Army of Justice

The news that the Weasley Twins had become McLaggen's lackeys spread like wildfire throughout Hogwarts.

The incident became the talk of the town at the Slytherin table the following morning.

As Skylar entered the Great Hall, an unusual restlessness began to stir at the Slytherin table. Students huddled together in small groups, whispering amongst themselves, and occasionally some would turn to look in the direction of Gryffindor, their eyes filled with scrutiny and amusement.

"Skylar." Draco waved to him as soon as he saw him appear. "You certainly won't believe what I just heard."

Skylar walked slowly to the seat opposite him and sat down, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Oh? What news?"

"Those two red-haired idiots from the Weasley family—" Draco scoffed, deliberately drawing out his words, "Have actually become McLaggen's lackeys."

As soon as he said that, the surrounding Slytherin students all showed disdain.

"Weren't they always so self-righteous?" Pansy raised an eyebrow, a mocking smile playing on her lips. "Always acting like 'we're the righteous army,' but now they're willing to run errands for McLaggen. How ironic."

"Besides," Cassius snorted, putting down his silver spoon, "I haven't forgotten how they used to love to talk big, saying that Slytherin were all 'good-for-nothings' who relied on their family background. I remember how many times my companions and I were 'punished' by them."

"It's ridiculous that they keep saying they look down on family backgrounds, but now they've found a master from a prominent family." Astoria gently twirled her teacup, her tone calm yet sarcastic.

Daphne, however, didn't join their mockery. She said gravely, "McLaggen's power is no longer to be underestimated. It's said he's in the Great Galleon, aggressively recruiting followers—I've even heard that Marcos Belby and Eddie Camille have joined him in Ravenclaw. I suspect this isn't even the full extent of his influence."

Marcos Belby an unremarkable minor character in the original novel. His only role is having an uncle who invented the Wolfsbane Potion. After Professor Slughorn discovers that he has a estranged relationship with his uncle, he is completely ignored. It is clear that he is mediocre in both family background and talent, so it is not surprising that he would choose to follow the wealthy McLaggen.

Eddie Cammitchell, the sixth-year Prefect of Ravenclaw, is an excellent student, achieving nine A's in last year's O.W.L. Examination. However, he is also incredibly greedy. In the original story, he even attempted to use his grades as Baruffio's Brain Elixir to his younger schoolmates. It seems that McLaggen's Galleon tactics hit him right where it hurts.

Skylar remained silent, slowly and methodically slicing his bacon. His movements were steady and orderly, as if the discussion at the table was not about a change that could affect the structure of Hogwarts, but merely an insignificant piece of gossip.

In the silence, everyone's eyes unconsciously focused on him, waiting for his response.

Only when several pairs of eyes were fixed on him did he leisurely put down his knife and fork, raise his head, and glance at the people at the table. "Don't worry about them."

His voice was calm and measured, yet carried an undeniable authority. "Pass on the message: instruct our people not to easily clashed with them, and to focus on their own affairs."

Seeing that everyone still looked puzzled, Skylar had no choice but to explain, "The root of the problem with McLaggen's recruitment of influence is that I humiliated him on the train. He'll come after me sooner or later."

"Then why don't we take advantage of the fact that he's still weak and suppress his power?" Astoria asked.

Skylar shook his head and said, "McLaggen arrogant and boastful, but he lacks the wisdom and strength commensurate with his status. His 'Great Galleon' tactics may attract many followers in a short time, but they will inevitably make countless enemies in the process—"

He tapped the table lightly, his gaze slowly sweeping over the Slytherin students present, his eyes so deep they seemed to see through everything.

"And I—" Skylar leaned forward slightly, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes, like a cold blade slicing through the night. He chuckled softly, a laugh that sent chills down one's spine.

Even Draco, Skylar's brother who had been with him for over a decade, couldn't help but feel a chill creep down his spine.

