Percy Ignatius Weasley

Percy Ignatius Weasley is the third son of Arthur Weasley and Molly Weasley. A fiercely ambitious and rule-abiding wizard, Percy served as a Gryffindor Prefect and later Head Boy during his time at Hogwarts. His unwavering loyalty to the Ministry of Magic led to a painful estrangement from his family during the Second Wizarding War. However, he ultimately reconciled with them, fighting bravely in the Battle of Hogwarts, demonstrating that his familial love was stronger than his ambition.

Hogwarts Years Percy began attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1987. As a student, he was academically successful and a staunch supporter of school rules. In his fifth year, he was made a Gryffindor Prefect, an achievement for which his parents gifted him his owl, Hermes. During this time, he was responsible for leading the first-years, including his brother Ron Weasley and Harry Potter, to Gryffindor Tower. In his final year at Hogwarts, Percy was appointed Head Boy, a position of which he was immensely proud. He began a secret relationship with Ravenclaw Prefect Penelope Clearwater. Percy graduated from Hogwarts with top marks, having achieved twelve O.W.L.s. Ministry of Magic Career Upon graduating, Percy immediately secured a job at the Ministry of Magic in the Department of International Magical Cooperation. He worked under Barty Crouch Sr., whom he deeply admired, although his reverence often manifested as sycophancy. He assisted with the organization of the Triwizard Tournament and served as a substitute judge for Mr. Crouch during the Second Task. Following the tournament, Percy was promoted to the position of Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge. This promotion caused a severe rift with his family. Arthur Weasley believed that Fudge had only promoted Percy to have a spy on the Weasley family and, by extension, Albus Dumbledore. Percy, fiercely loyal to the Ministry and in denial about Lord Voldemort's return, chose his career over his family. He moved out of The Burrow into a flat in London and became estranged from all the Weasleys, even returning a Christmas jumper knitted by his mother. Second Wizarding War and Reconciliation Percy remained loyal to the Ministry even after it fell under the control of Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, working under the puppet Minister Pius Thicknesse. He later admitted that he had realized his terrible mistake and had been trying to extricate himself carefully. Percy's loyalty to his family ultimately won out. He arrived at Hogwarts to fight in the final battle, offering a heartfelt and tearful apology to his family, which they immediately accepted. During the Battle of Hogwarts, he fought alongside his brother Fred Weasley, and was devastated when Fred was killed in an explosion. Enraged, Percy pursued the responsible Death Eater, Augustus Rookwood, and later joined his father to duel Pius Thicknesse, whom Percy successfully transfigured into a sea urchin. Later Life Following the war, Percy returned to the Ministry of Magic, eventually becoming the Head of the Department of Magical Transportation (Pottermore). He married a woman named Audrey and had two daughters, Molly and Lucy (J.K. Rowling interview).

Percy is described as tall and thin, with the characteristic flaming red hair of the Weasley family and freckles. He wears horn-rimmed glasses. He carries himself with a pompous, self-important air, particularly during his Hogwarts years and early Ministry of Magic career. Percy's personality is defined by his immense ambition, a rigid adherence to rules, and a desire for order and respectability. He often lacks a sense of humor and is the frequent target of his twin brothers' jokes. While his ambition led him to make poor, hurtful choices, his actions during the Battle of Hogwarts reveal his deep-seated love for his family and his capacity for bravery and remorse.

• Academic Prowess: Percy was an excellent student, proven by his achievement of twelve O.W.L.s, a rare and difficult feat.
• Transfiguration: Percy demonstrated considerable skill in Transfiguration during the Battle of Hogwarts when he transformed Pius Thicknesse into a sea urchin.
• Dueling: He proved to be a competent duelist, holding his own against Death Eaters and the puppet Minister for Magic during the final battle.

• Wand: The specific wood, core, and length of Percy's wand are unknown.
• Hermes: A Scops owl given to him by his parents as a reward for being made a Prefect.
• Prefect Badge: A silver badge he wore proudly during his fifth and sixth years at Hogwarts.
• Head Boy Badge: A badge he wore in his seventh year, signifying his position as the top student at Hogwarts.

• The Weasley Family: Percy's relationship with his family is central to his character arc. He was initially a dutiful, if pompous, son and brother. His ambition created a painful schism, causing immense grief for Molly Weasley and Arthur Weasley. His eventual, emotional reconciliation demonstrates his underlying loyalty and love. He was particularly tormented by Fred Weasley and George Weasley, who delighted in mocking his formal nature.
• Penelope Clearwater: Percy's girlfriend at Hogwarts. They were a secret item, and their relationship showed a slightly more relaxed side to his personality.
• Cornelius Fudge: Percy idolized Fudge and was blinded by his loyalty to the Minister, which directly led to his estrangement from his family.
• Barty Crouch Sr.: Percy's first boss at the Ministry. Percy revered Mr. Crouch and worked tirelessly to impress him, often failing to see his boss's own flaws.

• Percy: Short for Percival, a name of French origin meaning “one who pierces the valley.” Sir Percival was one of the three Knights of the Round Table to complete the Quest for the Holy Grail in Arthurian legend. This may allude to Percy's own long, difficult “quest” for redemption and reconciliation with his family.
• Ignatius: A Latin name meaning “fiery.” It is likely a reference to St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, an order known for its strict discipline and structure, mirroring Percy's own personality.
• Weasley: J.K. Rowling has stated that the surname is derived from the weasel. Despite the animal's often negative reputation in folklore, Rowling has a personal fondness for weasels.

• In the film adaptations of the Harry Potter series, Percy Weasley is portrayed by actor Chris Rankin.
• Percy's role is significantly reduced in the films. His estrangement from his family is only briefly shown, and his dramatic reconciliation and participation in the Battle of Hogwarts are largely omitted from the final film.