why Percy had sought him out.
Sure enough, after checking that no one was eavesdropping, Percy revealed his recent troubles. "Lately, Fudge and his cronies have been insisting everything is fine at the Ministry of Magic, but my father told me that darkness looms and that person might have returned. I don't know who to believe."
"That's simple", Liam replied. He felt that Percy was in a much better state of mind than he was in the original story, where he would have ignored his family for his own ambitions. So, Liam was willing to nudge him in the right direction. "What does your heart tell you?"
"Well, I think some of what my father says is exaggerated, and the situation might not be as dire. But Fudge's claim that everything is fine is pure nonsense. I've noticed that Dark Wizards are more active during my field missions, and I'm also worried about those ten notorious Death Eaters suddenly attacking us", Percy said after a few seconds of silence.
"So, you recognize that the situation is worsening, but you're hesitant to admit it because you fear it will affect your standing at the Ministry of Magic if you don't align with Fudge." Seeing Percy about to argue, Liam waved him off. "I have to say, that's not a smart move. Alienating your family for a job, especially one based on lies, is not a good idea."
"Sorry, I really—", Percy covered his head with his hands and crouched down, clearly tormented by this issue. Fortunately, the people around them were distracted by the items in the Joke Shop and didn't notice them.
"Here." Liam handed Percy a bottle of premium malt whisky. "I understand. This week, I read in the Daily Prophet that the Ministry of Magic has fired several Muggle-borns and Half-bloods who insisted the situation was deteriorating. If it weren't for your father being a Clan Leader of one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight and his relatively peripheral role, he might have been fired too. But Fred and George say he's being marginalized by the Ministry. It's understandable that you're conflicted about keeping your job, given your ambition to rise in the Ministry."
"You're right, I'm torn. I can't bring myself to argue with Fudge like my father does, but I can't accept what Fudge is doing. Last week, one of my team members from Ireland was attacked and is still in St. Mungo's. This happened because Fudge insisted everything was fine, forcing us to carry out missions in dangerous areas with insufficient manpower and equipment. I submitted a report to address these issues, but I was summoned to Umbridge's office and reprimanded for over an hour", Percy confided, the alcohol loosening his tongue.
"Let me help you analyze the situation." Seeing Percy's hopeful gaze, Liam continued, "Your main concern is that if you insist the Wizarding World is deteriorating, you might be sidelined or even fired, right?"
"That's exactly it", Percy said, taking a sip of the malt whisky.
"I want to ask what your direct superior, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Boneswife, thinks about the current situation?"
"Of course, she's against it. Most of the injured recently have been from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. We sometimes have to be on the front lines facing dark forces, but we don't have the same level of training as Aurors or Hit Wizards. However, she doesn't have a good solution for this. I've seen her go to the Minister of Magic's office several times, and they've had plenty of arguments. Unfortunately, not only has the problem not been solved, but Fudge has even reduced our department's budget", Percy said helplessly.
"In that case, I suggest you align yourself with your direct superior on this issue", Liam said. "As long as you don't publicly voice your opinions, even Fudge, the Minister of Magic, can't fire you."
"Regarding marginalization", Liam paused. "There will definitely be marginalization, but Fudge's lies can't last forever. Ten Death Eaters being set free have a high chance of causing chaos. In such a situation, Fudge's tenure as Minister of Magic won't be long."
"But what if they don't cause chaos?" Percy asked a crucial question.
"If they don't cause chaos, the situation will be even more serious. Think about who could make ten deranged and brutal Death Eaters give up on causing destruction and lie low instead?" Liam pointed out the key issue. "If that were to happen, Fudge would likely become the most unpopular Minister of Magic in nearly a century. You can imagine what will happen to his followers." Liam shrugged after saying this.
"Alright, I understand." Percy took another big swig of his drink. "Do you have any other advice for me?"
"For the time being, you can remain silent on this issue, but be honest with your subordinates. You're on the front lines, unlike the Fudges of the world who can stay in their safe offices. If you believe Fudge's lies, you're likely to be the first victims. So, during this time, my personal advice is to maintain good relationships with your colleagues and subordinates and provide whatever help you can. This will help you navigate this difficult period smoothly and build valuable connections. In such a crisis, people tend to form strong bonds of friendship and trust more easily", Liam suggested, hoping Percy wouldn't follow the same path as in the original story.
"I understand, you've given me a great strategy, thanks!" Percy finished the last of the bottle. "I'll go gather my three subordinates and visit the injured at St. Mungo's. Then I'll try to train them better, so they don't end up in St. Mungo's like the others."
After saying this, Percy prepared to leave, but Liam stopped him. "By the way, take this card. With this, you can get a 50% discount on one Defense Against the Dark Arts item each month, and 20% off on all other items."
Liam handed Percy a gold card, the highest-tier Vip card from Weasley's Joke Shop. Only ten are issued each year, and Liam has the authority to distribute five of them.
"Thanks", Percy said, feeling a bit embarrassed but thinking of his injured subordinates, he accepted the card. He then shook Liam's hand firmly before leaving.
"Five Deviation Points, to change Percy's attitude", the system promptly announced. Liam smiled, feeling very happy about being able to help the Weasley family. After all, they were all good people who deserved a happy life.
(End of Chapter)
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