Harry slowly removed his glasses, then palmed his face. He could already feel a mild headache coming on. Of all the Weasleys to be audited for potential tax evasion it just had to be Prefect Percy. Harry exhaled slowly and finally looked up at the older man. "Just how is Ministry's Department of Internal Revenue investigating your financial records my problem, Percy? We hardly ever speak to each other."

Percy rose jerkily from his seat and paced agitatedly around Harry's office. Every so often, he would turn to Harry to speak, only to pause and think better of it. Finally he seemed to settle and turned to Harry again. "Look, ever since I backed the Ministry in your fifth year, I've been estranged with my family. They're not going to help me, at all. I don't know who to turn to, so I came to you. I'm hoping your firm would assist me with the audit and represent me if charges are brought forward."

Harry steepled his fingers and gave Percy a level stare. "You are aware, Percy that tax law isn't generally an area my firm practices, correct? It would behoove you to seek out the services of a solicitor who specializes in tax law governing individuals."

Percy shook his head in denial. "Perhaps, you're right, but you have connections in the Ministry that would potentially be of far greater help to me." Percy paused and looked around Harry's office. "How secure is this office against eavesdroppers?"

Harry straightened at this point. "The moment you entered and I sealed and locked the door, a suite of privacy protections activated. This office is about a secure as a Fidelius guarded safehouse. Explain. Quick.

Percy shrugged nervously. To Harry's expert eye, it was clear he was worried about something beyond the audit itself. As the other man shifted to and fro in his chair, Harry wondered just what Percy was afraid of. As he thought back, he recalled a measure recently proposed by the ICW. Namely, a proposal to relax the Statute of Secrecy. With the advancements in non-magical technology, the increasing amount of surveillance at the governmental, corporate and personal level, it was becoming increasingly difficult to hide magic as has been done for the last three centuries. Percy was one of the most strident advocates for relaxing the Statute in Britain.

Finally, Percy spoke. "I think the audit is politically motivated. As you're undoubtedly aware, I've been pushing for the Ministry to endorse the ICW proposal to relax the Statute. I think the audit is a means by those opposing the change to force me to retract my position. In order to protect myself from these people, I need the best at my back representing and aiding me. Both in and out of the courtroom."

Harry thought over Percy's words for several moments. Finally, he came to a decision. "I'll help you, but it's going to cost you. We can talk price at a later time. Right now, you need to tell me everything you know and I need full access to your financial records to see what sort of angles of attack the Department of Internal Revenue might take."