“So, Professor Snape,” Madam Pomfrey said anxiously, “No wonder Professor Dumbledore left so hurriedly…”

“Obviously,” Snape nodded, “The Dark Lord's resurrection must come at a price. What I don't understand is what the rest of the Ministry of Magic is doing?”

“What else can they do?” Professor McGonagall snorted. “There aren't many people qualified to hunt down Tom these days. We can't expect Grindelwald, can we?”

Madam Pomfrey took the newspaper from McGonagall and began to read the report word by word.

Professor McGonagall glanced around the Great Hall. Most of the students were not particularly panicked. The front-page news in *The Daily Prophet* seemed more like exciting gossip.

She even heard a few Gryffindor students betting on how many times Dumbledore could "kill" Voldemort.

In fact, even among the Hogwarts faculty, not many professors were overly worried.

Dumbledore had taken action himself. For most wizards, this information was equivalent to the result—but McGonagall knew in her heart that everything was completely different.

Professor McGonagall looked once more towards the end of the Hufflepuff table, where a slightly different scene unfolded:

Aileen was earnestly saying something to Luna, and Miss Lovegood looked as nervous as if she had heard of her father's terminal illness.

Hermione Granger leaned *The Daily Prophet* against the ketchup bottle, concentrating on reading the contents, stirring the porridge in her bowl repeatedly with her spoon.

Meanwhile, Hannah was gulping down her oatmeal, while warily looking around them, as if observing whether anyone was eavesdropping on their conversation.

In fact, no one around them was paying attention—that area seemed to be isolated from all sound.

Aileen, Hannah, Luna, Hermione…

Professor McGonagall recited silently in her heart. She should have noticed this earlier.

Hogwarts has strange little witches, not just Aileen. The little witches around her also exhibited an abnormal maturity.

Compared to other students discussing gossip and interesting events, the breakfast table of these few little witches was more like a privy council.

At least… she hadn't seen other students reading the newspaper so seriously, and—McGonagall glanced at Hannah's side.

A magic book floated quietly in mid-air, with a quill writing rapidly on it.

Obviously, without her noticing, a remarkable little group had been formed at Hogwarts.

Professor McGonagall wouldn't think that the work of the Hogwarts Disciplinary Committee was limited to the school grounds. She had recently seen a few girls at a research institute off-campus.

If Albus Dumbledore and others' ultimate goal was to usher in a new era, then the focus of their cultivation was by no means limited to adult wizards, nor could it be confined to just one little wizard. This was bound to be a long and vast plan—Aileen and the children around her were likely the "chosen" ones.

However, what she hadn't quite understood yet was whether Aileen was the leader of the "new era fire" or one of the openers of the old era.

"This is outrageous, does the Ministry of Magic think things aren't chaotic enough now—"

Just then, Professor Sprout, not far away, suddenly let out a resentful curse.

"What's wrong?" Madam Pomfrey turned her head. She was still looking at the first two pages.

“…The people from the Ministry are here again. Take a look…”

Professor Sprout folded the newspaper, frowned tightly, and handed it to Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall.

[Rufus Scrimgeour Transferred to Hogwarts as 'Guidance Headmaster']

"In view of the recent situation, the Ministry of Magic believes that the former Head of the Auror Office, Rufus Scrimgeour, is unable to cope with the current work. After brief communication, Rufus Scrimgeour voluntarily resigned from his position as Head of the Auror Office and went to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to serve as 'Guidance Headmaster'. All affairs of the Auror Office will be temporarily overseen by Kingsley Shacklebolt."

"At the same time, the former Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, Dolores Umbridge, will also return to Hogwarts to assist Rufus Scrimgeour in his work."

"Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge did not accept an interview, but his personal Auror, Dellis, gave a brief response to this transfer:"

"'Mr. Scrimgeour's aggressive werewolf eradication plan has been effective, but it has also created serious security risks. Senior officials of the Ministry of Magic unanimously believe that the current situation requires a more rational and stable defense and counterattack policy, rather than a large-scale active offensive. On the other hand, with Albus Dumbledore's departure from Hogwarts, campus security and daily teaching work will inevitably be affected. After consulting with the Board of Governors, the Ministry of Magic proposed that Mr. Scrimgeour go to Hogwarts to serve as 'Guidance Headmaster'.'"

"It should be specifically noted that the 'Guidance Headmaster' is not a direct teaching position, and his teaching opinions can only be implemented after being evaluated by senior advisors and the Ministry of Magic."

"Senior advisors…"

Madam Pomfrey raised an eyebrow and said, "High Inquisitor, Umbridge has quite a few titles…"

"I knew the Ministry of Magic wouldn't let it go," Professor Sprout said in a low voice. "Professor Quirrell that time, do you remember? This time they're even better, they simply sent the Head of the Auror Office here. Judging by their posture, it seems that if anyone doesn't listen to them, the 'Guidance Headmaster' and senior advisor can directly order arrests…"

Professor McGonagall recalled the inside information that Aileen had told her last night, shook her head thoughtfully, and said slowly.

"Perhaps it's not as troublesome as we think…? The Ministry of Magic clearly doesn't trust Scrimgeour… I believe we can communicate properly…"

"Honestly, I don't have much hope for that, Minerva," Madam Pomfrey said sharply.

"Scrimgeour's decisions are too radical, he doesn't seem like someone easy to get along with! Look what he did, rushing into Armenia, resulting in the Ministry of Magic being taken advantage of."

"Just read these news, don't believe everything."

Snape snorted lightly, a hint of mockery appearing at the corner of his mouth.

"I know Scrimgeour's character. Although that guy is single-minded in fighting Dark magic, he's definitely not a brainless idiot."

"These—these are more like politicians' tactics, shirking responsibility. The really annoying thing isn't him, but that woman with yet another advisor title."

Snape wasn't worried about Scrimgeour. He recalled the words that Voldemort had boasted to a group of Death Eaters during his last few gatherings.

"The Dark Lord is the real problem," he said slowly. "Dumbledore is old, he can't keep chasing him endlessly…"

"The Ministry of Magic is hiding some important information, they must have discovered something—"

"To the extent that…"

Snape turned his head to look at McGonagall, and said slowly with a solemn expression.

"Dumbledore has to use the most foolish, least efficient method to contain the Dark Lord's resurrection."

"At the same time, there's another explanation for Scrimgeour's transfer to Hogwarts—Hogwarts may be attacked by Dark forces."

"Don't forget yesterday's parents' meeting and the defense drill by the Quidditch pitch… What if Dumbledore never comes back?"

Snape glanced at the noisy students below, a trace of hesitation flashing in his cold, deep black eyes.

Perhaps, he should consider in advance…

If the worst happens, is there anything he can do…

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Goo ah!