The murmur of voices could no longer be contained. Students leaned toward one another, whispering rapidly, debating whether this new system was good or bad.
The Weasley twins were instantly hostile to the idea of "Sub-Prefects." One Percy constantly popping out of nowhere to lecture them was already bad enough—if their peers were suddenly given authority to act as spies, where would their freedom go?
Wait.
Why couldn't they be the Sub-Prefects?
George and Fred glanced at each other, both catching the mischievous glint in the other's eyes. Without needing words, they knew they were thinking the same thing. They broke into irrepressible grins.
"Professor McGonagall, we just want to improve ourselves!"
Gryffindor wasn't lacking in ambitious students. Many lions were already cracking their knuckles, thrilled at such a golden chance to stand out. They resolved to put on their best performance so that Professor McGonagall might notice them.
Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, however, were far calmer. Apart from the initial surprise at such an abrupt reform, they quickly settled back into their usual steady composure. In simple terms—oh, this is happening? Alright then.
While the others debated, Tom had his attention elsewhere—on the glowing prompts of his mysterious system.
[Congratulations, Host. The "Invisible Prefect" system you proposed has now been officially adopted by the Headmaster and promoted school-wide as a permanent institution, with clearly defined rights and responsibilities. This has fundamentally altered Hogwarts' ecosystem.]
[During your time at Hogwarts, you will now receive a fixed monthly stipend of 250 points and a bonus of 25 Achievement Points. This month's allowance has already been deposited.]
A boyish smile spread across Tom's face.
At last—the fruits of his efforts.
Before, only Slytherin had the "Invisible Prefect" system. He'd been getting a hundred points each month, with no achievements attached. But now—two hundred and fifty points. Likely, that meant the original hundred for Slytherin, plus fifty for each of the other four Houses.
Did the numbers sound a bit awkward? Who cared? Benefits were benefits. As long as it gave him an advantage, it didn't matter if the name sounded clumsy. If one day it could help propel him straight into legend—even if the title was ridiculous—well…
Ahem. Perhaps it was best not to think too far ahead. The road had to be taken step by step.
Besides, steady achievement points were nothing to scoff at. As long as Hogwarts and its students held out, he could keep pushing. After all—what wizard ever complained about too many points?
On the central stage, Dumbledore finished his announcement and withdrew.
Professor Rouse—better known to the students as Professor Wilkinson—raised his wand, sending out a shrill hum that instantly drew all conversations to a halt.
"As for Sub-Prefects," he said smoothly, "you may speak to your Heads of House after class. Time is short—we must complete today's lesson before ten o'clock."
He gestured toward Flitwick and smiled. "For this demonstration, I must thank Professor Flitwick for graciously agreeing to assist me. Together, we shall show you how a duel is properly conducted."
Rouse inclined his head; Flitwick chuckled and bowed back. He rather liked the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. The man had the aura of a seasoned duelist, someone with true experience.
Among the Heads of House, only Snape's face soured. He detested anyone who took the position he had coveted for years. Originally, he had intended to seize this moment to embarrass Rouse—but the second Flitwick stepped up as the assistant, he had to bury that plan.
"Dueling," Rouse began, his voice echoing, "is not a mere brawl. It is a ritual infused with courtesy and respect. Do not underestimate the importance of ritual—it is the very mark of heritage and cultivation."
He and Flitwick walked to opposite ends of the golden stage, then turned. They bowed deeply. Straightening, they raised their wands to their chests like arrows, then let them fall diagonally to their sides.
"Very good," Rouse said. "Remember this sequence well. A mistake here will only make others think you lack even the most basic manners."
"After the ritual comes the duel proper," he continued. "The Disarming Charm is one of the most useful spells. Quick to cast, potent enough, and aimed at the core—strip a wizard of their wand, and they are no more dangerous than a toothless tiger.
"Professor Flitwick—do be careful."
Flitwick gave a small nod. Rouse raised his wand sharply and cried:
"Expelliarmus!"
A streak of red light shot across the stage, striking Flitwick. The diminutive professor stumbled back two steps, his wand spinning through the air before landing neatly in Rouse' waiting hand.
"As you see—simple and effective. But your opponent won't usually stand there like a fool. More often, it looks like this."
"Expelliarmus!"
Both professors shouted in unison. Their spells collided midair with a crackle, erupting into a spray of dazzling sparks. For several tense seconds, red light hissed between them like molten lightning.
A shiver ran across Rouse' scalp. He twisted his wand sharply aside, breaking the connection. If he'd held on a moment longer, his magic would've been overpowered entirely.
Wiping away the cold sweat beading at his temple, he explained to the wide-eyed students:
"Power clashes like this are dangerous. If your strength is less than your opponent's, you must break off quickly. Find another way—use strategy to win, not brute force."
"The last response to a spell is, of course, dodging or shielding. The Shield Charm is highly practical, but do not be fooled—there are many curses it cannot block. Never believe the Shield Charm makes you invincible."
He let the words sink in, then clapped his hands together.
"Now, it's your turn."
He gestured toward the four smaller stages.
"Each House will take one platform. Students of the same year may form teams as they like."
Then his grin turned sly as he tapped the golden stage beneath his feet.
"And this one—this stage is special. No House, no year restrictions. Here, anyone with a grudge, or anyone eager to test themselves, may step up and issue a challenge."
His voice carried an unmistakable hint of mischief.
"For instance… say a little conflict from a few weeks ago still needs resolving. What would you do?"
The crowd parted as Draco Malfoy swaggered forward, Crabbe and Goyle pushing students aside to clear a path. Malfoy strode onto the golden platform with a self-important air, his wand already raised. He sneered toward Harry's side—
"Weasley. Get up here and take your beating!"