Percy Weasley Character Bio

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Lacey Jackson

Lacey jumped into the world of Harry Potter in her 20s. She quickly found herself immersed in the storyline and the emotions explored in the books and movies. A proud Gryffindor she's not afraid to share her opinion while giving you the best information on the Wizarding Worlds lore, merch, and characters!

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Introduction

Percy Weasley was the third child of Molly and Arthur Weasley. He was a pureblood wizard, although his family was considered blood traitors because they associated with wizards who were less than pure blood. He was a highly accomplished and academically successful individual who attended Hogwarts alongside many of his other family members.

He was made prefect and head boy while he attended Hogwarts. He was a very strict individual who adhered to rules above all else. He constantly lectured his younger brothers, Fred and George, for their pranking and their jokes.

After leaving school, he worked for the Ministry of Magic, and his rise through the ministry caused a significant fight between himself and his family which ultimately resulted in Percy disowning his family until the very end of the second Wizarding War when he sees the error of his ways and rejoin the family at the Battle of Hogwarts. 

Percy Weasley Quick Facts

Percy Weasley Birthplace

Percy Weasley was born in Great Britain as a pureblood wizard.

Percy Weasley Parents

Percy Weasley’s parents were Molly and Arthur Weasley. They were both pureblood. His mother stayed at home, and his father was employed in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts department at the Ministry of Magic. Both parents had vibrant red hair, the same as Percy Weasley. Percy was their third child, after older brothers Bill and Charlie and before younger siblings Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny Weasley.

Percy Weasley’s Physical Traits

Percy Weasley was described as having the same flaming red hair as his siblings. He was tall and thin, much like his brother Bill and unlike his brothers George and Charlie.

Percy Weasley Early Life

Percy Weasley was raised in Ottery St. Catchpole in Devon, England. He was born in the middle of the First Wizarding War. While he was a child, his parents were involved in the Order of the Phoenix, and some members of his family were killed during their service therein. While he was a child, Harry Potter disposed of Lord Voldemort, and the world was safe again. Percy was taught the basics of reading, writing, and math by his mother. He was not born into a wealthy family, but his family loved him dearly, and he had a very happy childhood.

Percy Weasley Hogwarts Years

Percy Weasley started at Hogwarts in 1987, where he was sorted into Gryffindor. His parents bought him a pet rat named Scabbers as his animal, a pet that he later gave to his younger brother Ron Weasley when his parents rewarded him with an owl for making Prefect. The rat in question turned out to be Peter Pettigrew, who was actually an animagus.

While he was at Hogwarts, his older brother Charlie was also at Hogwarts. He studied the same subjects as his older brother Bill when he reached his third year: care of magical creatures, divination, muggle studies, arithmancy, and the study of ancient runes. While he was a third year, he was given permission by his parents to visit Hogsmeade, so he enjoyed some of his first trips to the local village, visiting with his older brother Charlie.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Percy Weasley is in his fifth year, given a new owl called Hermes and new robes in exchange for making Prefect. His main responsibilities involve the new first-year students, leading them to the dormitory, giving them the password, and keeping them safe whenever necessary. Percy and Hermione hit it off quite well from the start, talking excitedly about their classes, how soon they would be able to start learning certain magic, and what courses Hermione should consider taking down the line.

During the Halloween Feast, when a troll was let loose, it was Percy who was responsible for reading all of the students back to their dormitory. He stayed for Christmas break along with the rest of his family, and they all opened their Christmas gifts, including a handmade sweater from Mrs. Weasley. Percy’s sweater had a large letter P on it, which Fred and George joked was for ‘prefect’. While Percy tried to keep to himself, the twins insisted that he wear his sweater, forcing it over his head and frog-marching him into the Great Hall, where he would have Christmas dinner with his entire family.

Percy Weasley put an end to unnecessary fun and games in the common room, even those which were celebrations in honor of Harry Potter helping the Gryffindor Quidditch team to win a match. Later that year, he learned to 12 O.W.L.s just like his older brother Bill.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Percy Weasley was in his sixth year, and he had started dating Penelope Clearwater, the Ravenclaw Prefect. He spent all summer locked in his room, sending owls. The family thought this was most unusual because even though he had earned twelve O.W.L.s, he hardly bragged about it. Percy was known for gloating over any achievement. They didn’t learn until the end of the year that this was because he had cultivated a new relationship with his girlfriend.

When he was back at school, Percy admonished his younger brother Ron for hiding in a girls’ bathroom. Percy did not realize that they were secretly Brewing Polyjuice Potion in Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom.

Throughout the year, he tried to pompously take care of those closest to him, forcing his younger sister Ginny to take a Pepperup Potion when she started to look ill and constantly reminding her that there was nothing to fear in spite of what was happening with the Chamber of Secrets.

