I, Hogwarts Second Time Around.

Chapter 401 The First Gathering Before Christmas

All the charges against Umbridge.

Irving denied everything.

He said he simply picked up a pen from the professor's desk and wrote a few words.

If writing is a crime, then Hogwarts should just close down.

In the end, he even turned the tables, saying that Umbridge brought such a cursed item of dark magic into the school, which showed her malicious intentions, and that she arbitrarily punished young wizards, seriously violating the "Protection of Minors Act"—ah—you say the Ministry of Magic doesn't have such a law? Damn—it doesn't matter, Miss Granger over there has already noted it down, and there definitely will be one in the future.

In short, she should be the one who was arrested.

Of course, Barty Crouch would never arrest one of his own people in the current Ministry of Magic.

But it's okay!

Owen said he would write to Mr. Rufus Scrimgeour, then the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, to tell him the whole story.

I believe he will definitely carry out the justice!

First of all, the Ministry of Magic has explicitly prohibited the possession of dark magic items, let alone bringing them into Hogwarts.

The 1992 film also featured a large-scale search operation that even affected the Malfoy family – because the search was led by Ron's father, Mr. Arthur Weasley.

Lucius was in a hurry to sell his dark magic items to Borgin-Bock Magic Shop.

He even sold our sixteen-year-old senior, Tom, to Ginny.

This shows that the search operation was carried out on a large scale.

Unfortunately, only the ship of the nation started leaking from the upper deck, and despite information leaked from various insiders, Mr. Arthur ultimately found nothing.

But at least legally, it is explicitly prohibited to possess items related to black magic.

Secondly, there was a reason why Irving chose to write to Rufus Scrimgeour.

This is a bit complicated to explain.

It includes the intricate power struggles within the Ministry of Magic and the power divisions among various factions.

Rufus Scrimgeour is quite well-regarded in the Ministry of Magic. He was previously the head of the Auror Office, and the war against the Death Eaters a few years ago brought a surge in his popularity among the British public.

They gradually began to pose a threat to Barty Crouch.

Our minister, however, acted decisively last year, promoting him to the position of Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in a way that was ostensibly a promotion but actually a demotion.

Although it seems like a promotion.

In reality, he was separated from the Aurors, and Mr. Crouch replaced him with one of his own people as the new head of the Auror office.

Barty Crouch, who had run the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for decades—though he was transferred to the Department of International Magical Exchanges for a time, he still had a huge network of connections within the department—made Rufus Scrimgeour's current position as director essentially a puppet. After stripping the Aurors from his power, he had very few people left to command.

Unless he cooperates with Dumbledore, he can command the members of the Order of the Phoenix.

Now—if Irving tells Rufus Scrimgeour about Umbridge—what do you think he'll do?

He would probably jump for joy.

Even a small thing.

He would also vigorously promote and undermine Barty Crouch's reputation.

To fight for real power for oneself.

Moreover, as the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, it is his duty to supervise dark magic items.

Owen was well aware of these power struggles within the Ministry of Magic.

Umbridge knew it better.

With her meticulous mind, she could not have been unaware that if this matter were to reach Rufus Scrimgeour, the most likely outcome would be that Mr. Crouch would sacrifice her to save his own, dismissing her from her post, or even taking advantage of her misfortune to put her on trial.

Having understood the reasoning behind it, she no longer demanded that Dumbledore expel Owen.

However, they still made a hysterical fuss in the principal's office for a long time.

After all, the wounds on her body must have really hurt.

Faced with Umbridge's current situation, Dumbledore didn't want to strain his relationship with the Ministry of Magic.

Moreover—his conflict with the Minister of Magic has reached a boiling point, with virtually no possibility of mediation.

Anyone who comes to power will have to compete with him for prestige, unless they are willing to be a puppet minister.

If that were the case—they wouldn't have chosen to grit their teeth and climb up.

And if Umbridge is replaced, who can guarantee that her successor won't be even more detestable than her?

So, in order to appease this noisy toad, Dumbledore still punished Irving.

The charge is: using someone else's things without permission.

Since Owen was a junior wizard in Hufflepuff, Dumbledore entrusted the specifics of the punishment to Professor Sprout.

Professor Sprout nodded solemnly after receiving the principal's instructions, and then excitedly went to find Owen to go with her to the second greenhouse to cultivate flowers and plants.

A few days later, he even received an extra thirty points because he successfully cultivated a new variety of herb.

This punishment—I reckon Umbridge would be so angry he'd go straight to meet Satan if he knew.

However—unfortunately.

