Sarafina Weasley: Book 5

Letter from Percy

Sarafina's POV

It was announced the next morning my new roll as Dumbledore's student assistant. I've received a few complaints about Umbridge and Slytherin prefects using their titles poorly. I spoke to Draco and he agreed to be fairer along with Pansy. McGonagall had give me a book to write my reports in for Dumbledore along with my badge. I was also given a book to write down points I give out or punishments I give. Which would immediately be sent to McGonagall who has a matching book. I've also been charged to watch students with detention and to go on night patrol.

I just get back from watching one of Snape's detentions. To see the other three all by the fire Ron holding a letter. "Who's the letter from?" I ask.

"Read it and find out" Ron growls handing me the letter. I recognize Percy's handwriting and frown. I begin to read the letter in my head:

Dear Ron,

I have only just heard from no less a person than the minister of magic himself, who has it from your new teacher Professor Umbridge. That you have become a Hogwarts prefect.

I was most pleasantly surprised when I heard this news and must firstly offer my congratulations. I must admit that I have always been afraid that you would take what we might call the 'Fred and George' route, rather than following in my footsteps, so you can imagine my feelings on hearing you have stopped flouting authority and have decided to shoulder some real responsibility.

But I want to give you more than congratulations, Ron, I want to give you some advice, which is why I am sending this at night rather than by the usual morning post. Hopefully you will be able to read this away from prying eyes and avoid awkward questions.

From something the Minister let slip when telling me you are now a prefect, I gather that you are still seeing a lot of Harry Potter. I must tell you, Ron, that nothing could put you in danger of losing your badge more than continued fraternization with that boy. Yes, I am sure you are surprised to hear this - no doubt you will say that Potter has always been Dumbledore's favourite. But I feel bound to tell you that Dumbledore may not be in charge at Hogwartsmuch longer and the people who count have a very different - and probably more accurate - view of Potter's behaviour. I shall say no more here, but if you look at the Daily Prophettomorrow you will get a good idea of the way the wind is blowing - and see if you can spot yours truly!

Seriously, Ron, you do not want to be tarred with the same brush as Potter, it could be very damaging to your future prospects, and I am talking here about life after school too. As you must be aware, given that our father escorted him to court, Potter had a disciplinary hearing.  This summer in front of the whole Wizangamot and he did not come out of it looking too good. He got off on a mere technicality if you ask me and many of the people I've spoken to remain convinced of his guilt.

It may be that you are afraid to sever ties with Potter - I know that he can be unbalanced and, for all I know violent - but if you have any worries about this, or have spotted anything else in Potter's behaviour that is troubling you, I urge you to speak to Dolores Umbridge. A really delightful woman, who I know will be only too happy to advise you.

This leaves me to my other bit of advice. As I have hinted above, Dumbledore's regime at Hogwarts may soon be over. Your loyalty, Ron, should be not to him, but to the school and the Ministry. I am very sorry to hear that so far Professor Umbridge is encountering very little cooperation from staff as she strives to make those necessary changes within Hogwarts that the Ministry so ardently desires although she should find this easier from next week - again, see the Prophet tomorrow. I shall say only this - a student who shows himself willing to help Professor Umbridge now may be very well placed for Head Boyship in a couple of years!

I am sorry that I was unable to see more of you over the summer. It pains me to criticise our parents, but I am afraid I can no longer live under their roof while they remain mixed up with the dangerous crowd around Dumbledore if you are writing to motherat any point, you might tell her that a certain Sturgis Podmore . Who is a great friend of Dumbledore's, has recently been sent to Azkaban for trespass at the Ministry. Perhaps that will open their eyes to the kind of petty criminals with whom they are currently rubbing shoulders). I count myself very lucky to have escaped the stigma of association with such people - the Minister really could not be more gracious to me - and I do hope, Ron, that you will not allow family ties to blind you to the misguided nature of our parents' beliefs and actions either. I sincerely hope that, in time, they will realize how mistaken they were and I shall, of course, be ready to accept a full apology when that day comes.

Please think over what I have said most carefully, particularly the bit about Harry Potter, and congratulations again on becoming prefect. Tell Sarafina I said hello and to stay away form Harry Potter.

Your brother,

Percy

"He is the worlds biggest git" I snap ripping the letter up. We then continue to do homework like nothing has happened. Once finished we all went to bed. I couldn't stop thinking about what Percy said in the letter. What happened to the nice big brother who helped me study and would be there for me when I was hurt? I fall into a restless sleep.