Cedric kept his word.
Within hours of Roy's instruction, the Hufflepuff networks—arguably more efficient than the Ministry's owl system—were humming with the news:Harry Potter had secretly created a training club for students.And, as Cedric was careful to emphasize, he wasn't supposed to know about it.
Hufflepuffs being Hufflepuffs, they didn't just whisper it.They broadcast it.
By the next morning, almost every House had heard of the club. Ravenclaws joined for advanced learning. Gryffindors joined for glory. Hufflepuffs joined because Cedric asked nicely. Even a few Slytherins quietly slipped in, pretending it was for "research."
And every evening, the Room of Requirement transformed into the heart of Hogwarts' underground resistance. Harry, remembering Roy's training, demonstrated spells with newfound confidence. Students improved quickly, laughing, practicing, and comparing hexes.
Everything was going perfectly…
…until Zacharias Smith ruined it.
The arrogant Hufflepuff, who believed he was a gift to wizardkind, marched straight to Umbridge and spilled everything.And Umbridge—already frustrated from failing to blackmail Marietta Edgecombe, thanks to Roy's intervention—pounced on the opportunity like a starving Kneazle.
She immediately contacted Fudge.
Fudge, eager for a political victory, gathered Aurors led by Kingsley Shacklebolt, dragged Umbridge along, and stormed toward Hogwarts with great fanfare.
The Raid Begins
The next day, Harry and the club were practicing a shield charm when the Room itself trembled.Outside, the corridor exploded with the sound of spells smashing into the invisible door.
Panic spread instantly.
"What do we do?" one student cried.
Before Harry could answer, a soft glow filled the room—and Gardevoir materialized, floating gracefully above them.
Gasps echoed around the room.
"W–what is that?!" a Ravenclaw shrieked.
Hermione stepped forward calmly."It's fine. She's Roy's butler."
Gardevoir bowed elegantly. Her voice echoed telepathically:
"Do not panic. Master Roy will handle everything."
Relief washed across the room in a wave.
A moment later, the door burst open with a dramatic crack, revealing Fudge, Kingsley, Umbridge, and a smug-looking, very proud Zacharias Smith.
Students filed out nervously.
Fudge puffed up like an overstuffed peacock."Caught red-handed! Who authorized this illegal club?!"
Before Harry could speak, another voice answered lightly:
"I did."
Everyone turned.
Dumbledore stood there, calm and ancient as always, twinkle bright.
Fudge was ecstatic."So you admit it! Perfect! Aurors, seize him!"
Kingsley hesitated, eyes flicking to Dumbledore.Dumbledore gave him a silent signal—don't worry.
Chaos erupted.
Spells flew. Aurors stumbled. Kingsley "missed" on purpose. And, in the confusion, an unfortunate stupefy from the back line struck Zacharias Smith square in the face, knocking him cold. He slumped right into Umbridge like they were embracing.
Everyone watching gagged.
Then, with a brilliant flash of fire, Fawkes appeared.Dumbledore smiled at Roy standing nearby.
"Take care of Hogwarts for me, my boy."
He vanished in a burst of phoenix flame.
Fudge cheered as if he had just defeated Voldemort."Excellent work, Umbridge! Now, as for the new Headmaster—"
Umbridge straightened, chest puffed proudly.
"Cornelius, I humbly—"
"Roy Valvas will assume the position."
Silence.
Then Umbridge shrieked like someone had stepped on her foot.
"WHAT?! HIM?!"
Fudge ignored her entirely and marched off with the Aurors.
Roy rolled his shoulders and turned to the students."Go on—return to your dorms. I'll clean up this mess."
Harry looked heartbroken."Professor… Dumbledore was fired because of me."
Roy placed a firm hand on his shoulder."It wasn't your fault. It was Fudge's paranoia. And don't worry—Dumbledore planned this."
Harry slowly nodded, reassured.
Behind them, Umbridge struggled to lift the unconscious Zacharias Smith—who was still sprawled on top of her in the most embarrassing position possible.
Every student who passed by made the same face:Utter disgust.
They whispered:
"So Smith was the snitch.""Figures.""Hufflepuff will peel his name off the walls."
Roy, stepping over both Umbridge and Smith without the slightest hesitation, muttered:
"Trash belongs on the floor."
And continued on toward the Headmaster's office—now his office.