After that incident, no one saw Umbridge at school.

I heard she's in the hospital—at the St. Mungo's Hospital for the Injuries and Wounds, receiving treatment for her injuries.

Irving's aggravated wounds won't heal easily; she'll probably need a while to recover.

They might not be back until after Christmas.

No one knows the truth; these are just the young wizards' guesses. But it's enough to set off a frenzy at Hogwarts.

Everyone was celebrating getting rid of that annoying toad.

Christmas is just a few days away.

They won't see the pink toad for at least three weeks.

Irving didn't care about Umbridge; what was there to be happy about dealing with such a clown?

If Voldemort were to suddenly die, that would be something to celebrate.

In the following days, Umbridge indeed did not reappear.

The revelry continued for several more days as a result.

Time flies, and Christmas is getting closer and closer.

It was the last weekend before Christmas.

With Umbridge gone, Hermione didn't bother looking for a hiding place anymore. She simply led the young wizards to the open space outside the castle for their first and last gathering of the year.

The young wizards walked in twos and threes along the mountain path.

Most of them were Owen's classmates or older students, with very few younger wizards, since they couldn't learn much more at that level.

"It feels really good. With Umbridge gone, the atmosphere at the whole school is so much more relaxed," Ron said cheerfully, looking radiant. "Yeah, if I could, I'd like that woman to just quit and never come back."

"That's impossible," Hermione said. "We need to be careful. She won't let this go so easily. Besides, Owen, you went too far. I heard she's badly injured..."

As she spoke, Miss Granger couldn't help but look at the boy leading the way.

"She deserves it," Ron continued.

"Yes, that's right, but she is after all..." a young wizard agreed.

"Alright, Hermione, I think this place is great," Harry quickly interrupted her. "We can train for a few hours, and then we can go to Hogsmeade Village for a stroll."

"Harry, we're here to practice the Defense Against the Dark Arts Charm and learn the Apparition Charm. How's your Origin Magic practice going? I haven't heard from you since we got back to school." Hermione's attention was diverted. No one was worried about Umbridge right now, but everyone knew she would come back sooner or later. It was also difficult for the professors to participate in their study groups because they couldn't openly violate the Ministry of Magic's Education Committee regulations, so they had to handle everything themselves.

"Uh—" Harry was a little embarrassed.

After returning to school, he didn't practice spells much anymore.

But—he couldn't do anything about it. Wood graduated, and his Quidditch team was short a goalkeeper, and a Chaser was available.

He spends all his free time playing Quidditch.

At this point, Angelina stepped forward and tried to smooth things over for Harry, saying, "He needs to focus on what's important."

She is now the captain of Gryffindor Quidditch.

"I think it's more important to improve the young wizards' combat skills right now," Hermione snapped.

"Isn't that because of Umbridge? She won't let us practice magic, so she uses her free time to study Quidditch. Our team isn't as strong as it used to be this year. Do you want us to lose?"

"Does Umbridge really think she can sneak into the dorms and keep an eye on the young wizards? Harry just let his guard down."

"And if you don't practice your spells properly, it's uncertain whether you'll ever see Quidditch again!" Hermione said bluntly.

Seeing this, Harry quickly stepped in to smooth things over, saying, "I'll find time to practice spells, Hermione. Don't worry, I learn magic very quickly."

"I don't care," Angelina persisted. "Your support group's activities must be scheduled separately from Quidditch practice."

"Oh! And our Hufflepuffs too. Hehe—" Justin shouted, "We're definitely going to win both the House Cup and the Quidditch Cup this year!"

"And Ravenclaw!" Cho Chang added firmly, following behind.

"."

Hermione frowned, not understanding why they cared so much about a damn Quidditch game when things were already so dire.

"Phew—" Take a deep breath.

She quickly adjusted her mindset; after all, the mutual aid society only held one event per week, so finding a time slot where everyone was available wouldn't be difficult.

"Okay, this is fine!"

Owen smiled as he watched the young wizards behind him.

He was standing on a wooden stump.

Wow, this is what school should feel like.

Noisy and full of energy.

As for their opinions—well—he didn't really like Quidditch either.

"Here?" Cedric looked at the field in front of him and nodded. This place was indeed very suitable.

This is the Quidditch training ground of Hufflepuff, a clearing burned by the mysterious Ravenclaw heir in the second year using the Fiendfyre spell.

Last year, this was the venue for the first-ever Cup of Fire tournament, where the dragon was fought.

At that time, the Ministry of Magic and the school carried out a large-scale renovation of this place.

