Chapter 244: Are You Going to Violate the Contract?
Chapter 244: Are You Going to Violate the Contract?
Fudge's reply came quickly, but even faster was the spread of rumors within Hogwarts.
"Did you hear? The Minister of Magic is coming to the school next month to visit our Maze Challenge."
"They say the Head of the Auror Office will also be here!"
"Scrimgour? Didn't he come a while ago?"
"How can capturing criminals be the same as visiting? Last time, he only saw Lockhart, but this time, he'll definitely pay close attention to the students' performance."
"So if we perform well, we might get a job at the Ministry right after graduation?"
First Years still found it fun, but Sixth and Seventh Years became intensely excited.
The opportunity to join the Ministry directly wasn't available every year. Most people, even if they entered the Ministry after graduation, might not have a chance to speak to the Minister for years.
Even Percy, who was usually engrossed in his studies and not very interested in such "rude" activities, couldn't resist getting involved. However, without any experience, he was sent out by the House-Elves within three minutes, dragging down his roommate in the process.
"Seriously, Percy, this isn't like the face-to-face spell-throwing you imagined."
His roommate was not very tactful: "You need to be careful about everything around you. Attacks might even come from above! Maybe you should start by training with the First Years?"
—But how could he make it to the finals with the First Years and have a chance to be seen by the Minister?
Percy nodded stiffly, not wanting to argue with his roommate. He left feeling quite upset.
He chose a time when there were fewer people and went in alone for several challenges, but each time, he didn't last long. Compared to others, Percy was very proficient with spells, but his skills and reaction speed were far behind.
However, after some observation, he unexpectedly found that the First Years weren't just playing around. There were a few very outstanding teams, including one organized by his brothers.
Out of brotherly pride, Percy hesitated for a while. But after hitting a wall with other top Gryffindor teams, he decided to approach the twins.
"Actually, you can join me."
His girlfriend, Penelope, the Sixth Year Prefect from Ravenclaw, said: "Though everyone else is from Ravenclaw, they all know your grades, and we'll get along fine."
Losing face in front of his brothers or losing face in front of his girlfriend, which one was easier to accept?
Percy didn't need to think. He held his head high and said, "Actually, Fred and George have already invited me to help them. Though they don't do well academically, their magical skills are pretty good."
"Alright." Penelope didn't expose his bluff, smiling and nodding: "Anyway, you're always welcome here."
Percy almost regretted his words as soon as he said them, but he couldn't take them back. After class, he had to go find Fred and George.
The twins hadn't teamed up with anyone else in the Umbrella Room. They had their own close friends in the House, like Lee Jordan, Angelina, and Katie. Of course, the core of the team was the twin brothers.
Before Percy even reached the door, he heard his little sister's shrill voice: "Why can't I join? Everyone else can!"
"How many times do we have to say it? You're too young! And your classmates are too weak. I doubt they can even cast a simple Banishing Charm."
"Don't underestimate her!" Fred exclaimed. "And participating in the competition is voluntary. Even if you object, you can't stop me!"
Ginny stormed out, leaving behind the exasperated faces of the twins.
"Little sisters," Fred sighed, "they're only cute when they're young."
"You might've forgotten," George added, "that when she was little, she used to step on our heads and climb up the cabinets."
"And then Mom saw us—"
"It was Ginny who was being mischievous, and we were just the unfortunate stepping stones—"
"But Mom scolded us both—"
The two brothers, sharing a look of commiseration, almost burst into tears. Just then, a voice from the doorway chided them, "That's because Ginny was only three at the time, and you two were already big boys! You should know better than to engage in dangerous activities!"
The twins raised their eyebrows in unison, looking at Percy who had just entered.
"So, Prefect Weasley, what lecture are you going to give us now?" George asked irritably.
Percy's face turned bright red.
...
Building upon the previous competition, more mature teams were formed, some of which dedicated a significant amount of time to daily training.
The professors, too, were unconsciously influenced, often incorporating advanced and targeted spells into their lessons.
Professor Abigail, in particular, became the most sought-after professor in the school, with senior students lining up to get beaten up by her, earning themselves bruises and a bit of dueling experience.
On Wednesday afternoon, after Voldemort and the others finished their Herbology class, they found the central courtyard filled with some large, dark objects. Filch was directing his Crab Army to clean them, while Professor Abigail was using a Floating Charm to bring over a large barrel of cleaning solution.
"Professor?" Michael asked, "Why do these things look like Muggle weapons?"
In the courtyard, there was a pile of guns and several small cannons, all of which appeared to be over a hundred years old and covered in rust.
"They are Muggle weapons," Professor Abigail confirmed. "I want you to see the tools Muggles use to slaughter each other. I thought I'd have to take leave to ask a friend to buy them, but when I inquired, I found out the school already had some."
"But... these things look like they're about to be scrapped," Padma said with a frown.
"Indeed, they're almost antiques, but with some repairs, they'll be as good as new, I assure you."
Professor Abigail ran her hand along the barrel of the cannon and said, "Of course, I've also prepared some new things, so that certain individuals don't think Muggles are insignificant."
"Oh..."
The students responded with varied expressions.
"So, who wants to lend a hand? Cleaning these won't be easy."
Professor Abigail asked, hands on her hips.
The students, who often received guidance from this professor after class, naturally didn't refuse.
So, everyone stepped forward, and dozens of beams of the Renewal Charm fell upon the old weapons, revitalizing them with new energy.
Where the spell couldn't remove the grime, cleaning solution, brushes, and scrapers took over.
"Haha, look at this!"
Peeves suddenly burst out of the castle, circling around the old weapons before pouncing in front of Professor Abigail with malicious intent. "Are you going to break the contract?" he asked.
(End of Chapter)
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