Percy Weasley

With his iconic red hair, thick black-rimmed glasses, stern expression, and reserved demeanor, Voldemort knew without asking that this had to be Percy Weasley.

"Twenty-four Prefects, you are the last," Voldemort said.

"Yes, Professor," Percy replied stiffly.

"Why?"

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

Voldemort nodded, vaguely recalling this scene from the books.

"Tell me your thoughts on Gryffindor," Voldemort said, looking down at the file.

According to the document, Percy was indeed an excellent child, and as far as Voldemort knew, he was also an ambitious individual yearning for power.

Of course, he didn't lack courage, which was why he was sorted into Gryffindor.

But in Voldemort's opinion, the greater reason for his placement in Gryffindor was his family – the Weasley family, loyal to Gryffindor for generations.

However, in Voldemort's view, he should have been a thorough Slytherin:

Pure-blood, intelligent, craving power, and his final decision showed enough shrewdness. Wasn't that Slytherin enough?

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

Percy adjusted his glasses, as if afraid his words might offend Voldemort, and quickly added, "I mean, I don't know where to begin."

Voldemort nodded, then shook his head, making Percy incredibly nervous.

"You need to be more decisive, Percy, even when facing those in power."

Voldemort stood up, poured him a glass of water, and brought it to him. "You must remember, those in power value only two things when choosing subordinates."

Facing the Professor's face up close, Percy nervously swallowed, but then excitedly asked, "Pro... Professor, I want to know what those two things are."

"Loyalty and responsibility," Voldemort said, putting down the water and standing up.

"Loyalty determines your closeness to the person in power, and responsibility determines how much authority and duty they will entrust to you."

Percy nodded vigorously, desperately committing these two points to memory – he was going to work in the Ministry of Magic, and remembering these points was crucial.

"And decisiveness is the prerequisite for responsibility. You can't expect someone who speaks vaguely to have any sense of responsibility, can you?" Voldemort asked with a smile.

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

"A very good answer. This in itself was a trap, because the scope was too broad, and your counter-question is the key to solving this problem."

Voldemort's praise made Percy's face turn as red as his hair, and he excitedly clenched his fist under the table.

"So, my question becomes: Objectively evaluate Gryffindor and state what kind of students it cultivates."

Voldemort poured himself a glass of water, took a sip after sitting down, and then said.

"Please give me some time," Percy said bravely.

Voldemort nodded and began to play with the prayer beads on his wrist – a string of forty-nine small wooden beads, beautiful and mysterious.

"I've thought of it, Professor."

"Speak."

"I think..."

"Change 'I think' to 'I believe.' That's a display of authority."

"Okay, Professor. I believe Gryffindor cultivates students who are brave in taking risks, but in my opinion, this is wrong."

Voldemort raised an eyebrow. You foolish boy, I told you to express yourself bravely, not to rebel. What are you afraid to say?

"Explain," Voldemort cleared his throat.

"Okay, Professor," Percy puffed out his chest. "My two younger brothers, you may not know them, but they are troublemakers."

Voldemort nodded. He certainly knew the twins and liked them, but unfortunately, they were difficult to win over. Should I destroy what I cannot have?

"They are always deducted points by Professor McGonagall, but from my observation, it's not enough to make them change. In fact, I feel like Professor McGonagall is encouraging them."

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

"Because she never solves the problem at its root," Percy said seriously. "Separating them, starting with their dormitory assignments, then their seating arrangements. That would make them much more well-behaved."

Voldemort slid his index finger under his chin, pondering. "You mean, when they are together, they become troublemakers, but if they are alone..."

"Yes, Professor. They rely on each other and encourage each other to be troublemakers."

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

"To set an example for the children of Gryffindor, to encourage them to explore bravely. My two younger brothers even entered the Forbidden Forest. I imagine Hagrid would easily find them, but he never intervenes."

"Being brave enough to break the rules is also a form of education. We can't teach all children to be molded from the same template," Voldemort had to concede a little. This Percy was truly daring.

"Yes, but even Slytherins are more well-behaved than them, which is a bit much," Percy complained.

Voldemort nodded, not dwelling on the topic any further.

"Alright, Percy, this question is over," Voldemort said. "Tell me what magic you know, offensive and defensive spells."

Percy nodded and immediately began to explain the magic he knew.

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

After a series of questions, Voldemort frowned.

"Professor Quirrell, is it that I cannot satisfy you?" Percy asked somewhat stiffly.

"No, quite the opposite, I am extremely satisfied," Voldemort said with a sigh. "But you are in your fifth year and need to take your Ordinary Wizarding Levels exam this year, which is very important."

Percy blinked, clearly not having thought that far ahead.

"But it's not without a solution."

Voldemort's words immediately excited Percy—it was almost an implication that Voldemort was going to choose him.

"Please tell me, Professor, no matter what the solution is, I will complete it."

"Calm down, Percy, of course, I will tell you."

Voldemort picked up Percy's introduction sheet and shook it, saying, "From this introduction, I believe you have used a Time-Turner, just like I have."

Percy blinked and immediately understood what Voldemort meant.

"Yes, Professor, I have used one. I will immediately apply to Professor McGonagall to use it again..."

Before he could finish speaking, Voldemort waved his hand and interrupted him.

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

"I am willing," Percy said firmly.

"I am pleased to hear that, but you need to consider whether the position of an assistant is worth it. I will give you one day, and tell me your answer tomorrow night."

"There's no need to consider it, Professor Quirrell. I'll go to Professor McGonagall to apply right now. Please be sure to keep this spot for me," Percy said, standing up.

"You're not going to consider it further?" Voldemort also stood up and asked.

"No need, Professor,"

Percy said seriously. "In our brief conversation, I have already benefited greatly. I believe you are the teacher I need."

A huge smile spread across Voldemort's face. "Then I will await your news. After all, a Time-Turner is not easy to apply for."

"I have experience, please believe me, Professor," Percy bowed. "Good night, Professor. You will have good news tomorrow morning."

"I hope so. Good night," Voldemort said with a smile and waved goodbye.

A Weasley, if they could join the Death Eaters... just thinking about it made Voldemort too happy to sleep.