"That was strategy, Bellatrix. Strategy."
Barty Crouch Jr. wagged a finger, his face full of exasperation at her failure to learn.
"Only people who snap at everything like mad dogs end up in Azkaban. Real Death Eaters know how to use their brains."
He picked up a rolled-up piece of parchment from the table and slapped it down with a crack.
"This is my essay from last week, 'An Analysis of Surveillance Vulnerabilities in the Floo Network System and Reverse Tracing.' The professor gave me an O-Outstanding."
"That's why I get to sit here drinking tea, while you can only watch from a distance."
"Not happy about it? Then let your academic achievements do the talking."
"I'll kill you! I'll throw you into the lake!"
Bellatrix shrieked. If looks could kill, Barty Crouch Jr. would already have been in pieces.
"Enough. Quiet."
Douglas intervened at just the right moment, cutting off this internal dispute before it spiraled out of control.
"Mr. Crouch is right. Here, grades mean everything."
He affirmed Barty Crouch Jr.'s position as a role model, then gave his wand a gentle flick.
"Whoosh-"
Countless sheets of parchment, ink bottles, and brand-new quills appeared on everyone's tables.
"To help you all settle into things as quickly as possible, I've prepared your first assignment."
Douglas's voice echoed through the cave, pronouncing everyone's fate.
"The topic: 'Practical Vulnerabilities in Defensive Systems Against Dark Magic and Recommendations for Improvement.'"
"Requirements: draw on your own criminal experiences to analyze in detail the shortcomings of current Auror defensive systems. Whether it's your experience breaking into Gringotts or your insights into escaping prison, the more detail, the better."
"Length: no less than five feet."
"Reference materials: I've already gathered over a thousand Muggle and wizarding books for you to consult at any time."
"Deadline: