Voldemort Uproots a Weeping Willow

Halloween is coming.

However, the festive atmosphere wasn't as strong as usual; it felt like something was missing.

If I had to describe it, it was like Chinese New Year, but I didn't receive lucky money as is customary.

We always try our best to refuse, as if we don't want the New Year's money at all.

That performance, that repeated refusal in acting, could even put an Oscar actor to shame, making them want to hand over the trophy...

But that doesn't mean you can skip this step the following year; they really won't give it to you anymore.

It's the same for Halloween, even though we complain about pumpkins every year.

But I can't smell the roasted pumpkin in the morning... Is that even acceptable?!

Well, everyone then realized that Hagrid hadn't appeared for a long time.

In previous years, he would grow pumpkins and then bring them to the castle for Halloween.

They can be baked, hung, or decorated.

Since he wasn't at school, no one did it.

Although they didn't like Hagrid's classes, many people inexplicably missed that tall guy.

After all, he was also a part of Hogwarts.

It's as if, year after year, the same few familiar faces remain on the faculty and staff's desks, seemingly never to change.

as well as...

The Halloween curse: something bad is bound to happen.

The professors probably also realized that the festive atmosphere wasn't strong.

William and Hermione ran into Professor Flitwick as they walked down the corridor that morning.

He was about to go to Hagrid's field to look for wild pumpkins, just to get things moving.

If that doesn't work, try using Transfiguration.

When William heard Professor Flitwick say that, he had a strange sense of déjà vu, as if he were witnessing an electronic cannon.

It's just for show, to make a noise and fit the mood.

Upon entering the Great Hall, the scene was the same as always: everyone was reading the Daily Prophet.

During this period, Umbridge had not yet banned the newspaper in the school.

There's nothing that can be done about it; it's the best-selling newspaper, and she can't just ban it like that.

Do we still care about freedom of speech?

My Wizarding World is democratic too!

Umbridge currently just a teacher; until Fudge grants her more authority, Dumbledore still holds the reins at the school.

After William sat down at the Ravenclaw table, he poured himself some milk and picked up today's newspaper.

As he looked at Rita's report, he almost sprayed milk onto Luna's face.

It's still the "You-Know-Who Returns" series, but today's subtitle is:

The Stark fought the Death Eaters three times, and You-Know-Who uprooted a willow tree.

Merlin... Is Rita planning to write this report into a novel?

Autumn had been here for a while and was chatting with Cedric.

Seeing William arrive, he nudged him with his elbow and pointed to the second version of the text.

It was a large photograph of Umbridge, but it certainly wasn't taken recently, because she hasn't been smiling much lately.

I'm tormented by the students every day; I can't even laugh when I want to, and I can only swallow my tears.

William looked down.

Next is the title:

Ministry of Magic Seeks Educational Reform

Dolores Umbridge was appointed as the first High Inquisitor.

In a last-minute operation, the Ministry of Magic passed a new decree that gives it unprecedented control over Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

That is Educational Decree Number Twenty-Three.

The passage of this decree officially came into effect, creating the new position of Hogwarts High Inquisitor...

William felt no emotion whatsoever upon seeing this news.

During this time, Dobby and his gang started doing intelligence work, Dobby like the Five Eyes Alliance.

Therefore, William already knew about this from Umbridge and Fudge's letters.

This signifies that Fudge has gone further insane and is preparing to forcibly attack Hogwarts.

But as the saying goes, whoever wishes to destroy someone, first make them mad... Fudge was going through his final madness.

If you're so capable, why don't you lead the Auror and attack Hogwarts?

"You were mentioned here too." Qiu pointed to a spot and read aloud:

"Dumbledore's eccentric decisions undoubtedly included the appointment of controversial faculty members."

This includes hiring Death Eaters Tywin Lannister, Werewolf Remus Lupin, and half- Half-blood Giant Rubeus Hagrid...

They even had Stark, who was still a sixth-grade student, teach the subject of Ancient Runes.

Investigator Madam Umbridge will have the authority to review her faculty colleagues to ensure they all meet the standards...

"Looks like I might be fired," William said, picking up his glass and taking a sip.

He has been serving in place of Professor Babbling.

However, William had long since given up on the job; the pay was low and the workload was heavy.

Professor McGonagall has never mentioned making me a permanent employee... she just doesn't want to pay my salary, how stingy.

"By the way, Cedric, are you ready for tonight?" William asked in a low voice.

"Well, that old toad is going to have a memorable Halloween Feast," Cedric said.

News of Umbridge's promotion to senior investigator quickly spread throughout the campus.

The students were always happy to see the old toad investigating the professors.

Everyone was eagerly anticipating that Umbridge would be able to get rid of the professors.

For example, Professor Binns, a certain Yao Lao who wishes to remain anonymous, or a certain lousy fortune teller...

It's like during a meeting, the principal suddenly announces that leaders from the Ministry of Education will be coming to observe a public lesson.

Those who are not qualified will be dismissed.

Experienced teachers will usually give a lesson first, or prepare questions in advance, so that students can get a general understanding.

Those without experience will only panic.

Professor Trelawney was undoubtedly one of that small group of flustered teachers.

What happened to the promise of a permanent position in a public institution, a state-owned enterprise... with no layoffs and guaranteed income regardless of circumstances?

Why the sudden midlife crisis and the need to resign?

As part of the Halloween pre-holiday curriculum, sixth graders have Professor Trelawney's Divination.

William never used to come, but he didn't want to miss this "open class," so he came anyway.

He could clearly sense that Professor Trelawney was somewhat restless.

Everyone can notice it.

She used to sit in a recliner for five minutes before class and do some deep "meditation"... commonly known as taking a nap.

I didn't sleep all day, I just kept pacing back and forth, the agate necklace around my neck kept striking against me, making a sound like a dragon crashing.

Trelawney thought it over and over and felt that she could still salvage the situation, so she prepared to review the material she had learned in the previous days.

Reviewing the old helps us learn the new.

She wasn't really scared; she just felt that Divination was a mysterious subject.

Not everyone is as wise as Dumbledore, able to recognize someone's exceptional qualities at a glance during the recruitment process.

Most wizards are just ordinary people.

Trelawney was about to mention to her students that they shouldn't make a fuss or mention the tutoring center's ability to see into the heavens, but with a creak, the door was already pushed open.

Umbridge emerged from the Trapdoor in the floor, her face covered with large bandages and plasters, revealing only her eyes, like a mummy.

"Good afternoon, Professor Trelawney," Umbridge said in her usual sweet voice.

I'm sure you received my notification, right?

You should have given it to me sooner; I only saw it this morning!

Professor Trelawney said with a stern face, somewhat displeased.

"Hmm... So you're not ready yet?" Umbridge lowered her head and began writing on her whiteboard.

Trelawney panicked again and quickly said:

"It's not that I wasn't prepared, it's just... it's just that I did Divination for myself last month, and it said I would get a severe cold in the next few days."

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I'm afraid I'll infect you..."

Professor Trelawney started speaking without hesitation, even coughing a few times to deliberately lower her voice.

Umbridge looked at Trelawney suspiciously and laughed:

I'm not afraid of getting infected.

She went inside, grabbed an armchair, and pulled it to the front of the classroom.

After sitting down, she placed the writing board on her lap, looked up expectantly, and waited for the class to begin.

Trelawney cursed inwardly:

You're definitely going to catch a cold tonight!

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