Struggling to survive at Hogwarts

Chapter 226 Manpower

After talking with Dumbledore, Thea didn't go back to her dormitory. Instead, she spent the night in the Slytherin common room, and also drafted the list of the watchdog group, which she planned to hand over to Umbridge the next day.

Thinking of the threat in Umbridge's tone that day, Thea's eyes darkened, and she unconsciously put more pressure into her writing.

She will pay the price sooner or later.

Thea gently touched her chest, desperately suppressing the anger that welled up inside her.

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After handing over the list of the oversight group to Umbridge, looking at the uniform Slytherins before him, Umbridge was quite satisfied and renamed the oversight group the "Investigative Action Group."

Draco scoffed at the name, finding it incredibly corny.

Seeing that the young master had another episode, Zabini tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to behave, since Umbridge was still there.

Draco then behaved himself a bit.

They didn't stay at Umbridge for long. After they all left, Thea said hesitantly, "Professor... Dumbledore spoke to me last night..."

Umbridge's relaxed nerves tensed again at the mention of Dumbledore's name. "What did he say?!"

Fear and resentment made Umbridge's already greasy face even more ferocious. Thea timely showed a troubled expression, "He said... the investigation team shouldn't only consist of Slytherin students..."

"I am the founder of this organization!"

Umbridge angrily swept all the ornaments off the table onto the floor, making a deafening noise.

“...But...Dumbledore is the headmaster...Theoretically, he has the power to intervene in all student organizations..."

Umbridge's chest heaved with anger at Thea's words, and his face darkened.

But she was, after all, from the Ministry of Magic, and quickly calmed herself down. Looking at the "anxious" Thea in front of her, she softened her voice, which was unusual for her.

"Thea, you are the child I cherish most..."

"At the same time, you are also the head of the investigation team, and I hope you can take responsibility..."

“Dumbledore doesn’t want an organization full of Slytherins, and I won’t make things difficult for you. Anyway, they will all be working for you in the future, so you can choose freely.”

Fearing that Thea might not understand what she meant, Umbridge simply spoke frankly, since Thea was on her side now!

Umbridge was smug, believing he had Thea's weakness under control.

The misty steam from the tea obscured Thea's features, preventing Umbridge from seeing the coldness in her eyes.

She will not accept any threats from anyone!

Whether it's Dumbledore, Voldemort, or Umbridge!

Over the next few days, Thea selected several students from other colleges from the study group. They had different personalities, but they all had one thing in common: they absolutely admired Thea!

Due to the tight schedule, Thea didn't have time to check the admission resumes of all the young wizards, so she used the simplest method: looking at their photos directly. Those she remembered and whose abilities met the requirements were her targets.

She doesn't need many brilliant geniuses; she only needs people who can be absolutely obedient.

At the same time, Thea appointed Galati as the deputy head of the investigation team.

This decision puzzled many people: why was Gellar chosen?

Whether it's family background, friendships, or academic achievements, Gella isn't outstanding among Draco's group. Why did Thea choose her?

The reason is simple: Gellar is very free.

Needless to say, Thea was busy with the creation of alchemical items, Theodore was focused on his potions, and Daphne and Zabini were responsible for Thea's intelligence and simple affairs within the study group.

After considering all the options, only Gellar is suitable.

Secondly, Gella has a clean background. For well-known reasons, she and Thea are on the same side, which means that she will not easily betray Thea.

Umbridge was relatively easy to talk to, or perhaps she simply didn't care about the position of deputy team leader.

Thus, it was a done deal that Gellar would become the deputy head of the investigation team.

Upon hearing the news, Draco was somewhat disappointed, but his disappointment vanished immediately upon recalling the quest involving those alchemical artifacts.

Theodore and Draco reacted similarly.

Zabini felt nothing at all; he had anticipated this all along.

On the contrary, Daphne's reaction was rather intense. She had originally hoped to make amends by taking the position of deputy group leader!

Fortunately, Zabini was reliable enough, and after a few words, Daphne regained her composure.

"Zabini," Thea called out to Zabini, who was on his way to notify the people to assemble.

"How's the data on Dumbledore's transformations coming along?"

Zabini immediately searched his mind for the recent progress of the data organization and respectfully said, "It's about three-fifths done. It should be finished by the sixth grade at the earliest."

"Okay." Thea waved her hand, indicating that she understood.

Zabini then left.

"...Sixth grade..." Thea murmured, "...It's been a while...I don't know if I can catch up..."

"Boom boom boom!"

The knocking interrupted Thea's thoughts, and she instinctively resumed her usual gentle expression.

"Come in!"

The visitor was Joyce, the Slytherin who stood on the table, beaming with pride over his father's position.

"What's up?"

Hello, senior!

“Umbridge asked me to tell you to keep a close eye on Professor Hagrid, as she may want to know the specifics of Harry Potter’s tutoring in the Dean’s office if possible.”

Unlike his arrogant demeanor as "Malfoy the Second" last time, Joyce was much more composed today, and vaguely resembled a Slytherin.

However, should we keep a close eye on Hagrid?

why?

Did she discover the big guy Hagrid was hiding in the Forbidden Forest?

To ordinary people, Gropp's existence is a secret, but Thea has a cheat code! She speaks Parsley.

With just a few obedient little snakes, she could monitor the entire forbidden forest.

Also, why did Umbridge want to know what Potter was studying?

Is she already planning to take action against Potter so soon?

Thea's prolonged silence made Joyce increasingly uneasy. He began to unconsciously recall his words, wondering if something was wrong.

“Okay,” Thea’s voice freed Joyce. “You can go back now. Thank you for passing on the message.”

The warm fireplace filled the office with a cozy atmosphere, and for some reason, Joyce suddenly felt a little reluctant to leave.

"Is there anything else?" Thea asked, somewhat puzzled.

"……fine!"

Joyce then realized how rude she had been and immediately fled the office as fast as she could.