Chapter 1059
Percy's Sermon
Chapter 1059 Percy's Speech
Percy paused, cleared his throat, took a letter from his robe pocket, and unfolded it very carefully.
"I guess it contains the letter of commendation for him receiving the Order of Merlin, Third Class."
Fred chuckled under his breath and said, "Either you're reviewing the speech the envoy prepared for three days and three nights."
His twin brother nodded in full agreement.
Percy raised his head, his gaze sweeping over everyone, landing on a dotted point at the far end of the hall, and said with deep respect:
"Before we begin, I'd like to read a letter."
He slightly raised the parchment in his hand.
"This is a letter personally written by Minister Sinkness to Headmaster Dumbledore. I have obtained Headmaster Dumbledore's permission and the Minister's special authorization—"
He finally looked at everyone, his chest out and head held high, as if he were accepting the admiring gaze of the crowd on behalf of Minister Sinkness.
"—Convey the contents of this letter to everyone at Hogwarts."
"At the same time, it's also to let everyone know that the Minister has always cared about Hogwarts and everyone here."
The auditorium fell silent, and some students looked moved.
In most people's eyes, the Minister of Magic is still an unapproachable figure.
Just like Percy back in school, they did intentionally or unintentionally bestow various accolades upon the "big shot" who governed the British magical world.
Many people firmly believe that the Minister of Magic was able to become Minister because he was exceptionally wise, reliable, strong, clear-headed, calm, fair, and possessed an iron will and decisiveness.
Even with Fudge in office, ordinary wizards still wouldn't associate words like cunning, showmanship, condescension, or cowardice with the Minister of Magic.
Under everyone's gaze, Percy's face flushed with excitement. He composed himself and began to read the letter:
"Dear Headmaster Dumbledore:"
The recent serious incident at Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—where faculty and staff, out of racial discrimination, actively provided information about underage students to Muggle organizations—has caused deep concern at headquarters.
Percy's voice was clear and solemn, and his deliberately drawn-out tone and furrowed brows seemed to vividly convey the minister's worried expression.
"This is a wake-up call, ringing at the door of every magic school."
The Ministry of Magic has elevated the safety of underage wizards to an unprecedented level of importance.
He paused, raised his head, and his serious gaze swept across the room, as if silently emphasizing:
This is no small matter!
Wade glanced around at the Ravenclaws.
Anthony leaned forward slightly, his hands clenched into fists, listening intently with a look of strong agreement.
Luna shook her head from side to side, seemingly uninterested, and then lowered her head to play with her fingers.
Terry nodded repeatedly, looking somewhat touched.
Michael clicked his tongue very softly; he didn't believe such high-sounding platitudes.
After a quick glance around, Wade's gaze returned to what was ahead.
The other professors either had little expression or frowned, showing some resistance to this so-called "security review."
Only Dumbledore looked at Percy sideways, his gaze gentle and revealing no inclination.
A few seconds later, Percy lowered his head again and said in his usual solemn tone:
"Although you personally safeguard Hogwarts' protective system, systemic risks should not rely on personal authority, but rather require institutionalized prevention mechanisms."
Upon reading this sentence, Percy gave a slight bow towards Dumbledore, as if to indicate:
The Ministry of Magic doesn't distrust Dumbledore's abilities; it simply believes a better system is needed.
Dumbledore nodded, seemingly in agreement.
Percy then continued:
"For this purpose, the Ministry has appointed the Administrative Head of the Auror Command of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, a recipient of the Order of Merlin, Third Class, and former President of the Hogwarts Student Council—"
Mr. Percy Ignatius Weasley has been temporarily stationed at Hogwarts as a 'Special Envoy for Security Review of the Magical School.'
The long list of titles silenced everyone.
Many people here know Percy, and some are even quite familiar with him, but they don't seem to recognize this Percy who is somewhat similar to Lockhart.
Percy slightly raised his chin, his gaze lowered, and said:
"Mr. Weasley's duty on this trip is to—"
Investigate and research Hogwarts' current systems regarding student privacy protection and management of off-campus contact; assist the school in identifying potential points of information leakage risk;
It is confirmed that students, both inside and outside of school, consistently adhere to confidentiality laws and protect all their own and their classmates' private information.
And...to confirm the whereabouts of students who failed to enroll on time, were on extended leave, or dropped out midway, providing a safety net for all Hogwarts students and staff.
Theo's eyes gradually became blank.
Because of what Hermione said on the train, even though he thought it had nothing to do with him at the time, he still decided to pay close attention to it.
Hermione and Wade are both very intelligent.
The thoughts of a wise person are certainly more accurate than those of my own clumsy brain.
But when Theo saw that the person sitting in the teachers' seat was Percy, he relaxed a lot.
Upon hearing the first part of Minister Sinkness's letter, he felt completely relieved.
But what Percy said about Percy Weasley's duties left Theo confused again.
"I didn't understand," Theo whispered to Ryan. "He said... what exactly is he here for?"
Ryan thought for a moment: "Ah... this..."
Theo waited patiently for a few seconds before realizing that this was the only answer his friend had given.
Percy, sitting at the teachers' table, was already smiling slightly, implying that the heavy part was over and everyone could relax a bit now.
He mentioned his name again, in a tone that suggested he was referring to a stranger:
"Mr. Percy Weasley graduated from Hogwarts and served as prefect for two consecutive years. Before graduating, he became president of the student council."
The department believes that he will complete this task well, with the respect due to a student and the professionalism of its members.
After reading the last sentence, Percy gently folded the parchment, carefully tucked it into his pocket, and said:
“I have relayed Minister Sinkness’s exact words verbatim.”
"Next, I would like to make a few points in particular."
“I am here temporarily for research and investigation. I will not take over any specific management affairs, much less—oh, as some people might worry—the Ministry of Magic has sent someone to keep an eye on Hogwarts.”
Percy smiled, with a hint of "we're on the same side," and said:
"Like you, I've spent seven years here, stayed up all night working on papers, shouted myself hoarse at the Quidditch pitch, and even had my college credits deducted for breaking school rules—of course, that was a long time ago."
A few polite chuckles echoed in the auditorium.
"So, please treat me as one of—"
He seemed to be carefully choosing his words.
"Treat him as an old friend, an old classmate who comes back to visit his alma mater."
"I won't act like a censorship team, rummaging through drawers and cabinets, and I certainly won't report on anyone behind their backs."
"But if you have any ideas, such as any suggestions regarding school safety, or if you discover any potential hazards to everyone's safety, you can come to me at any time."
"My temporary office is in..."
Percy paused, turning to look at Dumbledore.
"The third room on the left in the corridor on the second floor of the castle," the principal said gently.
Percy repeated, “Yes, the third one on the left in the hallway—the door will always be open for you, even during curfew.”
"But if Mr. Filch catches me, I won't make excuses for students who go out at night!"
"After all, back in school, I was the one who assisted the professor and Mr. Filch in catching the nighttime troublemakers!"
The laughter was louder this time than before, and even a few people at the Slytherin table had their lips twitching slightly.
Percy nodded slightly.
"That's all I wanted to say. Thank you, Principal Dumbledore, for your trust, thank you, professors, for your understanding, and thank you to everyone here for listening to me."
"I hope our relationship will be friendly and honest from now on."
Thank you everyone.
Percy gave a slight bow, his gaze lingering for a moment on the Gryffindor table before settling back down.
(End of this chapter)