After that brief secret meeting ended, Hogwarts' era of "Idol Trainees" officially began.
The next day, an empty dungeon became as noisy as a command center.
Hermione stood before a large platform made by pushing several tables together. Behind her was a huge blackboard covered in complex tree diagrams and data analysis charts drawn in different colors of chalk.
"Everyone!"
Hermione's voice was not loud, but it reached every member of the team clearly. A fire called "strategy" burned in her eyes.
"Our first priority is to consolidate our base! Hannah Abbott, you'll lead the junior-year outreach team. You must make sure every first- and second-year Hufflepuff and Gryffindor casts their first reputation vote for Cedric!"
Hannah "Dǎtiě de" Abbott immediately stood and gave an exaggerated military salute:
"Mission guaranteed, Commander! We've already prepared deluxe joke-prop packages and priority weekend homework tutoring vouchers as incentives!"
"Very good."
Hermione nodded and turned to the other side, her gaze sharp.
"Cho Chang, how is your Ravenclaw breakthrough team progressing? That's our key voting bloc. We have to fight for every vote! Ravenclaws value intelligence and sophistication, so our strategy must be precise!"
Cho Chang stood, a confident smile on her face:
"Don't worry, Hermione. I've already worked things out with Marietta and the others. They'll organize a reading group to discuss Ancient Runes with Cedric, in the quietest corner of the Library.
"Also, I've contacted a few Beauxbatons girls to arrange an interschool study exchange showcasing our strengths in Transfiguration. That should effectively peel away some of Pheobe's potential supporters."
"Brilliant!"
Hermione voiced her approval.
"Remember, our slogan is: knowledge is power, vote for the rightful choice! We need everyone to know that supporting Cedric means supporting Hogwarts' honor! It's the best rational choice!"
"Then... what about Cedric himself?" a Hufflepuff boy