Roy already knew Harry's club had formed.The whispers were everywhere—students sneaking around, excited faces, Harry suddenly being braver, Hermione clearly carrying the stress of planning everything.
The Daily Prophet and Wizarding Weekly soon began their predictable attacks on Dumbledore and Harry, filled with nonsense and political garbage that screamed Fudge's fingerprints.
Roy didn't even bother reading them.
"Pig politics," he muttered and tossed the papers aside.
McGonagall's Message
After Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall approached Roy with her usual stern-but-kind expression.
"Mr. Valvas, the Headmaster wishes to see you. The password is… 'Hotpot.'"
Roy blinked.
Hotpot.
He really is addicted.
He thanked her and headed to the stone gargoyle.
The Gargoyle's Complaint
"Password?" the gargoyle droned.
"Hotpot."
The gargoyle groaned dramatically.
"Finally! He changed it. If I heard 'dumpling' one more time, I'd jump off the staircase myself."
Roy snorted."That bad, huh?"
"You have no idea."
The stairs spiraled upward, carrying Roy into the familiar office.
Dumbledore's Farewell
Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk, calmly sipping honey water.Not tea—honey water.
"Ah, Roy. Please, sit."
Roy took a seat, eyes narrowing.
"You're leaving."
Dumbledore exhaled softly."Yes. There are things regarding Tom Riddle that I must personally investigate. I may be away for some time."
Roy nodded.
He already suspected this.Horcrux trails.The past.Slytherin's secrets.
Dumbledore leaned forward.
"While I'm gone, Hogwarts must remain stable. Thus… you will act as principal when necessary."
Before Roy could reply, the portraits of former headmasters burst into chatter.
"Excellent choice!""Finally, someone competent!""He already takes care of the school more than half the staff!"
Dumbledore went crimson.
"Ahem—yes, well—there's no need to—"
Roy smirked.
"Don't worry, old man. I'll take care of Hogwarts better than you."
Every portrait cheered.
Dumbledore slumped back, speechless.
A Small Operation
Once the teasing was over, Roy set his mind to business.
"What do you need me to do before you leave?"
Dumbledore folded his hands.
"Help Harry. Quietly. From the shadows. Umbridge must not discover his… extracurricular activities."
Roy nodded.
"Easy enough."
Then the two formed a subtle, elegant plan.
Roy immediately summoned Cedric.
Cedric arrived promptly, saluted Roy humorously, and waited for orders.
"Spread a rumor," Roy said."Something harmless but useful. Tell the Hufflepuffs that Harry has created a training club. But pretend you heard it from someone else first."
Cedric grinned.
"Ahhh. The indirect information strategy. Got it."
"Good. Make it believable."
"Always."
Cedric left with a confident stride, clearly enjoying the mission.
Dumbledore watched the door close, then glanced back at Roy.
"You do realize the school listens to you more than the Ministry, yes?"
Roy shrugged with a faint smile.
"Then it's a good thing I'm on Hogwarts' side."