Congratulations, Percy!" Molly said, her voice tight with emotion. "That's… wonderful. I'm so proud of you." She reached across the table to pat his hand, but Percy barely noticed. He was already bracing himself for what he knew was coming. His father's reaction, The one he feared most.
Arthur did not echo his wife's warmth. His brow furrowed, and his lips pressed together in that way Percy knew all too well. "Percy… this is impressive, yes, but are you sure the Ministry isn't… using you? Could they be trying to get at us? Or even Dumbledore?"
Percy stiffened. He had anticipated suspicion, but the edge of concern in his father's voice struck him harder than he expected. He had always respected Arthur's judgment, but this was different. This was a betrayal he could never explain. How could he? How could he tell his father that he was being groomed to spy, to lie, to betray everything they stood for?
"I'm fully capable of handling my responsibilities," Percy said, his voice betraying none of the anxiety twisting inside him. "The Ministry's confidence in me is a recognition of my diligence and skill, not a ploy against our family."
Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly, and his lips twitched with concern. "I mean no disrespect, Percy, But the Ministry… we cannot always trust it, especially now."
Frustration surged in Percy's chest, a gnawing mix of anger and guilt. He couldn't reveal the truth. He couldn't tell his family about Dumbledore's plan, the lies he was forced to live, the sacrifices that had already begun, But how could he keep lying to them?
He swallowed hard, his temper flaring. A defensive pride sharpened his words. "Worry all you like, Father," Percy said, tone icy, sharper than intended. "But perhaps if this household had been more ambitious, less mired in mediocrity, you wouldn't feel the need to question my loyalty."