A few days later, Hogwarts had gained some new arrivals.
On the platform in the Great Hall stood a middle-aged woman in a pink frilly dress, with a broad, fleshy, slack face. Several unfamiliar Adult Wizards stood behind her, while Dumbledore stood at her side.
The one giving a speech on the platform was Dolores Umbridge. She had received a new appointment—the Director of the Department of Education's Office of Safety Inspection.
Umbridge said, "Starting today, our Office of Safety Inspection will take over Hogwarts' security."
Using the Dark Wizard Invasion Incident from several days ago as justification, Fudge had established the Office of Safety Inspection on the grounds of addressing Hogwarts' security risks. He also required it to remain stationed at Hogwarts long-term to eliminate those risks.
The Dark Wizard Invasion Incident had greatly unsettled the students' parents. Over the past few days, the Headmaster's Office had been flooded with letters of complaint from them.
Fudge took the opportunity to raise the proposal to establish the Office of Safety Inspection again, and it immediately won the approval of most people.
Dumbledore ultimately compromised. In his view, Voldemort had become active again, and the professors alone truly found it difficult to guard against outside intrusions. With the Ministry of Magic involved, there would at least be more people available for patrols.
"For your safety, we have established several security regulations."
"Curfew will be moved up to nine o'clock."
"Every student entering the castle from outside must undergo our inspection."
"..."
Umbridge's voice was shrill and greasy.
"I hope all students will cooperate with our work. These new regulations will be added to the school rules."
"Violating these regulations will be treated as violating school rules."
George clutched his hair with both hands and exclaimed, "Fred, did I hear that right?!"