A/N: if anyone who reads this happens to like it I'm warning you now my updates are really inconsistent, but I'll try. Also if I actually finish this then I'm hoping to do a sequel about Percy's daughter Lucy. Since this story overlaps with the Deathly Hallows, there may be a few direct quotes from the book.

Chapter One: The Fall of the Ministry of Magic

Percy Weasley was sitting in his office sorting through his ever growing pile of paperwork, when the attack was launched. There was a deafening crash further down the hallway; Percy hardly noticed as he was incredibly busy and had grown used to loud crashes coming from the Auror's Office. Only when the screaming began did Percy glance up from his notes. A mass of black-robed witches and wizards were streaming steadily through the main entrance, shouting curses and hexes the whole time.

For a moment all Percy could do was gape at the scene unfolding before his eyes. The first wave of attackers were wreaking havoc: attacking shocked Ministry employees, setting freshly printed copies of The Daily Prophet ablaze, and storming various staircases and elevators. As if on cue, various Ministry officials joined the attack while a second wave, which broke into smaller groups spread throughout the building.

And then, Percy's eyes focused on what must've surely been the last line of attackers-there were hundreds of them already. Voldemort himself had arrived along with a small group of his closest followers. The sight of the Dark Lord's manic grin and sheer pleasure of seeing the Ministry burn aroused a hatred stronger than any emotion Percy had ever experienced.

He slipped out of the office unnoticed in the chaos around him and drew his wand. Percy attempted to keep an eye on Voldemort's small group, but was unable to defend himself effectively while watching its progress. He stunned one Death Eater and caused another's jinx to rebound with a shield charm. He caught sight of Kingsley Shacklebolt dueling Bellatrix Lestrange and Lucius Malfoy at the foot of the stairway that lead to Scrimegour's office, but the rest of Voldemort's posse was nowhere in sight.

That same stairway was littered with the bodies of Ministry employees and Death Eaters alike: Voldemort had made it to the Minister's office and his minions had stunned, tortured, and killed well over half of the unsuspecting Ministry employees.

Although it physically hurt Percy to see the Ministry in shambles, his sense of self-preservation saved him and he joined the ranks of those who had surrendered. He saw a few faces he recognized, but could not remember any of their names. Kingsley lay in a crumpled heap at the foot of the stairs, breathing, but seriously injured.

The fighting had ended as quickly as it started and an eery silence fell over the room, all eyes on the door of the Minister's office. The room held its breath as Voldemort exited and Scrimegour followed. Percy examined the Minister, he limped worse than usual, was covered in blood, and looked weary. There was still that steely glint in his eyes when Voldemort faced him and asked quietly,"Where is Harry Potter?"

Scrimegour briefly surveyed the crowd below him before replying,"I do not know."

"Crucio!"

Percy watched, appalled as the Minister for Magic writhed in agony in the floor. Death Eaters cheered, Ministry officials groaned and wept, Voldemort grinned, and Scrimegour went limp. Voldemort paused long enough whisper,"Do you know where the boy is now?"

Scrimegour stood and looked the Dark Lord in the eyes,"Even if I was aware of Potter's whereabouts, I would never tell you, that boy is the best hope we have against you and your army. He is a symbol of what all of us should stand for and he is-"

As the Minister's shouts grew louder and angrier, Voldemort turned his back and when he whipped back around he interrupted the Scrimegour's cries with two words," Avada Kedavra!"

Scrimegour's eyes reflected green light as his face went slack and his legs crumpled beneath him. Several of Percy's coworkers gasped and others faces were streaked with fresh tears. The Dark Lord stood before the assembled Ministry employees and Death Eaters and addressed them,"Your leader is dead, any who attempt to resist will meet the same fate. Scrimegour was wrong when he said Harry Potter was your best hope, there is no hope for any of you unless you join me. For the time being I will appoint a new Minister for Magic and new Ministry officials. You will continue your work here under the changes they see fit. Thicknesse! Come forward! Address your employees." Voldemort and a few others apparated from the premises after one Death Eater cried out,"Morsmordre!"

A man Percy recognized as one of the Department Heads stepped forward along with a few Ministry officials that he automatically labeled traitors.

The first man stepped forward, a broad grin on his face and addressed the crowd,"My name, for those of you who don't know, is Pius Thicknesse.As your new Minister for Magic, I promise to restore this temple of tolerance to its former glory. Therefore, beginning today, each employee will submit themselves… for evaluation. But know this: you have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide."

Percy Weasley knew better, in times like these they all had something to hide and something to fear.