The thought that suddenly sprang to mind made Fudge straighten in his seat. He looked at the solemn-faced Arthur Weasley, a fleeting glint of amusement flashing through his eyes.
"If I have guessed why you are here, Arthur—"
Fudge's tone suddenly became intimate.
"You want your son to be assigned to a more important position, don't you?"
Fudge's abrupt change in attitude put Mr. Weasley on guard. His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
"I am not seeking power for my son, Minister. He is not yet twenty. He ought to be in a more challenging post. The Ministry cannot let a young man with limitless potential waste away in the Centaurs Office."
"Indeed, indeed—"
Fudge nodded with affected seriousness. His manner filled Percy's eyes with boundless hope, and excitement and eagerness made his voice tremble.
"I am willing to do anything for the Ministry, Minister, as long as... as long as there is work to be done!"
Mr. Weasley cast Percy a warning look, signalling that he should handle the discussion with the Minister himself. But Percy was already completely intoxicated by the opportunity within his grasp and did not notice his father's hint at all.
"Oh, that is a very gratifying attitude, Percy—" Fudge smiled approvingly at Percy.
"Yes, I believe so. Young people should be given the chance to make mistakes and correct them—"
Whoosh!
Percy sprang from the sofa. His body was ramrod straight, his face flushed, and he was about to declare himself once more, but Fudge waved a hand at him and said pleasantly,
"Yes, I remember now. When Barty was still at the Ministry, he mentioned that the assistant assigned to him by the Ministry had tremendous enthusiasm for work. Oh, keeping you in the Centaurs Office really has been something of a waste of