As things with the Chamber of Secrets worsened, Percy was one of many students and teachers who had to patrol the corridors and report anything suspicious. He used this time to sneak away with his girlfriend Penelope, who was also patrolling the castle. Ginny Weasley found them at one point, and he swore her to secrecy not to report his behavior. When Ginny Weasley tried to confide in Harry Potter and Ron about her suspicions that she had been the one responsible for letting loose the monster of Slytherin, Percy presumed she was about to reveal his secret relationship, so he swooped in and interrupted her.

Percy ran into his younger brother Ron and Harry Potter while Ron and Harry were under the effects of the Polyjuice Potion. So Percy mistook them for Crabbe and Goyle. This led to a snappy altercation between these three and Draco Malfoy.

Later, when Penelope Clearwater was one of those people who had been petrified, Percy Weasley was immensely worried. His brothers mistook his worry, commenting that Percy must have believed Prefects would be untouched, and the attack on Penelope Clearwater proved that person was just as vulnerable as everyone else.

Later in the year, when Harry was worried about what subjects to take in the future, Percy was one of many students to advise him, remarking that Muggle Studies and Divination were worthwhile subjects even if no one else agreed. 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the entire Weasley family, as well as Hermione and Harry, are staying at the Leaky Cauldron the night before they all get on the Hogwarts Express. Percy pompously introduced himself to Harry Potter like he was a mayor, as though he hadn’t seen Harry before. The reason for his newly inflated ego was the fact that he had been made Head Boy. That summer, the family visited Egypt to see Bill, where Fred and George tried to lock Percy in a pyramid but got caught by their mother.

Percy was so proud of being made Head Boy that he wore his bag with him everywhere and always made sure everyone could see it. This prompted Fred and George to steal the badge and change it magically so that it read “Bighead Boy .”Percy was certain that Ron had stolen the badge from the room they were sharing, which prompted a massive argument. The argument earned Fred and George’s approval, who both congratulated Ron on upsetting Percy to such a degree.

Because Sirius Black was after Harry Potter, Molly had entrusted Percy Weasley to look after Harry Potter while he was at school that year. This meant that Percy Weasley followed Harry around the corridors.

Later in the year, when Sirius Black was seen inside the castle and attacked the portrait of the fat lady, it was Percy Weasley who pushed all the other students aside, demanding that they make room for him because he was Head Boy, and it was Percy Weasley who guided all of the Gryffindor students back into the Great Hall where he stood guard all night.

Percy graduated with top marks in all his N.E.W.T. subjects, leaving Hogwarts for a job with the Ministry of Magic. 

Percy Weasley After Hogwarts Years

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

During Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Percy Weasley enjoyed a position working for the Ministry of Magic under Barty Crouch. During the summer, he remained locked in his room when not at the office, working. All of his conversations involve pompously discussing the workplace, imagining the state of his inbox if he were away from the office for five days and how hard he is working. In fact, he idolizes his boss for how strictly his boss follows the rules, supplicating himself when they run into his boss at the Quidditch World Cup, only to have his boss call him by the wrong name: Weatherby. 

This new position results in further complications between Percy and the family. When Barty Crouch fires his house-elf immediately for being caught at the scene of a crime with Harry Potter’s wand, Percy defends Barty Crouch, stating that he had no other option because a house-elf should obey every command of the family they serve. Hermione reminded him that house-elf was not an accurate term, but slave would be more appropriate since winky the house-elf does not get paid, and more importantly, his behavior toward her was incredibly unkind. This was the first time that Percy and Hermione ever had a conflict because, until this point, they got along very well, both being incredibly rule-abiding.

As Percy continued to draft a piece of legislation trying to regulate the thickness of cauldrons, Fred and George took the mickey out of him every chance they got. When the group prepared dinner the night of Harry Potter’s arrival at the Burrow, and Bill and Charlie Weasley were outside making the tables magically fight each other, it was Percy who leaned out the window to admonish their loud behavior as it was interfering with his report drafting.

Right before the school year started, Percy Weasley pompously remarked that something else was happening after the Quidditch World Cup, something that wouldn’t be revealed to his younger siblings until the ministry deemed it appropriate. He took great Delight in hinting that something was happening which was very important, something he was a part of, but never revealing exactly what it was. As it turned out, he was referring to the Triwizard Tournament.

Immediately after the Quidditch World Cup Fiasco, Percy Weasley was working overtime along with his father. Percy remarked that people were sending in complaints about damaged goods, and many people sent howlers which, if you didn’t open them right away, exploded all over his desk and set fire to everything.

