This Hogwarts is not normal

Chapter 1327 A Collection of Outrageous Jokes

In another world, the magical realm also underwent changes.

The Ministry of Magic, under Fudge's leadership, bestowed upon the Daily Prophet the title of the only official media outlet. Under its guidance, ninety percent of the newspapers and magazines in the British wizarding world quickly united, dominating mainstream perceptions like in feudal society.

For several days in a row, newspapers and magazines were "deeply digging" into Vincent Wayne's "crimes," analyzing his unusual behavior during his student days, his unorthodox alchemy, exaggerating his arrogance when he escaped trial, his contempt for the International Confederation of Wizards, characterizing the Gringotts incident as a terrorist attack against the ancient financial order, and attributing the Christmas Eve disaster to a "mad" terrorist act aimed at simultaneously attacking the authority of Muggle society and the Ministry of Magic.

Fudge appeared in public more frequently than ever before. The day after the disaster, he solemnly announced the establishment of an "Interdepartmental Black Magic Threat Response Team" and personally took on the role of team leader.

He strongly condemned certain irresponsible individuals for spreading panic, repeatedly implying, intentionally or unintentionally, that a certain historic magic school had connections with the Dark Lord Vincent Wayne, and repeatedly emphasized that the Ministry of Magic was capable of handling internal security matters independently.

He also commended a number of dedicated officials, including Director Arthur Weasley, and signed a series of temporary decrees to strengthen security within the Ministry of Magic.

The wizards' fear and anger intertwined, and Vincent Wayne's image in the official narrative quickly solidified into a cunning, powerful, and terrifying dark lord who would not hesitate to win over the remnants of the Death Eaters.

However, as time went by, more and more wizards learned some inside information through Muggles.

Numerous Muggle news clips were uploaded to the Dubidubi video platform. Despite the Ministry of Magic's repeated claims that these fabricated videos lacked any authenticity, considerable skepticism still arose.

In particular, Rita Skeeter's personal channel posts at least three videos a day, declaring the public's right to know and that the Ministry of Magic should release evidence of Vincent Wayne spreading the curse.

As for Hogwarts... the castle walls seem to be naturally able to shut out the noise from the outside world.

In the Great Hall, Hermione cut the bacon on her plate, her gaze habitually sweeping across the empty seat across the long table.

The owls appeared on time, dropping down one new copy of the Daily Prophet after another.

The headline was still disgusting. Hermione didn't even glance at it, simply pushing the newspaper across the table. Neville, who was trying to stop Rafer from jumping into the milk jug, looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“Navie, I think you need to put something under your seat.”

Neville glanced at the newspaper in front of him, then at Rafe, whose face was still full of defiance even though he had pinned him to the table.

"Thank you." He picked up the newspaper with one hand, folded it a few times in a flurry, and then placed it under the milk jug.

One copy didn't seem tall enough, so Lavender kindly pushed his own newly arrived newspaper over as well.

Neville placed two newspapers down, and when he felt it was about right, he let go of his other hand. Rafer immediately jumped over, but perhaps due to the height, or perhaps because he had gotten fatter, he couldn't reach it no matter how many times he jumped.

"Aren't you going to watch it today?" Hermione asked Lavender, puzzled.

“I’m not going to look anymore.” Lavender pouted. “My mother wrote to me last night, asking if the school was safe, and saying that the Ministry of Magic warned parents to be wary of ‘the Dark Lord possibly infiltrating the school.’”

Merlin's stockings! What did they think Vincent would do? Come back and cast a curse on the castle?

Parvati covered her mouth slightly. "My father sees things clearly. He said that Fudge needs a specific enemy to divert attention and keep his position."

She leaned closer and said mysteriously, "My sister Padma is in Ravenclaw, and she says there's someone in their common room who collects outrageous articles from the Daily Prophet; it's practically a joke book."

The latest report, dated yesterday, says that last summer Vincent used an Imperius Curse to control an old witch, causing her to fall down the stairs. He then pretended to walk by and help her up, just to get a word of thanks and 'maintain his hypocritical saintly image.'

"Pfft, hahaha—" As soon as he finished speaking, James across from him held up a newspaper and burst into exaggerated laughter.

"It's so imaginative. They said that Old Wen appeared at Lake Windermere the night before last and used black magic to turn the lake water into a fluorescent pink, which startled a flock of swans passing by."

He stood up and showed the little lions the outrageous report, "These idiots, they've lost all shame just to smear Lao Wen!"

Alfred, chewing on his toast, leaned over and mumbled "Idiot" as well.

If the Ministry of Magic has nothing to do, you can bite a lighter. Aren't they supposed to be the Dark Lord? Such a busy person, how could they have time for such kindergarten-level pranks?

Lavender, on the other side of the long table, took a sip of pumpkin juice to calm herself. "Their methods are getting more and more crude. Mrs. Wayne, has your husband been up to anything big lately?"

Hermione calmly placed the sliced ​​bacon on the toast with her knife and fork, glanced at James across from her, and at the newspaper he was holding high, "Hmm... use the Imperius Curse to get Honeydukes to give away three years' worth of sweets to all the students at Hogwarts?"

Lavender almost spat out her pumpkin juice. She paused for a moment, then said, "I like this idea. It's much more realistic than what's written in the newspapers."

Wizards outside might believe it, but at Hogwarts, very few students would believe such a flawed and illogical accusation.

The more absurd the Ministry of Magic's statements, the stronger the distrust will become among students who know Vincent.

After finishing breakfast, Hermione glanced across the Great Hall.

There was something strange about the Ravenclaw table; Cedric had gone over there and sat next to Cho, chatting and laughing.

The Hufflepuff table was much more normal; the badgers were engrossed in their food, none of them paying attention to the newspapers beside them.

The atmosphere at the Slytherin table was somewhat awkward. Crabbe and Goyle were holding newspapers and seemed to be reading from them, while Draco completely ignored them.

His brows were furrowed, and the targeted glint in his eyes was gone.

Perhaps unable to stand Crabbe and Goyle any longer, he abruptly interrupted them: "Shut up! Eat your breakfast! What good is this garbage except making noise?"

The Slytherin table fell completely silent, and Pansy, who had been staring at Draco, became even more worried.

Hermione looked away. She knew the truth, knew Lucius's mission that night, and knew the reason behind the disaster in the Muggle world.

Sympathy is out of the question; Malfoy's past actions will not be easily erased.

There was no anger in her eyes; she knew who the real enemy was. Draco was more like a victim in disguise, a young wizard trapped between his family and Voldemort, barely able to protect himself.

Hermione calmly drank the last sip of milk and gently placed the cup next to the empty plate in front of her.

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