Chapter 237

The Torchwood meetings were scheduled for 7 p. . the next day; evening gatherings had become an unwritten rule of the organization. According to the elder member (Malfoy), this timing was chosen because Crabbe and Goyle hadn't yet digested their dinner and wouldn't be too busy gorging on snacks to say a word.

When Harry arrived at headquarters, he noticed two new faces: Hannah Abbott and Ernie Macmillan.

"Hi, Harry," Hannah greeted him.

Ernie stood up unconsciously and said seriously, "Hello, Potter. Welcome back."

"So, you two have joined Torchwood now?" Harry asked with a smile.

"Yes, we feel Torchwood lacks a Hufflepuff voice," said Pansy as she entered from the door. "Hannah and Ernie represent two major factions within Hufflepuff; together, they can lead Dumbledore's Army. Torchwood's purpose is to bridge house divisions under the greater good of the school, isn't it?"

"Exactly. We need to make up Harry's vote today," Malfoy added. "Harry, do you approve their membership?"

"Of course I do," Harry replied, sensing something odd—there seemed to be a subtle shift in the dynamic between Pansy and Malfoy. "But I'm curious: you two had differences before. Have you become good friends now?"

"Well, aside from other things, Hannah is pure-blood—that alone means we can't truly be enemies," Ernie said.

"Ernie, I've warned you many times—constantly mentioning blood status makes you an easy target," Hannah said, annoyed. "Look, Harry, it's like this—I have to help him out."

"Right, unless you join Torchwood," Cui Ge interjected. "The Mudbloods have already torn you apart."

"Yes, there are many things we all know but can't say aloud," Malfoy said with a touch of melancholy.

"Actually, regarding Dumbledore's Army, my only concern was that Ernie might lose control of Dark Magic. With some outside help, it's no longer an issue," Hannah said. "Just look at him—he's so worrying."

"Am I?" Ernie scratched his head. "I think I control Dark Magic pretty well, especially the Slug Jinx."

Harry blinked. At the mention of Dark Magic, his mind instantly filled with Avada Kedavra and Cruciatus—he'd almost forgotten that Dark Magic was a broad category.

"We've modified the Slug Jinx and invented a new spell," Crabbe blurted out eagerly.

"The spell is 'Cockroach Fly.' Anyone hit by it will vomit flying cockroaches," Goyle added.

After a suffocating silence, Pansy spoke: "I'm glad to see you two still diligently improving spells and studying magic—but this one is far too dark. I'm half-convinced it'll become the fourth Unforgivable Curse."

The two big oafs laughed happily, as if it were a compliment.

After some small talk, they turned serious again to discuss the school's situation. All clubs—or rather, all student groups containing fighters—now fell under Torchwood's control: Slytherin's Silver Blood Family remained under Malfoy's command; Hufflepuff's Dumbledore's Army was now led by Hannah, with Ernie as deputy; Luna had been chosen as Ravenclaw's new Guardian; and Neville, who led the Lionheart Society, was regarded by them as Harry's subordinate.

Cui Ge had united a large number of Muggle-borns and pure-bloods pretending to be Muggle-born for show; Pansy and Ivy had organized the girls' opinions. Their only weakness was Hermione, the top Muggle-born, and Zhang Qiu, the first to introduce the Makeup Charm—both under Harry's influence. That was why, despite his long absence from meetings, Harry still held a superior status.

When Harry revealed that Cedric was dating Fleur, everyone sighed in relief—it meant the moral paragon wouldn't have time to meddle in Dumbledore's Army's affairs. Everyone agreed Cedric was admirable, but also unanimously agreed it was best he never learned what they were doing.

"We should establish some diplomatic relations," Pansy suddenly suggested. "Harry, you've met many outsiders this year—I think this is crucial. We could set up similar clubs in other schools, or directly contact their student unions."

