Umbridge had been beaten badly.
There were simply too many people present who were full of resentment toward Umbridge. Even if each of them had only rushed up and kicked her once, it would have been enough to kick her to death.
So when Link arrived in time and dispersed the crowd, what appeared before him was already a completely deformed, twisted fat face.
Aside from that black wizard's robe that could barely still be considered intact, there was nothing left on Umbridge that could be used to identify who she used to be.
Umbridge struggled to raise her hand, trembling as she pointed at Link, as if she wanted to say something.
But the moment she opened her mouth, what sprayed out wasn't words, but black-red filthy blood, every single tooth in her mouth had been knocked out.
This immediately triggered loud laughter from the surrounding onlookers.
Even though Umbridge was the headmistress of Hogwarts, and also a high-ranking official of the Ministry of Magic,
the students felt absolutely no fear.
Their past experiences had already given them more than enough examples to prove that in the wizarding world, the law does not punish the masses.
Especially since they were still a group of underage students.
At a time when the wizarding population was sparse, they were the very foundation of the wizarding world's future development.
No matter what, the Ministry of Magic would never throw them into Azkaban just because of the death of some minor official.
Driven by this confidence, George and Fred, who were still not quite satisfied, even moved closer to Link and said, "Link, what should we do with this thing next?"
"If you ask me, didn't she want to hang our companions up and whip them? Then let's just treat her the same way!"
Hearing this, Link shot George and Fred a look, but the others nearby immediately grew excited again.
Some even bluntly stated that they had received medical training from Madam Pomfrey and could treat Umbridge's injuries, so she wouldn't die halfway through and escape punishment.
As for Filch, the undercover agent Link had planted beside Umbridge, he had already brought out all kinds of shiny, polished torture devices he had collected in his room.
This immediately triggered cheers from everyone, and Filch very rarely became someone universally loved.
At the staff table, Madam Pomfrey had already begun organizing people to treat the Inspection Squad members who were lying all over the Great Hall.
Having served as the school nurse for many years, she knew this all too well.
Sometimes, these fledgling wizard apprentices who feared nothing could strike even harder than veteran Dark Wizards.
Because the former had no sense of reverence at all; even their understanding of consequences was vague.
They acted purely according to their own likes and dislikes.
Professor McGonagall, along with the other Heads of House, stood up and watched Link and the others from afar.
Now that Umbridge really had been beaten down, how were Link and the others supposed to wrap this up?
After all, merely driving Umbridge away didn't actually mean much, the Ministry of Magic could simply send another official to serve as Hogwarts' headmaster.
And as the leader of this operation, Link would undoubtedly face severe punishment.
Perhaps relying on the power of the Flamel family, Link wouldn't be thrown into Azkaban, but being expelled from Hogwarts was basically inevitable.
Thinking this, Professor McGonagall shook her head with an ugly expression and said, "Still too young…"
Her words had barely fallen when her expression suddenly changed.
Because she suddenly realized that Link and Emily and the others were actually dragging Umbridge by the legs toward the staff seats.
Of course, Link's target wasn't the professors, but the Ministry representative sitting in the corner, Percy.
Bang!
Umbridge was tossed in front of Percy by John like a piece of trash.
The heavy impact caused Umbridge, who was already on the verge of losing consciousness, to cry out in pain again.
The middle-aged wizard sitting next to Percy had an extremely ugly expression. No matter what crimes Umbridge had committed, she should have been judged by Umbridge herself, not subjected to private punishment by someone like Link Flamel.
With things turning out like this, the authority of the Ministry of Magic could be said to have been completely shattered.
"So now, representatives of the Ministry of Magic, it's time for us to talk about Hogwarts' follow-up arrangements." Link said calmly.
Hearing this, the middle-aged wizard was about to erupt in anger, but the next moment, Percy reached out and pressed him back down.
"Kingsley, just sit quietly. You're only here to make up the numbers, this isn't your place to speak."
Percy said coldly. Hearing this, Kingsley sat back down, clenching his fists tightly, his expression extremely gloomy.
"Tsk tsk tsk."
After intimidating Kingsley, Percy craned his neck to look Umbridge over, who barely looked human anymore. Smacking his lips in disgust for a moment, he then put on a brilliant smile and said to Link, "Of course, Lord Flamel. I think this is a very worthwhile issue to discuss. How about we find a quiet place to talk?"
"Just what I had in mind." Link said with a smile.
With that, he turned and led Emily and the others out of the Great Hall.
Percy very consciously used a Levitation Charm to lift Umbridge and followed behind Link.
Seeing this, Professor McGonagall immediately chased after them. Given the current situation, the negotiation between Link and Percy would very likely determine Hogwarts' future.
As the professor Dumbledore had designated to stay behind and look after the students, she had to be present to supervise.