After the competition, the place was restored to its original state.

It was just a simple open space with three basketball hoops standing at the east and west ends.

It's only different from the Quidditch pitch at Hogwarts in that it lacks the stands.

At this point, the snow on the ground was a full foot thick.

But that's a good thing. At least falling on the ground won't hurt too much. It'll just be cold.

"hiss--"

Owen shuddered, then looked at the young wizards and said.

"This time it's because some young wizards want to practice Apparition, so we have to choose an open space. We definitely won't be holding gatherings outside anymore, it's freezing!" He rubbed his hands.

Although I was wearing gloves—knitted by Miss Granger—it was still a bit cold.

These gloves aren't sewn tightly enough; they let in air.

Owen's words resonated with many of the young wizards present; they were practicing spells outside in the freezing cold, their hands were practically frozen.

However, they were very enthusiastic.

After all, they had long heard that several of the spectacular spells Miss Granger used were taught to her by Owen.

If I could learn it myself

"Alright—so first, the first thing we need to decide on is the name of the mutual aid society. We can't just keep calling it 'Mutual Aid Society,' can we? That's too silly." Owen clapped his hands, drawing the young wizards' attention back.

"Here I propose that our organization be called the British Wizarding Liberation Front, or BWLP for short."

Our organizational manifesto is this: We will overthrow this Ministry of Magic, controlled by feudal nobles and big capitalists, through violent revolution, and establish a truly democratic new magical institution that serves the common people!

Irving spread his hands: "Okay, I've finished speaking. Who agrees? Who disagrees?"

"."

The cold winds of the Scottish Highlands in mid-December made the cheeks of the young wizards present very sore.

But none of that could compare to the chill that was rising in their hearts at that moment.

???

What kind of Voldemort-esque statement is that?

Does Kyrie Irving want to build the Death Eaters from scratch?

Among the crowd, only Hermione didn't look at Owen with strange eyes, even though his words did sound quite shocking at first.

But if it's not just at first glance...

Okay, it's still horrifying.

But in reality, Owen genuinely wanted to drive change in the wizarding world. He had always planned it quietly before, never expecting to express it so openly today.

Unfortunately, only Hermione here understands Owen's good intentions.

The others responded with a long silence.

No one spoke for the past ten seconds.

At this point, Hermione had to quickly speak up, trying to dispel the awkwardness around her, "Ahem—a good suggestion, but I suggest that our names should be more specific."

Umbridge always believed that Dumbledore was training young wizards, that he was training an army. If that's the case, I think it would be more appropriate to call it the Dumbledore Army—abbreviated as DA.

As for that so-called British Wizards Liberation Front...

You can come secretly next time.

"I think the abbreviation DA is particularly good," Ron immediately said.

Compared to Owen's sensational name, Dumbledore's Army sounds much safer.

"That's right, that's right. Dumbledore's army is still the best."

The other young wizards chimed in, echoing the sentiment.

"Tch—no backbone at all!" Seeing this, Owen, standing on the wooden stake, immediately looked disdainfully at the large group of young wizards in front of him.

Then he launched into a mocking remark: "And you're supposed to be the Hogwarts new generation that I painstakingly nurtured!"

They have no ambition for the world! They're utterly hopeless!

I originally wanted to call it "Wizards International." The idea was to establish a true wizarding alliance transcending national sovereignty with like-minded wizards worldwide, abolish the magic ministries of all countries, and establish a unified wizarding government.

"Fine, fine, Dumbledore's Army it is."

He glanced at the young wizards, "If you don't have the world in your heart, how can you soar across the land?"

Look at my grandfather—he founded the Saints to overthrow the Union, abolish the Secret Law, and create a world where wizards could live under the sun.

Then look at Dumbledore—his team also took it upon themselves to save the wizarding world, not to mention the later Order of the Phoenix, which was at the forefront of the fight against Voldemort.

Even Voldemort—his wish was to rule the world!

If even a dark wizard—an evil dark wizard—can have such a heart, then you, as good young people of the new era, are content with the status quo, content with Hogwarts, and content with Britain!

He's destined to be a failure his whole life!

Irving gave him a severe dressing-down.

He was heartbroken; he was a sinner against the nation.

The soldiers are incompetent, and it's all his fault as the commander!

He wished he could be dismissed.

But the little wizards, who were skilled at acting, were faced with Owen's superb acting skills.

They were deeply manipulated by PUA (Pick-Up Artist) tactics.

They stood there, their faces burning.

I've really started to reflect on myself.