Harry immediately understood: if Torchwood communicated with other schools under the banner of Hogwarts' protector, it would solidify its status as the top student organization. Once professors were set aside (who rarely interfered in student clubs anyway), Torchwood would become the true voice of the entire student body—commanding obedience at a single word.

Pansy looked at Harry with pleading eyes—but Harry saw ambition hidden within them.

"I'll talk to Elina. For Beauxbatons, Fleur and Cedric are dating—otherwise, I still have Dora," Harry mused aloud. "Krum is unquestionably the soul of Durmstrang, but he may not be clever—I'll have to speak to him carefully."

"Good. You've got ideas," Pansy smiled. "Then we leave it to you."

The rest of the time was spent on gossip. Hogwarts' amusing anecdotes made Harry laugh, and the children eagerly asked about Beauxbatons. They talked for so long that Crabbe and Goyle, having finished an entire snack cart, began growling with hunger again.

"Alright, I think we should wrap up," Pansy said. "If you're not done talking, we can meet again tomorrow."

"Yes, business is done—tomorrow is just chatting," Luna said with a smile as she took her leave.

As students filed out, Harry, Pansy, and Malfoy remained seated. They all knew another private conversation was coming.

Harry studied them carefully. He noticed Pansy seemed more tolerable now—compared to her post-makeup-charm self. Compared to her second-year face, which resembled a pug, she now looked almost like a different person.

"Harry, thank you for helping mediate our relationship," Pansy spoke first. "Malfoy has become much gentler. I think he loves me more now."

"No problem, it was nothing," Harry replied politely, then asked, "Has your relationship changed? I feel… it's smoother now?"

"Oh yes, we also have Tom to thank," Pansy suddenly blushed.

"Yeah, we… did it," Malfoy stammered. "Anyway, I think I should give Pansy more patience, more security—I need to spoil her."

"And I must take responsibility for her, Harry," Malfoy said seriously. "I don't want to hear about Ivy anymore."

Harry still didn't fully understand what "did it" meant, but he guessed it might be some kind of magical ritual. In an instant, Malfoy and Pansy were locked together.

After a brief exchange, Harry couldn't determine who now held the dominant role. With time growing late, he took his leave. After leaving, he slipped back under his Invisibility Cloak and quietly asked Tom what advice he'd given.

On the diary's page appeared only one line: "Any girl can wear matching lingerie and black fishnet stockings—even Pansy." Harry was baffled.

But Harry had neither time nor inclination to ponder what had happened between the pure-blood couple. With Easter break ending, the four students who had sneaked out of Beauxbatons had to pack up and sneak back.

Back at Beauxbatons, Harry easily arranged meetings with Fleur and Dora. Fleur showed little interest in student clubs, but Dora was eager. After Dora's persistent persuasion, Fleur agreed—and planned to recruit another popular girl, Kate Stewart, to help them.

Elina immediately proposed rebuilding the Destiny Organization at Ilvermorny. According to her, the idea had shocked Tang Nade—but he immediately applauded and promised full support.

With these two matters settled, Harry considered briefly: Renata had always been distant from him, and he saw no common ground between her and Torchwood's members. Besides, since he'd cleverly used the Sea-Opening Charm to resolve the 15-minute delay condition, Renata had never approached him again.

As for whether to approach Krum about establishing ties with Durmstrang, Harry weighed it repeatedly and decided he should. Krum might not be clever, but he surely had smart friends—even if unreliable. Harry didn't care who led Durmstrang; he simply needed a sufficiently prestigious figure, and Krum was, at this stage, a perfectly useful banner.

Having decided, Harry pretended he wanted to discuss professional Quidditch with Krum. He asked a Durmstrang student to slip him a note, saying he'd wait for him near the trees beside the big ship.

To Harry's surprise, Krum came alone—Renata wasn't with him. But Krum showed no interest in organizations whatsoever; he remained trapped in his strange obsession with "conspiracies."

The first words Krum spoke upon seeing Harry were: "You finally contacted me, Harry. I was just about to tell you—I think Karkaroff's recent actions are suspicious…"