Intelligence Within Hogwarts

Madara's gaze swept over the surface of the Black Lake, then shifted to the brightly lit castle in the distance. His expression remained indifferent, as though the magnificent magical wonder before him was no different from ordinary scenery.

Norton read the room and knew this "important figure" had little interest in the view, so he changed the subject and moved on to something more practical:

"Lord Madara, before you officially enter the Great Hall, please allow me to briefly introduce the current... well... basic situation among the students at Hogwarts. It may be of some help during your upcoming school life."

"The four houses of Hogwarts have vastly different styles. Ravenclaw values wisdom, learning, and innovation. The current male and female prefects, six in total, along with their core inner circle, are all members of our Pure-Blood Alliance." Norton deliberately emphasized the word "our," hinting at a sense of belonging and shared position.

"Their pursuit of knowledge and ancient magic has much... in common with our understanding of bloodline inheritance and the essence of power. At least for now, they are reliable allies and will not deliberately create obstacles."

He paused. Ahead, illuminated by the floating orb of light, appeared a winding stone path leading uphill.

"Hufflepuff is known for integrity, loyalty, and diligence. The students in that house come from the most complicated backgrounds, with the highest proportion of half-bloods and Muggle-borns."

Norton paused again, his tone somewhat flat. "Most of them... are content with the status quo, dislike conflict, and have little interest in inter-house competition or power struggles. They usually remain neutral. They are... variables that can be ignored."

At this point, Norton lowered his voice slightly, carrying a trace of barely perceptible chill and regret:

"Only Gryffindor." He gently shook his head. "Courage, nerve, chivalry... their slogans certainly sound grand. Unfortunately, among the current Gryffindor prefects—leaving aside the female prefects—the male prefects are all members of the Weasley family. From Bill Weasley, the seventh-year about to graduate, to Charlie Weasley in sixth year. Among the lower years, the ones worth watching are the Weasley family's twin stars, Fred Weasley and George Weasley, both third-years."

"Also, the wizard who stepped in to stop the fight on the train was Percy Weasley, the fifth-year head student. He will likely become a prefect this year. They, along with some... ideologically active individuals around them, are all Headmaster Dumbledore's most loyal followers. Their attitude toward the olive branch we extended can only be described as hostile. They believe the ideals of our Pure-Blood Alliance are outdated and exclusionary, a betrayal of Hogwarts' spirit of openness and inclusiveness." Norton sneered, clearly dismissive of this. "A pack of foolish lions blinded by the slogans of 'justice' and 'equality,' unable to see the true balance of power and laws of survival in the wizarding world. But..."

He changed the subject once more, his tone becoming confident and assured again. At the same time, he waved his wand, and the orb split into several smaller lights, turning an especially dark stretch of woodland path ahead—shrouded by trees—bright as day and driving away every corner where shadows might lurk.

"They will not be able to stir up much trouble in the end." Norton straightened his back. "Gryffindor is not united as one, either. There are not many people with real power or foresight there. Most importantly—"

He turned his head to look at Madara's profile, ambition and promise gleaming in his eyes.

"This is my seventh and final year at Hogwarts. With my grades, my family's influence, and my reputation in Slytherin and part of Ravenclaw, I have more than a seventy percent chance of securing the position of Head Boy this term. By then, student discipline across Hogwarts and the allocation of certain resources will be brought onto a more... reasonable track."

He quickened his pace by half a step and moved slightly ahead at Madara's side. His voice was soft, yet every word was clear. "I can assure you, Lord Madara. During your studies at Hogwarts, you will not suffer any unreasonable harassment or foolish provocation from the students. All unnecessary trouble will be strangled in the cradle. You may focus entirely on whatever you consider important."

Madara listened to Norton's orderly report, which carried an undertone of power being handed over. As he walked, his scarlet Sharingan occasionally turned, capturing and analyzing every detail of the surrounding environment, the nodes of the magical defenses, and even the subtle fluctuations of emotion in Norton's words.

He did not state his opinion, merely giving an almost imperceptible nod to indicate that he had heard.