Later that year, when Barty Crouch goes missing, he purportedly sends owls to Percy Weasley, giving him instructions to take over. Percy Weasley begins fulfilling many different responsibilities, most importantly taking over some of the official duties of Mr. Crouch involving the Triwizard Tournament. For example, during the second task, when Harry Potter rescues Ron, Percy is very rough with Harry Potter for almost being late to the start of the event. When Ron finally surfaced, Percy was apoplectic, running out into the water to help him back up to the shore, obviously greatly concerned for the well-being of his younger brother. He also attended the Yule Ball, where he was quick to intervene after he saw Fred and George talking to Ludo Bagman.

Percy is regularly interviewed by the Daily Prophet as well as other members of the Ministry of Magic regarding the absence of his boss. Ron is encouraged to write his brother a note to see if Percy knows anything else about the absence or odd behavior. Ron receives a succinct response that Percy recognizes his boss’s handwriting, his boss is ill and taking time off, which Barty Crouch deserves, and Ron should not bother him anymore because he’s very busy. 

Shortly thereafter, when Mr. Crouch was discovered in the Forbidden Forest, very confused and clearly ill, Percy was called in for questioning and could not attend the third task because he was under investigation. Instead, Cornelius Fudge attended in his place.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter is advised against bringing up Percy’s name at all when he first arrives at the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. The reason being, Cornelius fudge did not believe that Lord Voldemort was back. So he spent the summer spreading rumors about Dumbledore in Harry Potter, trying to convince the public that they were both crazy and not to be trusted. He offered Percy Weasley the position of Junior assistant to himself.

Percy Weasley thought his family would be very proud that he had risen so quickly within the Ministry of Magic, but instead, his family pointed out that it was all a ruse and that the minister was using Percy to try and get information on Dumbledore and the family, as well as the Order of the Phoenix. Percy and his father had a huge fight, during which time Percy said that his father’s bad reputation, poverty, and lack of ambition had held Percy back for years, but he wasn’t going to let it hold him back anymore. He also called his father an idiot for believing Dumbledore and made it clear that Percy’s personal loyalties remained with the ministry and that Lord Voldemort was not back and Harry Potter was crazy. He severed all ties with his family, packed his bags that night, and moved to London, where he got a flat for himself. His mom tried to talk to him at his London flat, but Percy slammed the door in her face.

When Harry Potter went to his hearing for using magic, Percy was present, working as the scribe for the ministry. Percy refused to make any eye contact and agreed with every biased comment Cornelius fudge made against Harry. Percy noted that Harry was only cleared of all charges because of a technicality. When he ran into his father, who was waiting for Harry Potter outside the Wizengamot chambers, Percy walked right by him as though he didn’t even know him.

When the school year started, Percy sent a letter to Ron, the only time he reached out to his family during the year. Unfortunately,, the letter started with a quick congratulations on Ron becoming Prefect. The rest of it is an urgent request to stop hanging out with Harry Potter and avoid the rest of the family because one day, the family would realize they were mistaken for believing Dumbledore. The letter was so offensive that Ron tore it into pieces and threw it into the fire.

The following morning an interview was published where Percy remarked that Dolores Umbridge would be appointed as the Hogwarts High Inquisitor.

Mrs. Weasley sent everybody their traditional Christmas presents, including the sweater that she made herself. Percy sent his back without a note. Percy was also the only person who didn’t visit Arthur Weasley after Arthur was attacked by Nagini and hospitalized, nor did he send any letters asking about his father’s well-being. 

When Dumbledore’s Army was discovered, and Ministry officials were summoned to Hogwarts, Percy Weasley was one of them. During this skirmish, they tried to take Dumbledore, who knocked everyone out and made his escape. Percy kept his hand on Harry Potter’s shoulder, holding him in place while also taking notes for Cornelius Fudge and sending a copy of the notes to the Daily Prophet for publication.

Battle of the Department of Mysteries

Following the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, the Ministry of Magic knew that Dumbledore in Harry Potter was not lying the previous year that Voldemort really was back. This meant that Percy Weasley also knew the truth, but he very likely felt a great deal of shame over how he treated his family and remained estranged.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Rufus Scrimgeour replaces Cornelius Fudge as the Minister of Magic, and Percy Weasley continues to work for the ministry. His mother claims that he was too busy to come back home, but the family knew he was still being a prat.

At Christmas, he showed up with Rufus at his family home. The minister claimed that Percy wanted nothing more than to stop by and see his family, and they were both already in the area on other business. Realistically the minister was there to try and talk to Harry Potter. When the minister escorted Harry outside for a private chat, this left Percy in the room with his family. His mother gave him a tearful hug while his father and siblings stared at him. Percy barely spoke and stormed out after his siblings flung mashed parsnips in his face.

