Chapter 244: “Are You Planning to Break the Contract?”
Fudge's reply arrived quickly, but even faster than that were the rumors spreading within Hogwarts.
"Have you heard? The Minister for Magic is coming to school next month to observe our maze challenge event."
"And the Head of the Auror Office will be here too!"
"Scrimgeour? Didn't he visit just a while ago?"
"Capturing criminals and observing are completely different! Last time, he only met Lockhart, but this time, he'll definitely pay close attention to the students' abilities."
"So, if you perform exceptionally well, you might be recruited straight into the Ministry right after graduation?"
The younger students found the news exciting and entertaining, but for the sixth- and seventh-years, it sparked fervent enthusiasm.
Opportunities to directly impress the Ministry weren't an annual occurrence. Even those who joined the Ministry after graduation might go years without ever speaking a word to the Minister.
Even Percy, who was usually immersed in his studies and uninterested in such "rowdy" activities, couldn't resist participating.
However, his lack of experience quickly became apparent. Within three minutes of entering the maze, he was escorted out by a house-elf, much to the frustration of his teammate.
"Honestly, Percy, this isn't about standing face-to-face and tossing spells at each other," his roommate said bluntly.
"You've got to stay alert to everything around you—attacks might even come from overhead! Maybe you should train with some of the younger students first?"
But training with younger students wouldn't get him anywhere near the finals—and without reaching the finals, how could he ever impress the Minister?
Percy stiffened his expression, nodded curtly, and didn't argue. However, as he left, he was clearly in low spirits.
He began sneaking into the maze during quieter hours, attempting challenges solo. Though he consistently failed to last very long, he didn't give up. Percy's spellwork was skilled, but his tactics and reflexes were sorely lacking compared to others.
After some time observing others, Percy was surprised to discover that not all the younger students were just playing around. Several teams were performing exceptionally well—one of which was organized by none other than his younger brothers.
Percy hesitated, torn between maintaining his dignity as an older brother and acknowledging their abilities. Yet, after being rejected by other strong Gryffindor teams, he eventually decided to approach the twins.
"You could always team up with me instead," suggested his girlfriend, Penelope Clearwater, a Ravenclaw sixth-year prefect. "Most of my team members are from Ravenclaw, but they know your academic record. We'd all get along just fine."
Which was worse: embarrassing himself in front of his brothers or in front of his girlfriend?
Percy didn't need long to decide. He replied while holding his head slightly high, "Actually, Fred and George have been asking me to join their team for a while. Their grades may not be stellar, but their magical skills are decent enough."
"Alright," Penelope said and smiled sweetly. She chose not to call out his obvious bluff. "In any case, you're always welcome to join us."
Percy regretted his words almost instantly, but it was too late to take them back. After class, he had no choice but to seek out Fred and George.
The twins hadn't joined forces with the other students from the Umbrella Room. They had their own close friends in Gryffindor, such as Lee Jordan, Angelina, and Katie. Naturally, the core of their team was the twin brothers themselves.
Before Percy even reached the door, he heard his younger sister yelling sharply, "Why is it okay for all of you, but not for me?"
"How many times do we have to say it? You're too young! And your teammates are hopeless—I doubt they can even cast a proper Banishing Charm," Fred retorted.
"Don't underestimate us! And besides, participating is voluntary. Even if you're against it, you can't stop me!" Ginny shot back angrily, yanked the door open, and stormed out, leaving the twins with helpless expressions behind her.
"Sisters are so much cuter when they're little," Fred sighed dramatically.
"Maybe you've forgotten she used to climb on our heads to get to the cupboard when she was little," George said.
"And then Mom saw us—"
"—Ginny was the troublemaker, and we were just the poor stepping stones—"
"—But Mom yelled at us instead--"
The two brothers exchanged a look of mutual suffering, nearly ready to burst into tears together, when a reproachful voice came from the doorway.
"That's because Ginny was only three at the time, and you two were already big boys! You should've known better what was dangerous!"
The twins raised their eyebrows in perfect unison and turned to see Percy entering the room.
"So, what now? Is Prefect Weasley here to give us another lecture?" George asked, annoyed.
Percy's face instantly turned bright red.
…
Following the earlier competition, more refined and skilled teams were being formed. Many groups devoted significant time each day to rigorous training.
The professors couldn't help but be swept up in the enthusiasm. Their lessons increasingly included advanced and highly relevant spells tailored to the challenges ahead.
Professor Abigail had quickly become the most popular teacher in the school. Upper-year students eagerly queued up to spar with her, they left with bruised faces but gained valuable dueling experience.
On Wednesday afternoon, as Wade and his friends returned from Herbology, they noticed several large, black objects in the central courtyard.
Filch was commanding his "army of crabs" to climb and clean the objects, while Professor Abigail used a Levitation Charm to float a massive tub of cleaning solution into place.
"Professor?" Michael asked. "Why do these look like Muggle weapons?"
The courtyard was filled with guns and several small cannons, and they all appeared to be over a century old with their surfaces covered in rust.
"They are indeed Muggle weapons," Professor Abigail said.
"I wanted to show you what Muggles use to slaughter each other. Originally, I thought I'd need to take a leave and contact some acquaintances to purchase them, but it turns out the school already had these lying around."
"But... these things look like they're about to fall apart," Padma said with a wrinkled nose, clearly unimpressed.
"True, they're practically antiques. But with a little repair work, they'll be as good as new," Professor Abigail replied, running her hand over the barrel of a cannon.
"Of course, I've also prepared some newer pieces—just in case some of you get the impression that Muggles are limited to outdated tools like these."
"Oh…" The students responded with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
"So, who wants to lend a hand? Cleaning up these relics isn't exactly easy work," Professor Abigail asked with her hands on her waist.
Since students often benefited from the professor's extra guidance after class, they weren't about to decline.
Everyone stepped forward, and dozens of Scourgify spells lit up the area, restoring the ancient weapons to a cleaner, livelier state.
For the grime that resisted magic, cleaning solution, brushes, and even metal scrapers came into play.
"Haha! Look at this! What's all this about?"
Peeves suddenly shot out from the castle, circling the old weapons with mischief glinting in his eyes. He swooped down in front of Professor Abigail and asked with a mocking tone, "Are you planning to break the contract?"
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