Fudge/Percy going over to Dark Side

[joeblackish]

No: HPFGUIDX 30830

I've seen a lot of people suggesting that either Fudge or Percy or 
both will be ending up on the dark side, and both of those theories 
really bother me.

Personally, I don't think either of them could ever end up on the dark 
side.  Fudge seems inherently good, though inept.  He does want to 
hold on to his position, and while that is clearly a considerable 
concern of his, I don't see any evidence of him being desperate enough 
to hold onto it that he would join with Voldemort.  Same with Percy.  
He's obsessed with rules, and wants to advance in the ministry, but is 
by no means evil.

Rather, I think it would be more fitting for both of their characters, 
and also add more depth to the story, for both of them to commit 
themselves wholeheartedly to the party line that Voldemort has not 
returned.  

This presents several interesting conflicts. First, Percy vs. his 
family.  His commitment to rules, order, and the ministry would fit in 
this situation, and also provide an interesting plot twist for the 
oh-so-perfect and happy and loving Weasly family.  What happens when 
they are both devoted to good yet still split over what to do because 
one of them refuses to see what is actually happening?

The same with Fudge.  I find it much more effective for JKR to 
pinpoint the problems that can arise when one cares so much for one's 
own safety and comfort (which I think is far more important to Fudge 
than his position) that one is blind to serious problems they are 
facing. 

I think that the lesson that one can do bad (I don't want to say evil 
here) even while trying to fight for good is very fitting for these 
books and would add a new, interesting, and poignant element to JKR's 
already complex uni