"I am a hero of Hogwarts." Skylar's tone was nonchalant, as if stating an indisputable fact. He slightly raised his chin, a casual smile playing on his lips. "Based on my reputation, and on his shallow-minded followers, easily swayed by self-interest? Ha—"

He scoffed lightly, his tone dripping with utter contempt. "He's centuries too early to mess with me."

In the afternoon, in the Gryffindor Common Room.

Meanwhile, in the Gryffindor Tower, another major event is taking place.

Angelina Jensen strode into the lounge, her face beaming with barely concealed excitement.

"Harry!" she called as she entered the room.

Harry was sitting in front of the fireplace, fiddling with his Firebolt. He looked up at Angelina, puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Angelina took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and then solemnly said, "Dumbledore intervened."

"What?" Harry sat bolt upright, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "You mean—"

"I've got approval!" she said. "Reorganize the Quidditch team!"

"That's awesome!" Ron and Harry said in unison.

"Yes," Angelina said with a beaming smile, "I spoke to Professor McGonagall, and I think she probably went to Dumbledore —anyway, Umbridge had to give in. Ha! So I'd like you to be at the stadium at seven tonight, okay? We need to add extra time. Do you realize there are only three weeks until the first game?"

Harry's heart skipped a beat.

He knew all too well what this meant.

Dumbledore has finally officially intervened in Umbridge's power.

During the time that Umbridge had gradually gained control of Hogwarts, many students were waiting to see what the headmaster would do. Now, he had finally made his move—even if it was just for a Quidditch team.

Nighttime, in Skylar's dormitory room.

A brand new House Elf stood in the center of the room, its small body trembling slightly, its face filled with fervent adoration as it looked up at Skylar, its eyes filled with almost devout worship.

This is House Elf from Hogwarts named Xueluo, who is responsible for cleaning the Slytherin Common Room at night.

It was not Skylar's servant, but among the House Elf of Hogwarts, Skylar's status as the heir to Hufflepuff was no secret. Moreover, his mastery of the "Elf Sovereign" technique gave him a natural attraction to these creatures, making many House Elf revere him and even consider it an honor to serve him.

A few days ago, Skylar happened to meet Xueluo in the common room and casually made a request to it—to keep an eye on Umbridge's every move. For a House Elf who was used to obedience, this should not have been a difficult decision. However, Umbridge's notorious reputation made it a little scared, but in the end, its fervent respect for Skylar overcame its fear.

So, Xueluo accepted the mission without hesitation. From that day on, it silently and cautiously carried out Skylar's orders, for it was its greatest honor to serve Skylar.

At that moment, it brought Skylar valuable intelligence.

Just before tonight, around 7 p. m., when Harry and the others were having Quidditch practice, Xueluo saw McLaggen quietly making contact with Umbridge.

On the surface, this meeting appears to be merely McLaggen's Umbridge to legitimize his newly recruited forces in response to the Twenty-Fourth Educational Decree. If successful, he could then use this legitimate pretext to gather Diadem and expand his influence at Hogwarts.

However, Xueluo keenly sensed that this was not McLaggen's true purpose. The truth was far more complex than it appeared—he actually wanted to use this opportunity to ingratiate himself with Umbridge, to gather intelligence on Hogwarts for her, and to become her eyes and ears and right-hand man.

He wasn't simply seeking power; he intended to use it as leverage to pave a path to a higher position for himself.

Umbridge was well aware of her situation at Hogwarts.

As the Ministry of Ministry of Magic's agent planted in the school, she was isolated and helpless, unpopular with students and lacking support from other professors.

Right now, she needs a group of loyal henchmen to consolidate her authority, and McLaggen's defection suits her perfectly. The deal didn't require much probing; driven by mutual interests, both sides quickly reached an agreement— Umbridge would give McLaggen more room to maneuver, while McLaggen would be responsible for monitoring every move within the school and providing her with intelligence.

And McLaggen's power also gained a legitimate, official name --

"The Justice Inquisitorial Squad"