Chapter 317 — Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement
"Not this one."
"Not that one."
"This isn't it either!"
"Why hasn't Zhu Weijun written back yet!" Ron muttered anxiously, eyes fixed on the owls swooping through the Great Hall.
"Ron, just do your homework yourself."
Harry rolled his eyes. "And aren't you even a little curious why all the ghosts have disappeared?"
"No!"
"I've never seen a foot-long assignment in my life!"
"And the ghosts definitely went to see Madam Grey," Ron said, collapsing dramatically over the table.
"It's impossible that all of them went," Harry said. "And don't you think it's weird? It isn't a holiday — but we're still having a feast today."
"Dumbledore must have something to say."
"You really don't understand," Ron muttered, giving Harry a look that left Harry feeling stupid for a moment.
"…Understand what?" Harry asked, annoyed.
"Ravenclaw's diadem!"
"You found Ravenclaw's diadem!"
"Dumbledore might even give you a Special Award for Services to the School!" Ron said sourly, staring at the bulging pocket of Harry's robes.
That pocket, of course, currently held the diadem.
"Right!" Ron suddenly stood up, drawing the attention of half the Hall.
A plump little gray owl swooped past him toward Percy — but Ron remained oblivious.
"I could wear the crown! Why should I be afraid of homework with something like that?"
"I can lend it to you," Harry said sharply, "but it's not a helmet. Even if you've never seen it, you should at least know it's called a crown. And sit down, Ron!"
"Huh?" Ron blinked — then realized everyone was staring.
But being Ron, he didn't blush or cower. Instead, he waved at them like a triumphant general before finally sitting down.
"But I still have hope," he whispered eagerly.
"Today's Dad's day off. He must have had loads to write after seeing my class content. Maybe he'll send back enough for all of us in the dorm!"
Harry stared at him, speechless.
This — this — was why Harry never discussed secret matters around Ron.
If Harry didn't constantly check his surroundings, Ron's volume alone would broadcast his secrets all the way to Hogsmeade.
Just like with Voldemort — Ron always said his name loudly, as though worried someone might miss it.
"I think you should stop hoping, Ron," Harry muttered. "The Muggle Protection Act just came out. Your dad's probably too busy to notice your letter."
He failed — barely — to keep the smirk off his face.
It wasn't revenge.
…Probably.
"No way!" Ron shouted, voice booming again.
Harry forced his expression flat.
If Ron spotted even a hint of amusement, he'd never hear the end of it.
"No matter how busy Dad is, he always reads letters from his children!"
"Shut up, you idiot!" Ginny hissed, slamming her book shut.
She had been pretending not to know Ron for the last fifteen minutes.
"What? What did I say wrong?" Ron asked, genuinely puzzled.
"I'd rather just do my homework," he grumbled. "No one appreciates me…"
"Dumbledore's here," Neville whispered.
"The dinner starts at six, and it's only—"
"So what if he's here?" Ron asked, confused.
"You're too loud," Neville sighed.
"Why should I be quiet about my dad's affairs?" Ron demanded.
"Ron!"
A voice cut across the Hall — louder than Ron's.
It was Percy.
But not the stiff, serious, rule-obsessed Percy they knew.
This Percy was practically vibrating with excitement.
He rushed toward them, dragging Fred and George behind him.
"Percy—are you alright?"
"Are you okay?"
"Are you sure you're okay?"
The Weasley siblings asked in startled unison.
"I've never been better!" Percy declared, eyes shining.
"Madam Bones is the new Minister for Magic!"
"Susan! Your aunt is the Minister!"
"What—how does Percy know that before you do?"
"How come he's happier than you are?"
Hufflepuffs swarmed around a bewildered Susan Bones, bombarding her with questions.
Ron and the others blinked, stunned.
"Why are you so happy Madam Bones became Minister?" Ron asked. "Did Dad get promoted?"
Fred and George took over logically in a way that immediately alarmed Ginny.
"Let's see… Department of Magical Law Enforcement has main divisions: Auror Office, Misuse of Magic, Wizengamot Administration—"
"Only the Wizengamot Administration is both powerful and idle enough to make you this excited, Percy."
Ginny gasped.
"You two… are not Fred and George. Did you take Polyjuice?"
Percy froze.
Ron froze.
Harry froze.
Because the twins knowing something about ministry bureaucracy was… unnatural.
"At least we know where Dad works," Fred grumbled.
"But Percy, one of our guesses must've been right."
"No — all of you are wrong!" Percy choked, eyes watering.
"Dad—Dad is now the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement!"
His voice cracked with pride and joy.
(End of chapter)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you like the story please give it some power stones and reviews. And if you want to read 40+ advance chapters or just want to support me please join my patreon at [email protected]/Translatingfanfics