At the end of the year, he attended Albus Dumbledore’s funeral along with other Ministry officials.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Percy Weasley neglected to attend his brother’s wedding, leading his mother to tears once more. At this time, Percy finally realized the truth, not just that Voldemort had returned, but that he was slowly taking over control of the Ministry of Magic, something Percy had ignored the previous year. Unfortunately, he had to continue to work under the new minister of magic, who was a Voldemort puppet, as it was not safe for him to leave or contact his family.

At the end of the year, he was able to make contact with Aberforth Dumbledore, and he appeared in the Room of Requirement, asking if he had missed the battle. He happened to walk right into the room with all of his family standing around him, something he wasn’t expecting. He apologized profusely, and his family hugged him, cried, and forgave his bad behavior.

They all joined together in fighting during the Battle of Hogwarts. Percy was dueling the minister of magic alongside his brother Fred. He jokingly told the minister that he was resigning, and Fred was so surprised that Percy had made a joke, but he let his guard down and was killed. Percy wouldn’t leave Fred’s body until Harry Potter, and Ron Weasley physically removed him and hit him in a wall niche. Percy was overcome with grief and stormed back into battle, fighting the Death Eater who had killed Fred. He remained with his family and friends while his mother killed Bellatrix Lestrange and Harry Potter finally killed Lord Voldemort. He mourned the loss of so many with his family after the battle and went on to help the newly reformed Ministry of Magic. 

Percy Weasley Family [Spouse / Partner, Kids]

Percy married a woman named Audrey, with whom he had two girls: Molly and Lucy. 

Percy Weasley Magical Abilities and Special Skills

Percy Weasley was incredibly smart and talented. He earned an O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. for every course he took. He was very good at Transfiguration; he was able to cast non-corporeal Petronas charms and use Simple charms like Oculus reparo and the leg Locker curse. He was very talented at defense against the dark arts, a skill he demonstrated during the final battle of Hogwarts. He was also very accomplished in the history of magic, astronomy, arithmancy, care of magical creatures, potions, herbology, divination, muggle studies, and ancient runes. He received his apparition license almost immediately and was able to successfully apparate anywhere he wanted, which, when he was home with family, meant from room to room, much to the annoyance of his brothers.

Percy Weasley Wand

Nothing is known about Percy’s wand, though he likely picked it up at Ollivander’s in Diagon Alley. 

Percy Weasley Trivial and Fun Facts

The character does not wear glasses in the movies even though he wears them in the books.

There is no mention of Percy Weasley working for the ministry or becoming a Junior assistant, let alone the subsequent abandonment of his family in the films.

Percy Weasley is omitted from multiple film adaptations after he graduates from Hogwarts.

Percy Weasley appeared in six films, but he only had a speaking role in the first three.

Percy Weasley Appearances in Books 

Percy Weasley appeared in the following books:

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Percy Weasley Appearances in Films

Percy Weasley appeared in the following films:

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

Percy Weasley Quotes

Fred and George teasing Percy about being made Prefect:

“Oh, are you a prefect, Percy? You should’ve said something, we had no idea.”

Percy as Head Boy, demanding he be let through:

“Let me through, please. What’s the holdup here? You can’t all have forgotten the password — excuse me, I’m Head Boy —”

The story of Percy abandoning his family:

“He went completely berserk… He said Dad was an idiot to run around with Dumbledore, that Dumbledore was heading for big trouble and Dad was going to go down with him, and that he — Percy — knew where his loyalty lay and it was with the Ministry. And if Mum and Dad were going to become traitors to the Ministry he was going to make sure everyone knew he didn’t belong to our family any more. And he packed his bags the same night and left. He’s living here in London now.”

Fred and George explaining Percy’s ongoing bad behavior at Christmas:

Fred Weasley: “Mum’s crying again. Percy sent back his Christmas jumper.”

George Weasley: “Without a note. Hasn’t asked how Dad is or visited him or anything.”

Percy reuniting with his family before the Battle of Hogwarts:

Percy: “I was a fool! I was an idiot, I was a pompous prat, I — was a — a —”

Fred Weasley: “Ministry-loving, family-disowning, power-hungry moron.”

Percy: “Yes, I was!”

FAQs

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Research Citations

IMDB. Harry Potter Full Cast. https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0926084/fullcredits/cast

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. New York: Scholastic, 1999. Print.

Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 2000.

Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 1999.

Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. New York: Scholastic, 2002.

Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. New York: Listening Library, 2003.

Rowling, J. K. (2010). Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. London: Bloomsbury. Chicago (Author-Date, 15th ed.) Rowling, J. K. 2010.

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2007.