thefictionvixens Chapter 53 Where there is oppression, there is resistance
Chapter 53 Where there is oppression, there is resistance
[P.S.: Can you believe it? It's 2026...]
"Well, you'd better stay here, Percy. This is an order from Professor Delfino!"
Fred chuckled and shoved a teapot cover into Percy's mouth. Then, ignoring Percy's horrified and angry gaze, he and George lifted their brother up and tossed him onto a sofa in front of the fireplace.
"You don't have to participate in the operation!"
Ares withdrew his gaze, raised a finger, and looked at the young wizards with a serious expression, saying...
"But we will never allow betrayal!"
"Go on, Professor Delfino!"
George Weasley, who had squeezed back to the front of the crowd, said enthusiastically,
"You just said you wanted to mobilize more people to participate in our operation!"
"Oh, that's right, Mr. Weasley!"
Ares said,
"Right now, it's just Gryffindor, our house (Nick shouts: Don't forget about us Ghosts!)... That's far from enough. We need more people to come to our aid before those in power will back down in fear—"
Ares hesitated for a moment, his gaze sweeping around before finding Parvati Petil in the crowd.
"So, Miss Petil, the [protection captain] who was with you this morning, Padma Petil, is your..."
"She's my sister, Professor Delfino!"
"Do you think she'll join our operation, Miss Petit, and urge her to mobilize the Ravenclaw freshmen..."
"Oh, I wouldn't dare count on Ravenclaw's upperclassmen; after all, smart people often lack courage."
Ares's words made all the young Gryffindor wizards blush and stand up proudly!
"I believe I can do it, Professor Delfino, I can convince Padma!"
"Pavati said proudly."
"Very good, very good. So... uh, Hufflepuff, who's the closest to the new Hufflepuff students?"
In the crowd, Neville tightened his lips and tried his best to shrink his shoulders and head.
"Ah, of course, Mr. Longbottom!"
Ares had such a keen eye that he immediately spotted Neville.
He asked in a gentle tone,
"Could you try to revitalize Hufflepuff...? Ernie McMillan and Susan Burns on the team today, I think they both have very good talent, and with a little practice, they'll play even better... What do you say, Neville, pass on my assessment of them to them?"
"But—but I don't know—Hufflepuff's—rest room—"
Before Neville could finish his stammering words, George put his arm around his shoulder.
"I can show you the way, Neville—I'm also planning to go there, and while I'm at it, I'll ask that pale-faced Hufflepuff if he's brave enough to join our operation."
"But I'm afraid—of my grandma..."
Neville closed his eyes in fear.
Going against the school... what will Grandma say if she finds out?!
"Oh, I dare say your grandmother would be very proud of your indomitable spirit, Neville."
Ares said gently. And his words seemed to give Neville a lot of encouragement.
Despite his still very pale face, Neville nodded, gasping for breath.
"Finally, Slytherin—"
"I must remind you, Professor Delfino!"
Many of the older students started shouting, especially George Weasley's voice, which was particularly loud.
"They—those slippery snakes—are not to be trusted!"
"Of course, of course... I know their character better than anyone else."
Ares nodded, seemingly lost in thought.
"Hmm...but how should I put it, it's causing trouble for Dumbledore...I mean, this matter is ultimately in their own interest, so they might be willing to do it...How about Ron and Harry, you two go...directly to Draco Malfoy?"
"What?!"
Ron shouted.
"I have no connection with Malfoy whatsoever, Professor Delfino!"
Harry also shouted excitedly, immersed in the excitement and uplifting sense of mission that this collective rebellion brought him!
This is not only about fighting for one's own rights, but also about fighting for the rights of every new class that follows, isn't it?
"Don't worry, you two, it's not certain that anyone else could persuade that little Malfoy!"
Ares said with a smile
"Don't worry, I'll teach you the 'correct way' to communicate with Mr. Malfoy later... Nick, you lead these two to the right place. They probably don't know where Slytherin's stronghold is either. After that, you go and mobilize your kind."
"I guarantee the mission will be accomplished, sir!"
Nick exclaimed excitedly.
"Finally... um, let me think—"
Ares stared at the chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and said thoughtfully,
"Students from all four houses are involved...and there are some ghosts...yes, that's enough to make the authorities take our actions seriously, but...it's not enough..."
"Who else will support us, Professor Delfino?"
Angelina Smith, a dark-skinned girl with a pretty face, blinked her black, gem-like eyes and asked excitedly.
"There's practically no one left to start it!"
"And of course, Miss Smith!"
Ares tapped his chest with his finger, a smile playing on his lips.
"Those are my colleagues."
"Faculty and staff team?!"
"Yes, that's right—at least, I think Professor Flitwick and Professor Kettleburn are likely to support us."
Ares said,
"Hmm—I can't rule out Hagrid too. I think we should try to get him. How about this—"
Ares made up his mind. He looked at Harry and Ron.
"I'll personally persuade Professors Flitwick and Kettleburn, while you two go to Malfoy. After that, we'll meet up in the Great Hall to go find Hagrid and try to see if we can bring Hagrid into the team—the school administration has always valued Hagrid's opinion."
Harry blinked his bright green eyes, finding this increasingly interesting.
"Attention everyone!"
Ares's eyes gleamed with excitement as he gave a final, resounding pep talk.
"Time is of the essence, and we must act as soon as possible. Moreover, in order to prevent the school authorities from taking precautions, secrecy is crucial until we have invited enough accomplices."
Therefore, it is crucial to avoid discussing this matter loudly in the hallway... If, during the mobilization process, someone not only refuses to participate but also intends to report you, then show no mercy and take them down directly...
Students who haven't been assigned tasks, please wait in the lounge. Everyone will gather in the auditorium at 8:50 PM. Understood?
"Understood, Professor Delfino!"
"No problem, Commander!"
"At your service, sir!"
"Then what are we waiting for?!"
Ares waved his hand dramatically, speaking with great passion and fervor.
"action!!!"