When it came to anything involving Draco, Pansy's efficiency and drive were unmatched.
Just as she'd predicted.
Barely a day had passed. Before the matter had even begun to stir up real trouble, the Ministry of Magic had already dispatched investigators to Hogwarts.
They were there to look into Alastor Moody's use of the Imperius Curse on his students during class—an act strictly forbidden by Ministry regulations.
Whether the Ministry had planned this in advance was anyone's guess.
Not only did they move quickly, but the moment these so-called investigators appeared at Hogwarts, the Daily Prophet simultaneously announced the Ministry's latest resolution, passed only moments earlier:
Educational Decree Number Twenty-Two.
First High Inquisitor: Dolores Umbridge...
"High Inquisitor… was this your doing?"
"To be precise, the Board notified the Ministry. All I did was send a letter to my father. It really has very little to do with me."
"..."
With that explanation, Hermione finally lowered the Daily Prophet, her expression caught somewhere between disbelief and suspicion.
She wasn't sure whether to be impressed by the Ministry's speed or doubtful about how competent this new High Inquisitor actually was.
After all, the woman in the photo, chin raised smugly, didn't exactly radiate intelligence…
Unlike Hermione, who was relying purely on impressions and instinct, Draco had seen this High Inquisitor—Dolores Umbridge—up close.
He remembered her standing a short distance behind Cornelius Fudge at the Ministry, a position only trusted aides were permitted to take. And in fact, she was the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister.
He just hadn't expected her to show up suddenly with a new title like "High Inquisitor."
"Draco, judging by your expression, you know this High Inquisitor?"
"Is that so? What about this wizard? Does he actually have the ability to handle all this?"
Pansy and Hermione's questions made Draco pause for a few seconds, as if replaying the conversation he had overheard that day.
Then he gave an answer that left both girls staring at him, completely speechless.
"Well, do you really think a wizard trusted as a confidant by our Minister of Magic wouldn't be problematic?"
"....."
"....."
It sounded perfectly reasonable, yet somehow entirely wrong…
...
Just as Draco expected.
After only a few days at Hogwarts, the proud-looking investigators slunk out of the castle in embarrassment.
Rumor had it that right before they left, they were seen coming out of Dumbledore's office looking thoroughly shaken.
Some even claimed that the High Inquisitor leading the group had tripped and fallen right in front of Alastor Moody, face dark with frustration—fueling speculation that the veteran Auror had quietly taught her a lesson with magic.
Once the investigators left Hogwarts in disgrace, Alastor Moody's actions were quietly ruled unproblematic.
Dumbledore never offered an explanation, never clarified a thing, behaving as though the entire incident had never happened.
This result had Pansy and Hermione fuming for days…
"What kind of High Inquisitor is this? Completely useless! Granger, did you find anything?"
"Mm… According to the Ministry's 'Third Wizarding Ban,' anyone who casts one of the three Unforgivable Curses must have their wand confiscated for investigation, regardless of the reason. In more serious cases, they're sent to Azkaban."
"Where is this 'Third Wizarding Ban'? Let me see it!"
Thanks to this incident, Pansy and Hermione's relationship had improved remarkably.
Whenever they had free time, they would get together to analyze the situation from every angle.
They discussed possible investigative approaches, which articles of law Alastor Moody had violated, and even how long he might be imprisoned.
Anyone who overheard them might have mistaken the two of them for Supreme Mugwumps of the Wizengamot…
Meanwhile, Draco—who should have cared the most—was far too relaxed for Pansy's liking. As she debated whether to send another letter to her father, she shot Draco a sharp, irritated glare.
"You're really planning to do nothing? That's not like you."
And Pansy meant it. The Draco she knew was absolutely not someone who would just swallow an insult. He didn't even show Dumbledore any courtesy, let alone anyone else.
"No… there are just a few things I need to think about. Besides, the outcome isn't all that bad."
As Draco spoke, his eyes drifted over the nearby wizards.
Other than a handful of people, Harry Potter included, most of them kept dodging his gaze. Their skittish expressions said everything about the pressure Draco now carried.
Mastering dark magic like Avada Kedavra, and blocking a professor's Imperius Curse—those feats were more than enough to prove that Draco possessed magical strength far beyond his peers.
It had saved him a great deal of trouble. At the very least, those buzzing flies whispering behind his back had finally gone quiet…
While Pansy and Hermione stared at him with a mix of indignation and reluctant admiration, Professor McGonagall rose from the staff table after finishing her meal. The other professors set down their utensils as well, clearly aware something was coming.
"Ahem."
Every student turned toward the staff table in confusion.
Some focused on Professor McGonagall, who had just stood up. Most, however, were stealing glances at Professor Alastor Moody, who was sitting there with a dark, brooding expression.
"Something happened recently," McGonagall said. "Professor Moody will explain it in due time. He has also assured Dumbledore that it will not happen again."
She spoke the words calmly, yet it was impossible not to notice the unrestrained smirk tugging at the corner of Alastor Moody's mouth. It clearly showed that he did not agree with Minerva McGonagall's version of events.
Realizing Moody wasn't going to cooperate, McGonagall quickly shifted the topic.
"As you all know, in October, Hogwarts will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament. Before it begins, students from the other two schools will arrive early and stay here until the competition concludes!"
"So we'll be living together with students from other schools?"
"No way, it's Beauxbatons Wizarding School! I'm so excited!"
"When are they coming?"
In an instant, McGonagall's announcement set the students buzzing with excitement, and made everyone fully aware…
The Triwizard Tournament was just around the corner...