When Monday came around, something suddenly spread throughout Hogwarts Castle.
It was said that during yesterday's Quidditch training match, Kael and the Weasley brothers had a disagreement and got into a big fight in the locker room.
At first, everyone didn't believe it, since everyone knew they were the best of friends, and it was impossible for a conflict to lead to a physical fight.
But soon people discovered that Fred and George indeed seemed to be injured...
Both had bruises under their eyes, as if something had hit them.
This shocked the entire castle.
The rumors were suddenly confirmed, which attracted countless people curious to know the reason why these former friends would come to blows.
However, neither the Weasley brothers nor Kael spoke about it, showing no intention of explaining.
At this moment, Kael was inside Umbridge's office.
"Professor..." He said to Umbridge, who was fiddling with a bottle of dried flowers, "I've already found out the reason they went to Hog's Head Pub."
"What is it?" Umbridge immediately stopped her actions, asking eagerly.
"Canvassing for votes," Kael said. "They're planning to mobilize their family to support Dumbledore to become the Minister of Magic."
"Damn it!" Umbridge cursed angrily, not doubting Kael's words at all.
Due to the rumors circulating in the school, she naturally knew Kael had a fight with the Weasley brothers.
She also knew that the Weasley brothers had been to Hog's Head Pub.
For long-time friends to turn against each other and fight, it was enough to prove that Kael was standing with the Ministry of Magic, so the news he brought was surely genuine.
Mobilizing parents to support Dumbledore... If Minister Fudge finds out, he'll definitely explode with rage.
Umbridge twirled in place like a potato top, muttering to herself, "No, such things must be stopped afterwards, there cannot be a second time."
"What are you going to do?" Kael asked.
"Disband any student organizations, associations, teams, and clubs, not allowing them the opportunity to gather together again," Umbridge said.
"But professor, won't this cause discontent?" Kael said, "Almost all Hogwarts students participate in various clubs and teams; this approach might be too extreme."
"It's no problem. The past student bodies are dissolved; they can entirely regroup," Umbridge said, "but on the condition that it must have my approval."
As she spoke, she took out a piece of parchment, preparing to issue an education decree—namely stricter school rules.
As the Ministry of Magic's appointed Senior Investigator, she had this authority.
"Professor, I still think this is somewhat inappropriate," Kael continued, "There are too many school organizations, associations, and clubs. If all need re-investigation and reorganization, it would take at least a week; the students behind the schedule will still complain."
"It's the Ministry of Magic's order," Umbridge said arrogantly, "They must comply."
"Of course..." Kael said, "However, I have a better plan."
Umbridge halted her quill, looking up at him.
Kael cleared his throat and said, "Actually, it doesn't matter if they want to support Dumbledore, as long as more people choose to support Minister Fudge, right?"
"What do you mean?" Umbridge asked.
"I investigated, last time only just over fifty people attended the gathering."
Kael continued, "Compared to the entire Hogwarts, that number is actually not much, it can even be said to be very few. We can completely recruit the rest, let them choose to support Minister Fudge.
"Think about it, professor, if the remaining hundreds of students in the school all choose to support Minister Fudge, those fifty people wouldn't be important anymore."
Umbridge's eyes shone for a moment, then she began to ponder Kael's words.
If Fudge finds out that students openly support Dumbledore, he'll definitely be furious, there's no doubt.
But if she can win more supporters for the Ministry of Magic, the nature of this matter would change.
Kael was right; for the entire Hogwarts, fifty people are indeed not noticeable.
And even if she couldn't get all remaining people to support the Ministry of Magic, even just half would be a huge success for her.
"How should we prepare to proceed?" she asked, "How about holding a gathering? We could set the location in the school's auditorium, letting everyone attend."
Kael shook his head, "No need for such trouble, professor, that would make us seem ulterior.
"Just let them know who truly cares about the students."
"Then what's your plan?" Umbridge asked with interest.
Kael hesitated, showing a reluctant expression.
"What?" Umbridge raised an eyebrow, "Rest assured, if it succeeds, I'll report your achievements to Minister Fudge."
"You misunderstood, professor." Kael stammered, "That is... you know, our Hufflepuff's house points have been surpassed by Slytherin today..."
"Kael, there's something I must say..." Umbridge looked at him seriously and said, "Even though I'm a professor, I can't arbitrarily add points to students; that's disgraceful cheating."
"Yes, professor, I know." Kael whispered, "But if we can win the House Cup this year, it would be six consecutive championships..."
"Whatever the case, this kind of cheating is undesirable," Umbridge said, "However, because you timely discovered some people's erroneous actions, I can make a one-time exception to add twenty points to Hufflepuff."
"Thank you, professor." Kael said with a smile.
"Now can you tell me your idea?"
"Of course." Kael said, "As long as we can make the students feel the Ministry of Magic's goodwill, we can start from Quidditch."
"Quidditch?" Umbridge frowned, a bit puzzled about the meaning.
"Yes, that's Hogwarts' most popular sport, and also involves the largest group of people."
Kael said, "Dumbledore is too stingy, or rather he doesn't prioritize Quidditch, which results in the school brooms being outdated Comets and Cleansweep Series. They're slow in flight speed, poor in experience, causing team members to complain many times.
"If the Ministry of Magic would pay for new brooms for the school, I think everyone would jump with joy."
"Replace brooms?" Umbridge hesitated, then shook her head, "No, that's a substantial amount of money."
"No need for really expensive ones, just new ones suffice, like the new model Cleansweep," Kael said smiling, "Moreover, if the Ministry of Magic handles the procurement, there should be additional discounts available, you could personally manage this affair."
Umbridge seemed to think of something, her eyes gleaming. She didn't respond but didn't oppose either.
"I still maintain, professor..." Kael said taking advantage of the situation, "There are many who enjoy Quidditch, and each team member has significant influence in the house.
"Just spending a small amount, you can effortlessly gain numerous supporters while highlighting Dumbledore's stinginess; it's a worthwhile exchange."
...