The list for the Defence Against the Dark Arts Club quickly spread throughout the entire castle. To the disappointment of most students, their names weren't on it. This was only natural—Tver couldn't possibly accept every student who signed up. After all, nearly every student had signed up! Even those who hadn't were simply due to scheduling conflicts.
Moreover, Tver had specifically emphasized the difficulty of the club's activities, which was also why he chose upperclassmen. After students from other clubs explained this, everyone gradually understood. After all, Professor Fawley had stressed this point repeatedly in class, so they weren't surprised by the outcome.
What did surprise them, however, were the smug expressions on the faces of those who were selected!
"Make way, please! A distinguished member of the Defence Against the Dark Arts Club is about to attend class."
George strutted through the common room with an air of utter self-importance, pacing back and forth, as if determined everyone should know he'd been chosen.
"Only the truly gifted among us are worthy of such a precious opportunity."
Fred mimicked his every move, the two of them splitting up so that their boastful voices reached every corner.
"Can you two behave yourselves?" Percy asked, exasperated.
"Wow, isn't this Mr. Percy Weasley, the top name on the list?"
George and Fred swarmed around Percy, bowing like devoted servants. Though private lessons were more valuable than club sessions, and though it was merely the top spot on a list, Percy's face flushed a rare crimson.
"Ahem, it's nothing to brag about!"
"Tsk, getting private lessons from the professor is different, huh? Look down on the club classes now?" George sneered.
"I don't look down on them!"
"Then tell us, what exactly does the professor cover in your private lessons?" Fred winked slyly.
Hearing this, the students in the common room turned expectantly toward Percy. Those in the club were eager to preview lessons, while those not enrolled were simply curious. Few at Hogwarts showed no interest in the professor's private tutoring.
If it were ordinary material, Percy wouldn't mind sharing. But could he tell them the professor had taught him yesterday how to curse objects...?
"My private lessons aren't related to the club curriculum," Percy explained. "The professor said he'd cover standard material in the club, but with a special twist."
That was all Percy could say. Saying more would likely expose the professor teaching him dark magic.
"So, you're learning unconventional stuff in your private lessons?" George mused, rubbing his chin.
Percy's heart sank instantly. Had they caught on to something?
"Could it be—" Fred glanced at George.
"How to be a great Head Boy?"
"No, the professor wouldn't stoop that low. I think it must be—"
"How to become Minister of Magic!"
The twins roared with laughter.
Hearing this, Percy felt both helpless and relieved.
"I'm leaving you two. I have classes to attend." He grabbed his bag, not even glancing at his twins, who were still doubled over laughing, or the amused Gryffindors around them.
"Bidding farewell to the Head Boy, member of the Defence Against the Dark Arts Club!"
"And His Future Excellency the Minister!"
Under the twins' teasing, Percy climbed out of the common room, his face slightly flushed.
Since the summer break began, he had indeed been researching his future duties within the Ministry of Magic. According to the professor's arrangements, next year he would be assigned directly to the Department of International Magical Cooperation.
As for whether he could handle it, he had no doubts whatsoever. If a Senior Undersecretary of the Cooperation Department had personally acknowledged his suitability, there would be no cause for concern.
Yet, deep down, he still felt a twinge of nervousness. Because the professor wanted him to become someone close to the Minister of Magic, paving his way into the heart of the Ministry!
Especially in Fudge's eyes, he needed to be seen as someone capable of standing up to the pureblood faction represented by the Malfoy family.
—"Don't worry. Lucius shares our principles, but you must project an air of opposition within the Ministry. Only then will Fudge feel secure enough to rely on you."
Recalling the professor's words, his mind finally settled.
In the past, he never would have imagined collaborating with a family like the Malfoy's. Yet through the professor's guidance, he had grasped an eternal strategy of struggle—
Strike at the few, win over the many!
The more he pondered it, the more profoundly he understood this maxim.
Recalling how difficult the Order of the Phoenix's actions had been, hadn't Voldemort's control over the majority been a greater obstacle than Voldemort himself?
This realization lessened his inner dread of Voldemort. For as he analyzed, even if Voldemort were to rise again, once the wizarding world recognized their cause as the majority, Voldemort was destined to perish once more!
Thus, Percy set aside his distaste for the Malfoy family, determined to win them over as allies. At the very least, allies bound by shared interests.
This realization only strengthened his resolve.
Truly, the professor always saw things with greater depth than he ever could!
"What are you thinking about, Percy?" a boy asked with concern.
His two teammates, Crystal and Charles, suddenly appeared beside him, each carrying a backpack as they headed toward the Colosseum.
Of course—they were heading to class together!
"We called out to you several times, but you didn't respond," Crystal added calmly.
"I was thinking about club stuff. The first club activity is next week, and I'm a bit nervous," Percy smiled faintly.
He had become adept at concealing his thoughts and knew how to redirect others' attention.
Sure enough, Charles and Crystal's focus shifted to the club activities.
All three of them had become club members—a decision that was, of course, undisputed.
After chatting for a while, Percy feigned ignorance. By the time they entered the Colosseum, they still hadn't reached a conclusion.
But that didn't stop them from getting excited every time the topic came up.
This was the mindset of the castle's students—even those not selected for clubs enjoyed discussing them.
Before class began, facing the students' curious questions, Tver declared loudly.
"Clubs are merely extracurricular activities. I expect your focus to remain on your lessons, especially with your N.E.W.T.s approaching."
"Of course, if you'd rather not engage in additional combat practice during class, I can share some details about the clubs."
The students promptly put club matters out of their minds.
Members would eventually get to participate; there was no need to know more.
Non-members didn't want to sacrifice classroom practice for activities they knew they couldn't join.
"Professor, please teach us dueling right away!"