He had already told them pompously that he was only staying over Christmas because it was his duty as a prefect to support the teachers during this troubled time.
" Hermione, a wizard in Mr. Crouch's position can't afford a house-elf who's going to run amok with a wand! " said Percy pompously, recovering himself.
Harry clapped loudly with the rest as Ron collapsed into the chair next to him. " Well done, Ron, excellent, " said Percy Weasley Pompously across Harry as " Zabini, Blaise, " was made a Slytherin.