Percy Weasley

With his trademark red hair, thick black-rimmed glasses, serious expression, and stiff movements, Voldemort knew without asking that this had to be Percy Weasley.

"You're the last of the twenty-four Prefects," Voldemort said.

"Yes, Professor," Percy replied stiffly.

"Why?"

"Because Peeves delayed me, Professor. He stopped me from escorting the first-years back to their common room."

Voldemort nodded. He vaguely remembered this scene from the book.

"Tell me what you think of Gryffindor," Voldemort said, his head lowered as he looked over the documents.

According to the records, Percy was indeed an excellent student. And as far as Voldemort knew, he was also an ambitious young man with a strong desire for power.

Of course, he wasn't lacking in courage. That was why he'd been sorted into Gryffindor.

But Voldemort believed that Percy had been placed in Gryffindor largely because of his family—the Weasley family had been loyal to Gryffindor for generations.

In Voldemort's view, though, Percy was a Slytherin through and through:

Pure-blood, clever, hungry for power, and finally giving it up with impressive tact. Wasn't that Slytherin enough?

"I'm sorry, Professor, but I need more specific information."

Percy pushed up his glasses. As if afraid his words might offend Voldemort, he hurriedly added, "I mean, I'm not sure where to begin."

Voldemort nodded, then shook his head. Percy grew terribly nervous.

"You need to be more decisive, Percy—even when you're speaking to someone in power."

Voldemort stood, poured him a glass of water, and brought it over. "Remember, when those in power choose their subordinates, they care most about two things."

With the professor's face so close to his, Percy nervously swallowed, then asked excitedly, "P-Professor, I'd like to know what those two things are."

"Loyalty and responsibility."

Voldemort set down the water, then stood and continued.

"Loyalty determines how close you are to those in power, while responsibility determines how much authority they entrust to you."

Percy nodded vigorously, committing the two points to memory. He wanted to join the Ministry of Magic, so remembering them was crucial.

"And decisiveness is a prerequisite for responsibility. You can't expect someone who can't even express themselves clearly to take on any responsibility, can you?" Voldemort asked with a smile.

"Yes, Professor, I understand." Percy nodded hard, then asked, "Professor, I need you to give me a more specific question."

"An excellent answer. The question itself was a trap because it was too broad, and your counterquestion was exactly the key to solving the problem."

Voldemort's praise made Percy's face turn as red as his hair. He excitedly pumped his fist beneath the desk.

"Then let me rephrase the question: objectively assess Gryffindor and tell me what kind of students it cultivates."

Voldemort poured himself a glass of water, sat down, and took a sip before speaking.

"Please give me a little time," Percy said bravely.

Voldemort nodded and began to toy with the beads around his wrist—a handsome, mysterious-looking bracelet made up of forty-nine tiny wooden beads.

"I've thought it through, Professor."

"Go ahead."

"I think..."

"Change 'think' to 'believe.' That's how you speak with authority."

"All right, Professor. I believe Gryffindor cultivates students who are willing to take risks, but in my view, that's wrong."

Voldemort raised an eyebrow. You foolish boy, I told you to speak up, not to turn against them. How can you say whatever comes to mind?

"Explain," Voldemort said, clearing his throat.

"All right, Professor." Percy squared his shoulders. "You may not know my two younger brothers, but they're troublemakers."

Voldemort nodded. Of course he knew the twins, and he rather liked them. It was just a shame that they'd be difficult to win over. If you can't have them, should you destroy them?

"They're always losing points because of Professor McGonagall, but from what I've observed, that hasn't been enough to make them change. I even get the impression that Professor McGonagall is encouraging them."

"What makes you say that?" Voldemort asked, somewhat surprised.

"Because she never addresses the real problem," Percy said seriously. "Separate them, starting with their dormitories and then where they sit in class, and they'd behave much better."

Voldemort slid his index finger back and forth over his chin as he pondered. "You mean that when they're together, they cause trouble, but if they're on their own..."

"Yes, Professor. They rely on each other and encourage each other to cause trouble."

"Then tell me, why does Professor McGonagall do that?"

"To set an example for the Gryffindor students and encourage them to explore boldly. My brothers even go into the Forbidden Forest. I imagine Hagrid could easily spot them, but he never does anything."

"Breaking the rules can also be a way to learn. We can't teach every child to be exactly the same," Voldemort said, having to rein himself in. Percy really was bold.

"Yes, but even the Slytherins behave better than they do. That's going too far," Percy complained.

Voldemort nodded and didn't dwell on the subject any longer.

"All right, Percy, that's enough about that. Tell me which spells you know, especially offensive and defensive ones," Voldemort said.

Percy nodded and immediately began listing the magic he knew.

It had to be said: this Prefect had earned twelve Ordinary Wizarding Levels exam certificates, just like his brother Bill, and was indeed quite capable.

After several more questions, Voldemort frowned.

"Professor Quirrell, am I not meeting your expectations?" Percy asked, somewhat stiffly.

"No, quite the opposite. You've exceeded them by far," Voldemort said with a sigh. "But you're in your fifth year, and you need to take your Ordinary Wizarding Levels exam this year. It's important."

Percy froze. He clearly hadn't thought that far ahead.

"But there is a way."

Voldemort's words immediately excited Percy—they almost seemed to imply that he'd been chosen.

"Please tell me, Professor. Whatever it is, I'll do it."

"Calm down, Percy. Of course I'll tell you."

Voldemort picked up Percy's introduction sheet and tapped it. "From what's written here, I imagine you've used a Time-Turner before, just as I have."

Percy blinked, then immediately understood what Voldemort meant.

"Yes, Professor. I have. I'll apply to Professor McGonagall right away to use one again..."

Before he could finish, Voldemort raised a hand to stop him.

"You need to understand the cost of using a Time-Turner. You trade time in the future for time in the present, and there are risks involved," Voldemort said.

"I'm willing," Percy said firmly.

"I'm pleased to hear that, but you should consider whether an assistant professor's position is worth it. I'll give you a day. Tell me your answer tomorrow night."

"There's no need to think about it, Professor Quirrell. I'll go to Professor McGonagall and apply right now. Please make sure you save the position for me," Percy said, rising to his feet.

"You don't need more time to think it over?" Voldemort asked, standing too.

"No, Professor."

Percy spoke earnestly. "Even this brief conversation has taught me a great deal. I believe you're the teacher I need."

A broad smile blossomed across Voldemort's face. "Then I'll wait to hear from you. After all, getting a Time-Turner isn't easy."

"I've done it before. Please trust me, Professor." Percy bowed. "Good night, Professor. You'll have good news by tomorrow morning."

"I hope so. Good night," Voldemort said, waving him off with a smile.

Someone from the Weasley family joining the Death Eaters... The thought alone was enough to keep Voldemort awake with excitement.