Fudge's response arrived quickly, but even faster were the rumors circulating within Hogwarts School.
"Have you heard? The Minister of Magic is coming to our school next month to observe our maze challenge event."
"It's said that the chief of the Auror Office will be coming too!"
"Scrimgeour? Didn't he come by not long ago?"
"Catching criminals and observing students is not the same! Last time he only saw Lockhart, but this time he will definitely take a serious look at the students' abilities."
"So if you perform outstandingly, you might be recruited by the Ministry of Magic right after graduation?"
The younger students thought it was just fun, but the sixth and seventh-year students were almost all fired up.
The chance to go directly to the Ministry of Magic isn't something that happens every year. Most people, even if they end up working there after graduation, might not get a chance to say a word to the Minister for years.
Even Percy, who usually submerged himself in studies and wasn't interested in such "crude" activities, couldn't help but get involved. However, his inexperience led to him being escorted out by a House-Elf after just three minutes, dragging down the roommate who brought him along.
"Honestly, Percy, this isn't like the situation you imagined, where spells fly in face-to-face confrontations."
The roommate said bluntly, "You have to be cautious about everything around you; attacks might even come from above! Maybe you should start training with the younger students first?"
—But teaming up with the younger students wouldn't get you into the finals, and there's hardly a chance to be noticed by the Minister.
Percy nodded grimly, without holding a grudge against his roommate, leaving in a bad mood.
He picked times when there were fewer people around and attempted the challenge alone a few times, but never lasted long. Compared to others, Percy was very proficient with spells, but his skill and reaction speed were far inferior.
However, after some time of observing, he unexpectedly discovered that not all the younger students were just messing around inside; there were some very outstanding teams, including one organized by his brothers.
Out of brotherly pride, Percy hesitated for a while. But after hitting a wall in front of other excellent Gryffindor teams, he decided to seek out the twins.
"Actually, you can join me."
His girlfriend Penelope — who is the Ravenclaw sixth-year prefect said, "Although everyone else is from Ravenclaw, they all know your grades, and it won't be awkward socializing together."
Embarrassing himself in front of his brothers versus his girlfriend—which scenario was easier to accept?
Percy didn't need to think; he held his head slightly high and said, "In fact, Fred and George have long invited me to join and lend them a hand. Although their grades aren't great, their magical ability is decent."
"Alright." Penelope didn't expose him for bluffing, smiled, and nodded, "Regardless, you're always welcome here."
Percy regretted it almost immediately after saying it, but he couldn't take his words back. After class, he had no choice but to find Fred and George.
The twins weren't teamed up with others from the Umbrella House; they had their own close friends in the school, like Lee Jordan, Angelina, Kate, and of course, the core of the team was naturally the twin brothers.
Percy hadn't yet reached the door when he heard his little sister exclaim, "You all can join in, so why can't I?"
"How many times do we have to say it? You're too young! And your classmates' abilities are not up to standard. I suspect they can't even perform an Expel Curse." Fred said.
"Don't underestimate people! Moreover, participating in the competition is voluntary, even if you object, you can't stop me!"
Ginny furiously retorted, pulled open the door, and stormed out, leaving behind the twins' helpless faces.
"Sisters are much cuter when they're younger." Fred sighed deeply.
"Perhaps you forgot, she used to step on our heads to climb onto cabinets." George said.
"And then got caught by Mom—"
"Obviously, it was Ginny who was causing trouble, while we were just two hapless stepping stones—"
"Yet Mom scolded the two of us—"
The two brothers glanced at each other sympathetically, almost tearing up, when suddenly someone at the door spoke in a reproachful tone:
"That's because Ginny was only three, and you were already big boys! You should know what's dangerous!"
The twins raised their eyebrows simultaneously, looking at Percy who had just entered from outside.
"So? Is Prefect Weasley here to lecture us again?" George asked unhappily.
Percy's face flushed instantly.
…
Building upon the last competition, increasingly mature teams were formed, with some dedicating considerable time each day to training.
The professors couldn't help but be infected by the enthusiasm, and would occasionally incorporate advanced and targeted spells into their lectures.
Professor Abigail had become the most popular professor in the school, with senior students lining up to get thrashed by her, then walking away with bruises and a bit of dueling experience.
On Wednesday afternoon, after Vid and others finished their Herbology class, they found their central courtyard populated with black, bulky objects, with Filch orchestrating his crab army to crawl back and forth cleaning, while Professor Abigail used Levioso to maneuver a large bucket of cleaning agents.
"Professor?" Michael asked, "Why do these things look like Muggle weapons?"
Lying in the courtyard was a pile of guns and several small cannons, which appeared to be over a hundred years old, with surfaces covered in rust.
"They are Muggle weapons." Professor Abigail said, "I wanted to show you what Muggles use to slaughter their kind. I originally thought I'd have to take a leave to find acquaintances to buy some, but it turns out the school already had some."
"But... these guys look like they're about to fall apart." Padma said, frowning with disdain.
"Hmm, they're almost antiques, but with a little repair, they'll work as good as new."
Professor Abigail stroked the barrel of a cannon and said, "Of course, I've also prepared some new things, lest some of you think Muggles aren't anything special."
"Oh..."
The students said with varied expressions.
"So, who'll lend a hand? Cleaning these guys isn't easy."
Professor Abigail asked, her hands on her hips.
The students were often guided by this professor after class, so naturally, they wouldn't refuse to help.
So, everyone stepped forward, and tens of beams of Scourgify fell on the old weapons, revitalizing them anew.
For dirt that magic couldn't clean, it was down to cleaning agents, brushes, and shovels.
"Haha, look! What's this?"
Peeves suddenly darted out of the castle, circling the old weapons, before abruptly lunging at Professor Abigail, asked maliciously, "Are you planning to violate the contract?"