Harry Potter and the Secret Treasures - H.P.S.T Chapter 1643: New Educational Reform

Compared with the turbulent power struggles recorded throughout Wizarding history, Voldemort’s seizure of power this time was unusually smooth. After Dumbledore’s sudden departure and Scrimgeour’s murder, there were virtually no wizards left to resist Voldemort.

Voldemort’s formidable magic and the ever-present threat of death silenced all who might have opposed him, forcing others to go underground. Even the pure-blood Wizarding families, previously considered to be in decline, unleashed unimaginable power. In addition, many Dark forces, each with their own motives, chose to support Voldemort. With their combined efforts, Voldemort easily controlled the Ministry of Magic and established a new government to exert influence.

The whole process had been absurdly easy; there was not even a hint of the rebellion everyone had expected.

In fact, many wizards were unaware that the Ministry of Magic had been taken over by Voldemort.

However, the latest Ministry policies still revealed clues, such as the infamous Muggle-born Registration Commission. Evan had heard of it before, and today’s Daily Prophet provided a more detailed account.

Following the initial wanted posters for Evan, Harry, Sirius, and others, came an article about the Muggle-born Registration Commission. It stated:

‘The Ministry of Magic is undertaking a survey of so-called “Muggle-borns,” the better to understand how they came to possess magical secrets.

‘Recent research undertaken by the Department of Mysteries reveals that magic can only be passed from person to person when Wizards reproduce. Where no proven Wizarding ancestry exists, therefore, the so- called Muggle-born is likely to have obtained magical power by theft or force.

‘The Ministry is determined to root out such usurpers of magical power, and to this end has issued an invitation to every so-called Muggle-born to present themselves for interview by the newly appointed Muggle-born Registration Commission…’

That was utter nonsense. The Ministry was no longer concerned with Voldemort, but instead began researching Wizarding reproduction…

If no one found this suspicious, then they were simply treating everyone like fools!

The fact that there hadn’t been widespread panic and flight only indicated that people lacked understanding of this new policy, or naively believed that the “interview” organized by the Muggle-born Registration Commission was simply a polite meeting.

Once they saw the Dementors stationed in those chambers, once they witnessed the trials that felt more like executions — and once they realized that a single wrong word could get someone dragged to Azkaban or have their soul sucked out by the Dementor’s Kiss — they would begin to feel fear.

But by then, it would be far too late for them to run.

That said, stricter control and surveillance of Muggle-born witches and wizards did, in a twisted way, align with the long-held prejudices of many in the Wizarding community. Such views had existed for centuries.

Therefore, the Ministry’s actions had excited many pure-blood wizards and those with bloodline prejudices.

Moreover, the new Ministry was very lenient towards pure-blood wizards; even confirmed members of the Order of the Phoenix like the Weasleys had not been arrested, and Mr. Weasley could still go to work at the Ministry as usual.

That being the case, quite a number of pure-blood wizards supported the new Ministry.

Many of them might not support Voldemort and opposed evil and violence, but they saw nothing wrong with the Ministry’s new policies. For them, the Ministry might finally be doing something worthwhile. But for Muggle-born wizards and humanoid or non-human intelligent races, it was nothing short of a catastrophe.   

Evan glanced at a couple of paragraphs and skipped the article.

The third page of the newspaper carried another major story: a large picture at the top of the page of a hook-nosed, black-haired man — a man Evan recognized very well. Beneath the picture, a striking headline read:

SEVERUS SNAPE CONFIRMED AS HOGWARTS HEADMASTER

At last, it happened!

This news meant that Voldemort had begun reforming the existing educational system, as expected. However, the news came earlier than anticipated, considering there were still almost two weeks until the start of term.

Evan had assumed it would only be made public then.

Perhaps Voldemort’s visit to Hogwarts the previous night, to retrieve the Twin Serpent Staff, had accelerated both the “educational reform” and Snape’s appointment. After the break-in at Gringotts and the loss of the Golden Cup, the Death Eaters were surely trembling. Harry had said just yesterday that Voldemort was furious, that he’d killed several people in his rage. Now they were all desperately trying to please him, scrambling to carry out his wishes as fast as possible.

“Is this a picture of Snape?” said Hermione in surprise, noticing the newspaper in Evan’s hand.

“Yeah, he’s been appointed headmaster. If Harry saw this article, he’d probably be so furious he’d flip the table over — though at least he wouldn’t be arguing with Sirius this time, would he? When it comes to Snape, those two have always seen eye to eye,” said Evan, spreading the newspaper flat on the table and beginning to read it carefully.

“ ‘Severus Snape, long-standing Potions master at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was today appointed headmaster in the most important of several staffing changes at the ancient school. He will assume his duties immediately, ushering in a new era for this ancient institution. Following the resignation of the previous Muggle Studies teacher, Alecto Carrow will take over the post while her brother, Amycus, fills the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.”

“Hmph, that sounds pretty good,” Elaine interjected. “I’ve heard of those siblings. Last summer, when I lived in the Underworld with my uncle, there were many Dark wizards there besides werewolves, and those two were among the most notorious and cruel. Believe me, they’ll turn Hogwarts into a nightmare.”

“I can imagine,” Evan nodded in agreement. “A Muggle Studies class taught by someone who murders Muggles, and a Defence Against the Dark Arts course devoted to using Dark magic. And as for Headmaster Snape…”

“Headmaster Snape …” Hermione repeated, suddenly struck by a thought. Without another word, she dashed for the door. “Wait here, I’ll be back in a minute!”

Elaine watched Hermione’s retreating figure and continued to ask, “I don’t understand why the other professors agreed to these appointments?”

“They have no choice. Rebellion means being arrested and imprisoned in Azkaban or murdered. Staying at least ensures the students’ safety,” said Evan, looking down at the newspaper. “And that’s not even the end of it. There’s more here — not just staff changes, but the Ministry’s new educational reform plan. Let’s see… Hogwarts is going to add new year levels, just like Beauxbatons. Children will have to start school at seven years old. And every young witch or wizard born in Britain — anyone between seven and eighteen — will be required to report to Hogwarts. It’s compulsory…”

Translating_Wizard

The novel is officially complete!! 🥳🥳 Thank you for being part of this journey—it really means a lot. You can binge the full story now on Patreon (50% off!) + unlock 200+ extra chapters 👀

•