Fudge leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk and folding his hands in front of him. "You'll be expected to maintain the highest standards, Percy. The Ministry relies on people like you to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Your ambition and diligence are what will set you apart, I'm sure of it."
The words felt like they were pressed into his skin, a reminder that there were no mistakes allowed. No slip-ups. Percy was expected to be perfect.
"The Ministry is lucky to have your diligence, Percy," Fudge added, clapping him on the shoulder in a gesture that was far too familiar. "Remember, we expect nothing less than excellence."
Percy murmured a reply, nodding, but his mind was already far away. He had been given a path, and now he had to walk it. A path that was full of double meanings and secrets, a path that would stretch his loyalty and moral compass to the breaking point. He couldn't afford to falter, not when so much was at stake.
As Fudge wrapped up their meeting, Percy rose from his chair and shook the Minister's hand one last time. The handshake lingered for just a moment too long, as though Fudge was silently weighing the promise he had just made. Percy stepped back, nodding, and exited the office, the door swinging shut behind him with a finality that felt like a trap snapping shut.