Hogwarts: I'm Harry's older cousin

Chapter 357, Section 351: Senior Deputy Minister of Magic

The pendant box ultimately couldn't withstand the damage from CL-20.

Although the CL-20 is essentially a bomb, its destructive power exceeded the limits that the Horcrux could withstand, and the pendant box was unsurprisingly blown to pieces.

Dali sensed a hint of relief on the distorted face formed by the black smoke.

Then, unsurprisingly, it crashed into the transmutation circle and transformed into a Philosopher's Stone and a magical crystal.

Those fragments were not wasted; Dudley collected them and used a transmutation array to restore them into materials.

The best thing about transmutation arrays is that, once you understand the principles, they are the best assemblers and disassemblers, as well as the masters of 100% raw material restoration.

Kreacher witnessed his helpless locket being destroyed, and tears streamed down his face as he immediately became respectful to Dudley, and his attitude towards others also improved.

That evening, a sumptuous feast was prepared, which made Ron very happy. He got to eat a big bowl of chicken legs, just as he had wished, and was so happy that he even forgot about the other person scolding him.

The start of the school year arrived as scheduled, and Kingdom Cross Station once again saw a surge in passenger traffic.

Countless little wizards pushed their carts and disappeared at Platform Nine and a Quarter, as always, without attracting anyone's attention.

On the Hogwarts Express, a group of people sat together, discussing their new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

"Only an incompetent person would choose such a teaching material."

Ron tapped the cover of the thick book, "Defense of Magic Theory," and said, "I bet it's Reggie Cattermole from the Magical Maintenance Department. He always seems to run into trouble no matter what he does. If it were him, he would definitely choose this book."

"No, I think it's Caruther Mephisto. He doesn't want Hogwarts to teach this course. He stubbornly believes that the wizarding world is safe and that there are no dark wizards or dark magic at all. I heard that he has sent complaint letters to the Ministry of Magic for six consecutive years."

Neville took over the conversation.

Just then, the door to the private room was pushed open, and Draco walked in looking somewhat dejected.

"Didn't you go to find Crabbe and Goyle?"

Ron saw him and asked curiously, since Draco usually went to see his two henchmen when they were on the express.

"They seem to be avoiding me."

Draco said sullenly, "It seems like something happened at their house."

Then he shook his head and tidied his hair: "Let's not talk about that. Are you guys discussing this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?"

Seeing Harry and the others nod, he continued, "I heard from Pansy and Daphne that this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is Fudge's confidante, Dolores Jane Umbridge, the Senior Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic."

"Vice Minister?"

"advanced?"

Ron was taken aback by these two titles. "Deputy Minister" was a high-ranking position. It was really intimidating.

"Does the Ministry of Magic have this position?"

"Why does Jane have in her name?" Hermione frowned slightly. "And I've looked through the entire Ministry of Magic job list, but I haven't seen this position."

"It didn't exist before, but it did after Fudge came to power."

Draco shrugged. "Fudge really enjoys doing this kind of thing. I've even heard he's planning to apply for a First Class Merlin Award."

"Him? What did he invent? Or did he donate a large sum of money?"

Ron was stunned again. Why did it seem like everyone had the Order of Merlin, First Class? Wasn't that something that was extremely rare, something that only appeared once every many, many years?

I've heard of three winners, including Fu Guitar.

"Him? Do you think Fudge is the kind of person who could invent something?"

When faced with Draco's question, Ron shook his head decisively.

That bald guy looks like he's not very capable.

"Does he seem quite wealthy to you?"

Ron shook his head again.

That bald man didn't look like a rich person at all.

Draco shrugged: "That settles it then."

Ron, still confused, asked blankly, "Then how did he apply for the Order of Merlin?"

"To correct you, he's applying but hasn't received the award yet." Draco looked at Ron seriously, and after confirming that he genuinely didn't know, said, "Because he's the Minister for Magic, and the Order of Merlin, First Class, requires his signature for confirmation."

"Some sycophants made suggestions to curry favor with him, and then he adopted them."

Ron covered his mouth: "Ministry of Magic... this... this..."

Draco, with an air of experience, patted Ron on the shoulder: "So, don't have any expectations of those people in the Ministry of Magic. You might as well expect a pig to fly."

"But with magic, pigs can climb trees."

Draco rolled his eyes at him, annoyed. "Luo Han Guo, you're just going to argue with me."

Hermione put down her book and, after listening to Draco's words, also developed a very poor impression of the Ministry of Magic, which was completely different from what was described in the book.

The Ministry of Magic in the book is supposed to be an enforcer that fights against dark wizards, acts impartially, and upholds justice. But now it sounds like it's no better than those dark wizards; both are places that harbor filth and corruption.

"What do you think of Umbridge? Do you know him?"

"I haven't had much contact with her, but Pansy and the others say she's a sycophant."

"A person who can be trusted by Fudge without being wary is probably incompetent."

"Oh, by the way. It was she who suggested that Fudge receive the Order of Merlin, First Class."

"No wonder."

In just a few words, the group had already labeled the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher as "useless".

To alert his companions, Dali interrupted the conversation.

"Umbridge isn't as bad as you say. She's very good at manipulating politics. If Mr. Barty Crouch had her methods, he would be out of the Ministry of Magic's cell by now."

"Her purpose in coming to Hogwarts is to target Dumbledore; she's up to no good."

That idiot Fudge, he believes everything if someone just stirs him up a little.

They didn't even trust the Auror office director they had appointed.

The express train slowly pulled into the station, and the young wizards filed in. The first-years, as always, followed Hagrid onto the small boat, while the rest...

Ron was taken away by Ravend, and before leaving, he also took Harry and Ginny with him. Draco, on the other hand, joined the car where Daphne was. He and Astoria hadn't seen each other for a whole holiday.

Dudley and Hermione boarded the same Thestral horse as Neville and Luna.

Although both characters share the same design—a tall, strong boy paired with a girl a head or two shorter—Neville and Luna are more like miniature versions of Dudley and Hermione. Hermione, due to years of training, is much taller than in the original story, especially with her long, sturdy legs. *cough*

The two sides had a good relationship to begin with, and they chatted and laughed all the way to Hogwarts Castle.

(End of this chapter)