Are they really unambitious?

Silence fell over the room.

A few minutes later, the young wizards realized that Owen meant to overthrow the national magic ministries, abolish the Federation, and establish a unified global wizarding government.

Merlin above!

You're even more of a dark wizard than Grandwar and Voldemort!

What a blasphemous idea!

Why would someone who received the same education, yet comes from Hufflepuff, have such thoughts in their head?

Even Hermione had to look at Owen with a scrutinizing gaze.

"Alright—now let's start practicing the spells!" Owen moved directly to the next step without any hesitation.

"Ahem—you all know quite a few of the standard Dark Magic Defense Charms, so for those you don't know, just learn from each other."

Today I'll teach you two new spells—by the way, Harry and Ron, you can stop practicing your Origin Magic. You've been practicing for months and you're still just blowing bubbles—the Starfall Wand isn't producing enough stars—it seems you really don't have the talent to learn this kind of magic.

Don't let Granger's reputation fool you—she's the heir to Gryffindor—she has an old man named Godric in her head, do you?

Hermione was about to speak when Owen interrupted her.

"Let's start with regular magic!" he said.

"Harry—use the Disarming Charm to attack me!"

"Oh!" Harry responded, then pulled his wand from his cloak.

"Disarm you." It must be said, the Redeemer used the disarming spell with considerable skill, swiftness, and ruthlessness, at a very tricky angle, but...

"Counterattack!" Owen casually cast a spell, and an imaginary suit of armor instantly appeared in front of him. Harry's spell struck the armor but did not disappear; instead, it was bounced back.

The next second, Harry was hit by his own Disarming Charm, and his wand flew out of his hand and landed in Owen's hand.

"This spell is called the Armor Counterspell. It can deflect most spells that can be defended against with the Armor Counterspell. In a duel, using it unexpectedly can bring unexpected results."

"Wow—that's amazing!" A thrilling spell battle drew cheers from the young wizards.

Everyone applauded, their eyes shining.

Owen returned the wand to Harry and continued to hold it.

"Next up is this—" He waved his wand, and a ball of fire shot straight toward the snow-covered clearing, the intense heat evaporating large swaths of snow.

"Then--"

"Flashback—" Owen chanted the spell.

The next second, another flame shot out from his wand, evaporating a large area of ​​snow as well.

It looks like there's no difference.

But—soon the young wizards looked at Owen with expressions as if they'd been given an egg in their mouths, staring in shock.

Because just now—right after he uttered "Flashback," two Owens appeared in front of them.

They couldn't tell the difference between reality and illusion; they only noticed that Owen, who appeared later, didn't use his wand.

He then used another spell, "Multiple Freeze".

The previous Owen waved his wand and continued casting fire spells.

In an instant, the contrast between ice and fire engulfed the surrounding snow.

"This spell is called Flashback," Owen explained, and the phantom beside him slowly disappeared as if fading after he spoke. "It can create a phantom, and the spell cast by the Spellcaster's Wand last time was somewhat like the Flashback Spell."

"This is a very advanced spell. You need to master the Disillusionment Charm and the Flashback Charm beforehand. Once you learn this spell, you can achieve this level of skill if you combine it with Apparition."

After he finished explaining, he casually raised his wand, and a thick bolt of lightning shot out toward the open ground.

"First, cast your attack spell."

"Then—the illusion flashes back."

The young wizards stared intently at Owen, who was standing on the wooden stake. They saw the 'Owen,' whose identity was uncertain, raise his hand again, and another thick bolt of lightning struck down.

Then—in the direction where the lightning struck, space suddenly warped, and a second Irving emerged, also unleashing lightning.

The two bolts of lightning collided, producing a deafening roar.

The surrounding trees trembled, and snow fell, hitting the young wizards on the head.

But they didn't react at all.

Standing under the tree, they seemed petrified, staring blankly at the two Irvings.

"You—how did you do that?"

After a long pause—Hermione, regaining her senses, was the first to voice her doubt. Although she had seen Owen use this magic before, she hadn't paid attention then.

The battle was too intense; Hermione could only deal with what was in front of her.

"It's simple." Owen Apparated back to the wooden stake.

"I first created an illusion to block your view, then took a half step back and quietly Apparated—because of the illusion, the spacetime distortion at the moment of Apparition was blocked, so you didn't see it. In addition, there is a one to three-second delay when casting the spell with the illusion—depending on your proficiency. This moment of stun is just enough to activate Apparition. So, what you saw was the scene of two versions of me casting spells on each other."

(End of this chapter)