MTLNOVEL Chapter 53: Interlude: Percy Weasley’s Perspective
Percy Weasley had always prided himself on his sense of order and propriety, a trait that often set him apart from his more carefree siblings. As he stood in the kitchen of the Burrow, the usually warm and chaotic hub of his family home, Percy felt a growing sense of unease. The presence of Minister Scrimgeour, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Alastor Moody had cast an unexpected shadow over the family's normal routine.
Percy had been diligently working on his paperwork for the Ministry, trying to keep his focus amidst the noise and distractions of the bustling kitchen. The Minister's visit had come as a surprise, though Percy had initially tried to take it in stride. After all, he had been raised to believe in the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the Ministry. However, as the day wore on, his unease grew.
When Minister Scrimgeour and his entourage arrived, Percy's professional instincts kicked in. He observed the Minister's arrival with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The Ministry's vehicle was sleek and refined, a symbol of the authority that accompanied their visit. Percy had watched as his father greeted the Minister, noting the subtle tension in his father's voice.
As the Minister and his team settled in, Percy tried to maintain a semblance of normalcy. He engaged in polite conversation, offering the usual pleasantries. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to their visit than a simple discussion of politics. The Minister's demeanor, though outwardly friendly, seemed to carry an undercurrent of urgency. Percy couldn't help but wonder what was truly behind their visit.
During the meal, Percy noticed the Minister's keen interest in the Weasley family. Rufus Scrimgeour spoke passionately about his wealth redistribution law, but Percy found it hard to focus on the details. His thoughts were preoccupied with the strange behavior of the Minister and his associates. There was an almost palpable tension in the air, and Percy's professional instincts told him that something was amiss.
Fred and George's antics, while amusing, did little to alleviate Percy's growing discomfort. Their eagerness to showcase their latest inventions only served to heighten the contrast between their carefree attitude and the Minister's serious demeanor. Percy caught snippets of their conversation about a map, which only fueled his curiosity. The way Fred and George had tried to divert the conversation when the Minister seemed interested made Percy even more suspicious.
When Rufus excused himself from the table under the pretense of using the restroom, Percy's unease grew. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more going on than met the eye. The Minister's behavior seemed calculated, and Percy began to question the true purpose of their visit.
As the evening progressed, Percy's concerns were validated in the most shocking manner. The appearance of the rat, Scabbers, and the subsequent revelation of its true identity as Peter Pettigrew threw the Burrow into chaos. Percy watched in horror as the rat was revealed to be a an animagus. The revelation struck him deeply, shaking the very foundations of his understanding of their family's safety.
The sight of Ron's panic, his mother's distress, and his father's stunned silence was almost too much to bear. Percy, trying to maintain control, did his best to support his family. He helped to usher the younger children away from the scene, his own heart racing with a mix of fear and anger. The reality of having an infamous figure like Pettigrew in their midst was overwhelming.
As the family struggled to process the shocking turn of events, Percy couldn't help but reflect on the implications of the Minister's visit. The carefully controlled façade of the Ministry's representatives now seemed like a smokescreen, hiding a deeper and more troubling agenda. Percy felt a profound sense of betrayal, not only for himself but for his family, who had been thrust into the heart of a dangerous situation.
The evening had been a stark reminder of the shadows lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary lives. As the Weasleys grappled with the implications of Pettigrew's revelation, Percy vowed to remain vigilant. The Minister's visit had revealed more than just political maneuvering—it had unveiled a web of secrets that would have lasting repercussions for them all.