To Norton, this silence seemed more like tacit approval and a lofty appraisal. It put his mind at ease, and he became even more diligent in his introduction.

The two quickly left the shadows of the lakeside woods along the path illuminated by magical light.

The view suddenly opened up before them. A broad avenue lined with ancient stone beast statues led straight ahead. At its end stood the two enormous oak front doors of Hogwarts Castle, reinforced with iron bands. Against the night and the brilliant light pouring from the distant Great Hall windows, they appeared especially heavy and imposing.

Under the portico stood a figure waiting for them.

She was a witch dressed in emerald-green robes, wearing square spectacles and bearing a stern expression.

She stood perfectly straight, her gray-white hair pulled into a tight bun. Her lips were pressed into a severe line, and her hawk-sharp eyes stared unblinkingly at Madara and Norton as they emerged from the forest path.

It was Professor Minerva McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor House and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts.

Professor McGonagall had received an alert from the moment that unusual portal fluctuation appeared at the edge of the castle's defensive senses.

She had personally come to the main entrance to investigate and had happened to witness the entire process of the two appearing so calmly, with Norton eagerly leading the way and explaining things.

Her brows had not relaxed since then.

Elliot Norton had clearly anticipated that he might encounter a professor. The shrewdness and faint arrogance on his face instantly vanished, replaced by the standard expression of utmost respect toward a teacher.

When he was still seven or eight steps away from Professor McGonagall, he stopped and gave a flawless slight bow.

"Good evening, Professor McGonagall."

Professor McGonagall's sharp gaze swept over Norton, lingering briefly on the wand in his hand and the prefect badge on his chest before firmly settling on the black-haired boy half a step behind him. Madara looked indifferent, as though everything before him—including her, the Deputy Headmistress—was beneath his notice.

"Mr. Norton."

Professor McGonagall's voice was steady, yet carried unquestionable authority.

"I recall that the first-year admission procedure clearly states that all new students are to cross the Black Lake by boat under Hagrid's guidance before arriving at the castle. This is a Hogwarts tradition that has continued for a thousand years, and it is also an important part of the first-year experience."

Her gaze turned to Madara. "This... must be Mr. Uchiha Madara?"

Her question was clear. She evidently already knew Madara's identity, but her tone was filled with official scrutiny and disapproval toward this blatant "detour."

"Your judgment is correct, Professor. The procedure is indeed as you say. However, I have also carefully studied the school rules, which emphasize that this arrangement is primarily based on concern for the safety of incoming students. Given that I have passed the probationary Auror examination, possess sufficient protective ability, and used a safe method of transportation certified by Gringotts—"

Norton maintained his bow, raising his head with a perfectly measured smile that mixed respect with a touch of helplessness. "I believe that escorting Mr. Uchiha here in advance fully conforms to the core purpose of 'ensuring the safety of new students.' As for the traditional experience..."

He smiled apologetically. "Mr. Uchiha has a tight schedule and may not have much interest in such... well... formal ceremonies. I believe beginning formal studies as soon as possible is the greatest respect one can show an outstanding student."

His words were watertight. He cited the rules, invoked his own qualifications and the reason of "safety," then lightly framed "skipping tradition" as "valuing time," packaging his personal actions as a reasonable choice.

Professor McGonagall's eyes narrowed slightly behind her lenses. Of course she understood the hidden edge in Norton's words, and she knew the Pure-Blood Alliance—or even his family—must be behind this.

What concerned her more was Uchiha Madara's attitude—

From the moment he appeared until now, the boy had not even properly looked at her.

He merely swept his especially deep eyes over the castle gates and the surrounding scenery with indifference, as though the conversation between her and Norton was nothing more than background noise.

This complete disregard displeased Professor McGonagall even more than Norton's smooth explanation.

It was not merely contempt for her personal authority, but a silent provocation against the professors and rules of Hogwarts.

[Our catgirl McGonagall is about to hiss. Sadly, our Madara does not care at all. Any esteemed wizards interested in taking part in the story?]