The older man's gaze was calm, penetrating, but not unkind. It was the kind of look that made you feel like he saw straight through you, not in an intrusive way, but in a way that made you wonder if you truly understood yourself.
"I understand you've been offered the position of Junior Assistant to the Minister," Dumbledore began, his voice carrying the weight of knowledge. "And that you've been weighing the implications carefully."
Percy swallowed, trying to collect himself. He hadn't spoken much about the offer to anyone, not even his family. It had all felt too big, too consuming, but Dumbledore had a way of making you feel like he already knew everything, whether you spoke the words or not.
"I—yes," Percy managed. "It's a big step."
Dumbledore nodded. "Indeed. It is a significant opportunity, But it can be more than that." He paused, studying Percy with those piercing eyes. "It can be a way to serve not just the Ministry, but something far larger."
Percy blinked, unsure if he had heard correctly. "Serve… how, sir?"
Dumbledore leaned forward, his hands clasped in front of him, his gaze never leaving Percy's. "I want you to accept the Ministry position, yes, But I also want you to act on our behalf. To observe, to report. To understand the Minister's actions and intentions, and to pass that information to the Order of the Phoenix."
Percy froze. Spy on Fudge? Betray the Ministry while working in its very corridors? His stomach twisted into tight knots. The idea felt enormous, impossible— yet, here it was, coming straight from Dumbledore.