Rufus Scrimgeour's arrival was remarkably low-key, with almost no publicity.

Perhaps due to the Ministry of Magic's influence, Umbridge was also less arrogant than before.

In the following days, Scrimgeour didn't even reside directly in the castle, instead temporarily staying at the Hog's Head Inn in Hogsmeade.

To the "Guidance Headmaster" of Hogwarts, it was as if he had merely relocated the Auror office of the Ministry of Magic, rather than acting as a substitute headmaster.

Scrimgeour appeared in the Great Hall punctually every day, spending a great deal of time inspecting every corner of the castle, or sitting in on classes in the corner of some classroom.

After curfew, he would accompany Argus Filch on patrol for a while, and when the midnight chimes struck twelve, he would take the Thestral carriage back to the Hog's Head Inn.

However, as time passed, the news that Dumbledore would not be able to return temporarily gradually spread throughout the school.

Not everyone was as worried as the heads of houses. Some people, such as some students from Ravenclaw and Slytherin, did not think there was anything wrong with it.

As for Umbridge's return to the classroom, it seemed to have been inexplicably put on hold – perhaps stimulated by the situation in Europe, Professor Lupin displayed a rare and forceful teaching attitude, rejecting Umbridge's lesson plans several times. The pressure of teaching multiple grades was temporarily shared by Professor Apocalis.

Now there was only one topic at Hogwarts: the Ministry of Magic's plan to build a large magical city.

No one paid attention to this news at first, after all, there had been quite a few major news stories these days.

However, after an inconspicuous newspaper published a small piece of gossip, the topic instantly pulled all the ropes like a hand in the center of a fishing net.

The Ministry of Magic had lost a large number of magical families' residences, which was the most unsettling thing. At the same time, the lingering specter of Voldemort had become a nightmare in bedtime stories.

With the accumulation of various factors, the call for building a large magical city spread as quickly as a prairie fire in autumn.

Children from magical families had heard of Voldemort and the Death Eaters since they were young. No one could help but worry that Voldemort, driven to desperation, might break down their door one day by following their address.

Especially those wizards who had resisted Voldemort or had been deeply entangled with him, these days were particularly anxious.

This sense of unease had become very common in Slytherin: most of the "former Death Eaters" had been forced to betray Voldemort, and they were afraid of being purged.

"My dad is considering selling Malfoy Manor, but no one in the wizarding world wants to take it over right now."

One day after potions class, Draco Malfoy found an opportunity to approach Eileen, asking hesitantly.

"Is there...something seriously wrong with my family? I heard my dad has been raising money everywhere these days? Big Sister, what exactly is going on with my parents—"

Obviously, encircling and purging dark forces had become the most correct political action in the current wizarding world.

As a member of the Malfoy family, Draco was well aware of his parents' past dark history.

In fact, one of the reasons he joined the Foundation was for this – to use resources at the necessary moment to protect his family as much as possible.

"Mr. Lucius? Oh, not really. As far as I know, he's full of energy right now."

Eileen glanced at Harry, who was helping Snape organize reagent bottles, waving her hand dismissively.

"Of course there's financial pressure, but you can try suggesting he seek a mortgage loan from Gringotts."

"As for more things, you'll know when you're a higher level..."

She shook her finger, lightly drawing a blurred Foundation logo in the air, winking meaningfully at Draco.

"The world is built on countless tiny, trivial realities, which we call industry—and Mr. Malfoy is now trying to support one grain of dust within it."

"And even a grain of dust in the field of industry, when it falls on someone or a family..."

"A mountain?"

Draco Malfoy answered subconsciously.

He had seen this content in the Foundation's tutorial documents, but it was slightly different from what Eileen said.

"Correct—a mountain of gold, oh."

"Draco, you're going to be a rich second generation."

…………

Eileen had become the focus of attention in Hogwarts Castle again these days.

However, she found that the attitude of the observers had changed slightly, with most people beginning to respect and trust her.

In the "post-Dumbledore" era, the role of student prefects had begun to become more widespread, and the team had finally begun to expand.

In addition to the daily regulation of disciplinary violations, the prefects also undertook some of the gaps left by the professors – such as finding lost items and tutoring homework.

On the other hand, the "Witch Support Group" secretly established by Ginny and others had finally completely transitioned from underground to above ground, becoming a reserve prefect team, responsible for various trivial and detailed school operations, launching multi-pronged attacks in emotional disputes, academic performance, family relationships... quickly reversing the reputation of the prefects.

At the same time, the "Chamber of Secrets" beneath Hogwarts Castle had officially entered the development stage, and many of the young wizards' energies were focused on repairing the chamber.

Compared to the magical city that adults had to consider, a miniature "homeland building" project had also appeared in Hogwarts Castle.

As for the professors at Hogwarts, most of them were now troubled by another matter.

After a period of hibernation, the Ministry of Magic's hidden fangs had finally come to light.

…………

"Hogwarts faculty qualification review, what does this mean?"

In the faculty lounge, Professor McGonagall frowned, turning to look at Rufus Scrimgeour.

"So...the Ministry of Magic plans to restart that investigator program from before? Unqualified professors will be suspended or even kicked out of the school?"

"Mr. Scrimgeour, I think you should have gained a thorough understanding of the current situation at Hogwarts these days—I don't think there's any need for a large-scale screening or evaluation."

Almost all the professors at Hogwarts had gathered here, the crowd clearly divided into two sides.

And Professor McGonagall finally understood Scrimgeour's work these days, as well as the Ministry of Magic's confidence.

The professors standing on her side were not the entire group she had imagined, but rather many professors chose to agree with the proposal.

Quirrell, Apocalis, Slughorn, Filch...even Professor Snape and Professor Flitwick were on Scrimgeour's side of the proposal.

Although the atmosphere was not that tense, this sudden surprise attack of sorts still gave McGonagall a feeling of betrayal.

"Hogwarts is going to expand its enrollment, starting next semester—"

Scrimgeour said, glancing at Umbridge, whose expression was somewhat subtle in the distance, and said in a deep voice.

"As the 'Guidance Headmaster' of Hogwarts, my first proposal is to significantly expand the faculty team starting this year."

"And to ensure the quality of teaching, the necessary teacher qualification assessments, audits, and subsequent support must be carried out again."

Scrimgeour paused slightly, interlacing his fingers in front of his chest, adding a sentence.

"By the way, I also consulted with that Head Girl about these matters..."

"Hmm?" Professor McGonagall snorted.

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Coo-ah!