章 239: Chapter 239: The Duke of Julius
"Regardless, using violence against a fellow student is unacceptable for any reason. Listen carefully, the two of you." McGonagall's voice grew sharper. "I don't care what Malfoy said, even if he insulted every relative you have. Your behavior was disgraceful. I'm sentencing each of you to a week of detention! Don't look at me like that, Potter. You deserve it! If any of you—"
"Ahem."
McGonagall's eyes flickered with frustration and resignation as she turned toward Umbridge.
"Detention, for repeat offenders like these violent troublemakers, seems to have lost its effectiveness," Umbridge said sweetly, her smile only growing wider. "I believe more effective measures are necessary."
"I think you're mistaken about one thing," McGonagall replied, a note of irritation creeping into her tone. "They belong to Gryffindor, which means, both in name and by rule, the punishment is mine to decide."
"Oh, really?" Umbridge's smile became even more syrupy. "I believe you'll find my opinion counts. Oh? Where did I put it… Ah, yes, signed personally by Duke Julius himself." Her voice was laced with mockery. "Of course, I mean Mr. Claudwell, the president of the International Confederation of Wizards, Chief Warlock of the Wizarding Council, and Chair of the Hogwarts Board of Governors."
"Ahem... The Hogwarts Educational Decree Reform Act."
"Duke Julius?" McGonagall's usually composed expression gave way to shock.
"Indeed," Umbridge continued with her sweet smile. "Minerva, considering Hogwarts' laxity in its disciplinary measures, Duke Julius, following discussions at the Department of Magical Education, has deemed it necessary to grant the High Inquisitor the authority to revoke privileges. Now, let me read this new decree:
'Henceforth, the High Inquisitor shall hold ultimate authority over all matters of student punishment, sanctions, and privilege revocation within Hogwarts. Regarding faculty sanctions, amendments shall be made as needed.'
Signed: Duke Julius Claudwell, First-Class Order of Merlin."
McGonagall's gaze wavered slightly. She turned to Harry, George, and Fred, her lips moving as if to say something, but no words came.
Umbridge rolled up the parchment, placing it in her handbag, her smile unwavering.
"Therefore... I'm afraid I must prohibit these three from playing Quidditch ever again." Her gaze flicked between the three boys, malice gleaming in her eyes.
Harry felt the Snitch struggling furiously in his hand. Educational Decree Reform. Duke Julius. He didn't fully understand what this meant. He had just joined Mr. Augustus's Julius Army within their secret organization. Now, however, his eligibility to play Quidditch was being stripped away by the powers granted to Umbridge under this new decree.
"Ban us?" His voice sounded distant and strange, "From... playing Quidditch?"
"That's right, Mr. Potter. I think a lifetime ban is appropriate," Umbridge replied, her satisfaction growing as she watched Harry struggle to process her words. "You and Mr. Weasley, for the sake of safety, shall be prohibited from participating in any such matches ever again. Naturally, I will confiscate your broomsticks and keep them securely in my office to ensure no one violates my ban. But I'm not unreasonable, Professor McGonagall." She turned to the bewildered professor. "Other team members may continue to play. I've seen no evidence of violent tendencies from them. Well then... good afternoon."
With a deeply satisfied expression, Umbridge left, leaving behind a suffocating silence.
McGonagall sighed, sinking into her chair behind the desk. She waved the trio away wearily. "You may go."
The snow fell thick and fast as Harry stared out into the darkness. The Snitch he had caught earlier buzzed around the Gryffindor common room, circling endlessly. Everyone watched it as if in a trance.
"Banned," Angelina said hollowly in the common room. "Banned. The timing of this decree couldn't have been better. The Educational Decree Reform Act. Truly impartial leadership."
Ginny curled up in a chair, her voice low. "It's not entirely the decree's fault. There might be deeper reasons we don't understand. And, well, Harry and the others were too impulsive."
"Deeper reasons? What reasons could there be beyond power plays?" Angelina replied with a cold laugh. "With this decree, the High Inquisitor's authority now surpasses Professor Dumbledore's. Why not just make her headmistress outright? That would serve these authorities' interests even better."
Hermione stared silently out the window, watching the snowstorm, her chin resting on her hand, deep in thought.
"It's unfair," Alicia said numbly. "What about Crabbe hitting the Bludger after the whistle? Was he banned?"
"No," Ginny replied helplessly. "He was only made to write lines. I overheard Montague joking about it at dinner."
"I'm going to bed," Angelina said as she stood slowly. "Maybe this is just a nightmare... Maybe I'll wake up tomorrow and find we haven't played the match yet..."
Alicia and Katie followed suit, and eventually, Fred and George slunk off as well, glaring at everyone they passed. Soon, only Harry and Hermione were left by the fire.
"Why do you think Duke Julius is supporting Fudge?" Harry asked, moving to stand beside Hermione. He wiped away the condensation fogging the windowpane, staring at the falling snow outside. "Do you think it's like Angelina said? Just another trade-off of power?"
Hermione shook her head calmly. "With the Julius family's influence in the wizarding world and his position, there's little mutual benefit Fudge could offer. It wouldn't make sense for Duke Julius to use such a direct method. Besides, compromises of power occur only between equals. The Minister of Magic isn't even in a position to negotiate such terms with the Duke."
"So this decree reform, empowering Umbridge... It really reflects Duke Julius's own intent," Harry said with a sigh.
Hermione nodded lightly. "Exactly."
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