https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-791-Ivan-Yes-I-m-Going-to-Take-on-the-Ministry-of-Magic-/13454656/
Chapter 790: A Conversation with Umbridge
Chapter 790: A Conversation with Umbridge
Ivan instructed Dobby as he took the Quill and Parchment to jot down a brief account of his time studying with Nicolas Flamel and the creation of the Philosopher's Stone. He also mentioned that Asia should feel free to ask for money if she needed it.
At the end of the letter, Ivan hesitated but decided not to specifically ask Asia to keep the Philosopher's Stone a secret. Instead, he allowed the news to spread within a small circle.
After all, possessing a Philosopher's Stone was nothing to be ashamed of, and with his power, no one would dare try to steal it. On the contrary, he could use the Elixir of Life to entice some people to defect and join him.
"Take this letter back to my mother", Ivan said, folding the Parchment and handing it to Dobby. He then rubbed his chin, muttering to himself, "As for Voldemort's infiltration of the Ministry of Magic..."
Ivan closed his eyes and used Occlumency to search his memories. After about three minutes, he opened his eyes and spoke.
"Have them investigate Ministry officials Yaxley and Augustus. There might be some useful information, but tell them not to stir up any trouble before they take formal action..."
In the original timeline, these two Ministry officials had joined Voldemort and become Death Eaters, providing him with crucial intelligence. Yaxley, in particular, later used the Imperius Curse to control the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, which helped Voldemort gradually take control of the entire Ministry of Magic.
Although the current situation was very different from the original timeline, Yaxley and Augustus might not be willing to join the Dark Lord again, but it wouldn't hurt to investigate them.
"Dobby will relay the message to Mrs. Hals word for word", Dobby said, taking the Parchment and patting his chest to assure Ivan. His eyes were filled with admiration.
Asia had been struggling with the Ministry's small maneuvers, but Ivan had easily come up with a solution.
"Besides these two tasks, did my mother have any other instructions for you?" Ivan asked.
Dobby shook his head, then nodded, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "Mr. Doughty wanted me to ask you privately when they can start their operations."
"Already impatient, are they?" Ivan raised an eyebrow and put the Crown back into the drawer.
He understood why Dawgert and the others were in a hurry. They were already the most powerful force in the Wizarding World, yet they still faced oppression from the Ministry of Magic, which naturally made them feel unbalanced.
"Master... Master is the greatest Wizard and should become the greatest Minister of Magic in history!" Dobby said, mustering his courage.
Ivan didn't pay much attention to Dobby's flattery and simply smiled, waving his hand. "Alright, have Dawgert find a suitable location. I'll meet with them in two weeks."
Dobby nodded eagerly, snapped his fingers, and disappeared on the spot.
Ivan sat alone by the window, organizing his thoughts and temporarily setting aside the task of repairing Ravenclaw's Diadem.
He had a Defense Against the Dark Arts class in the afternoon, and he had a feeling that Umbridge would try to make things difficult for him or even assign him detention.
However, this was perfect, as he had some questions for Umbridge. If she could provide a quiet, undisturbed place, that would be ideal.
...
Just as Ivan had expected, after two tedious Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, Umbridge suddenly sprang into action.
"Mr. Hals, please come to my office after class..."
"Sure, Professor. I'll come to you after dinner", Ivan said calmly as he gathered his books.
Umbridge was quite satisfied with Ivan's submissive attitude but felt a vague unease. In the past, when she summoned someone to her office, they usually showed some fear. However, Ivan's face betrayed no hint of emotion, and his calmness was somewhat unsettling.
But Umbridge didn't dwell on it, attributing it to Ivan's boldness and his lack of respect for authority.
Once Umbridge left the classroom, Hermione, Harry, and the others immediately gathered around.
"Umbridge must have found out something to question you about..." Hermione said, her worry evident.
"Yeah, are you really going to meet that old hag tonight? She won't let you off easily. Maybe we should go to Professor Dumbledore instead..." Ron suggested.
"There's no need to be so tense. Maybe Professor Umbridge just felt like having a chat", Ivan stood up and said.
Hermione glared at Ivan, clearly angry that he wasn't taking the situation seriously.
Harry and Ron also thought Ivan was being too nonchalant. They had both been in detention with Umbridge, and it wasn't a pleasant experience.
Ivan didn't know how to explain himself and resorted to making a joke. "Don't worry. As a recipient of the Order of Merlin, First Class, I have some reputation in the Wizarding World. Umbridge won't dare do anything to me."
At six o'clock in the evening, after dinner, Ivan headed to the Defense Against the Dark Arts office under the worried gazes of Harry and the others.
He knocked on the door, and a sickly sweet voice responded.
"Come in!"
Ivan pushed the door open and looked around. The entire office was decorated like a young girl's bedroom, with lace tablecloths on the furniture and numerous pink decorations and colorful cat figurines on the walls.
"Sit down!" Umbridge pointed to a chair in front of her desk.
Ivan didn't hesitate and took a seat.
Umbridge waved her wand to lock the door and then asked with a sugary smile, "Do you know why I called you here, Mr. Hals?"
"Is it about the school rules? Do you need help with something, Professor?" Ivan feigned confusion.
Umbridge's smile froze, and she narrowed her eyes, her tone turning harsh. "You know exactly what I'm talking about, Hals. Someone reported that you formed an illegal student organization and held a large, unauthorized gathering. Is that true?"
"Technically, it was just a regular study group, Professor", Ivan said firmly.
"A study group? Yet I heard that over a hundred people attended this illegal gathering!" Umbridge stared at Ivan, enunciating each word. "According to the Ministry of Magic, any student organization or gathering of more than three people must be registered with me. Otherwise, the involved students will be expelled."
"I think you might have a poor memory, Professor!" Ivan interrupted Umbridge. "Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four was issued just three days ago. We were practicing magic before that decree was in place."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