However, she had barely reached the entrance hall when Percy, who had been closely following Link, suddenly stopped, turned around, and said with a beaming smile, "Professor McGonagall, this is a meeting between Lord Flamel and myself. In my opinion, you shouldn't participate."
"No!" Professor McGonagall said decisively. "I don't know what schemes you and Link are plotting, but Percy, "
"Please call me Assistant Weasley!"
Percy abruptly interrupted her. The smile on his face had long vanished, replaced by endless indifference.
"What I represent now is the will of the Minister for Magic. McGonagall, you don't seriously think that just because I respect you a bit more, you can bargain with me, do you?"
These words shocked Professor McGonagall so badly that her face changed dramatically.
She couldn't understand it.
How, in just a few short years, had Percy Weasley, the one who used to be so respectful toward professors, turned into this?
She pressed her lips tightly together, eyes wide, cheeks trembling slightly, adopting the severe expression that could make almost every student in Hogwarts nervous.
But this time, Percy did not lower his head like he used to at school.
He merely smiled faintly, then turned around and quickened his pace to catch up with Link.
Leaving Professor McGonagall standing there in a daze.
"Minerva, don't worry too much. Let's hurry back to the Great Hall. Those kids…"
Kingsley patted Professor McGonagall on the shoulder, speaking hesitantly.
Professor McGonagall turned her head stiffly and looked in the direction he indicated. She saw that the students, who had already quieted down somewhat, were now celebrating again under the instigation of George, Fred, and the other D.A. members.
Large numbers of Weasley fireworks were being launched.
Colorful firework dragons roared and circled endlessly above the Great Hall.
Below them, the students laughed wildly, and the entire hall descended into chaos.
Professor McGonagall had no doubt that if this were the afternoon, they would probably already be preparing to throw a banquet by now.
In stark contrast to this lively scene, the staff table was completely empty.
Most of the professors had already left, clearly unwilling to provoke this group of students who had just gang-beaten Umbridge.
Professor Flitwick was still there trying to maintain order, but how could the already hot-blooded students possibly listen to him?
Some particularly bold students even dragged Flitwick along to celebrate together.
With all the pulling and tugging, it almost looked as if Professor Flitwick himself had joined in the celebration.
Professor McGonagall let out a deep sigh.
She understood that this wasn't just the Ministry of Magic losing face.
The authority of the professors had also taken a severe hit.
Just guessing, she could already imagine what the students were thinking, these professors who usually sat so high above everyone were actually all just for show, useless, unable to even deal with a single Umbridge, and in the end, didn't they still have to rely on us students to step in?
Shaking her head, Professor McGonagall did not enter the Great Hall, but instead looked at Kingsley and said, "What? You're not allowed to attend their meeting either?"
Kingsley lowered his head, stayed silent for a moment, then gave a bitter smile.
"Minerva, this world has changed. The Ministry of Magic has changed too, changed so much that we're almost unable to recognize it anymore."
———
[Half an Hour Later]
[Inside the Room of Requirement]
With Newland's help, Cedric was using the potion Link had provided to perform emergency treatment on Umbridge.
Otherwise, Umbridge would probably be dead any moment now.
On the other side, Link and Emily sat comfortably on the sofa.
Standing in front of them was Percy, wearing a look of utter humility.
"Lord Flamel, your plan this time was executed perfectly! Congratulations!"
Link chuckled and said, "With so much preparation, success was inevitable. Failure would have been the real surprise. Ah, let's proceed with the next steps according to the original plan."
Percy bowed deeply.
"Of course, of course! It's just…" His tone shifted as he looked at Umbridge. "What do you think should be done with this thing?"
At this moment, under Cedric and the others' treatment, Umbridge had recovered basic mobility and was staring at Link and Percy with a face full of hatred.
Originally, she had still been wondering how Link had managed to shut her down so easily, not even giving her the chance to use all her follow-up moves.
But now, seeing Percy's humble attitude toward Link, she understood everything.
The mysterious pure-blood noble who had supported Percy behind the scenes, helping him seize all of Minister Fudge's political resources, was the Flamel family.
They had colluded long ago.
Under this kind of coordinated attack from both inside and out, how could a small senior inquisitor like her possibly fight back?
Right now, she wanted nothing more than to tear Link and Percy apart with her own hands.
However, the moment Link and Percy's gazes turned toward her, the hatred in her eyes vanished instantly.
In its place was endless pleading and fear.
The Flamel family, having Death Eater ties and later continuously engaging in the poaching industry, had a reputation that was far too terrifying.
Killing a small official like her would be as easy as breathing.
"Ple… please… please let me go…" Umbridge struggled to say.
But before she could finish, Newland slapped her hard across the face, knocking the rest of her words right back in.
After doing this, Newland even gave Link an apologetic smile, indicating that he hadn't done his job well enough.
This put a smile all over Link's face.
He slowly walked over to Umbridge, tilted his head, and examined her for a while as she trembled and cried out in pain. Then he shook his head and said, "I'm actually a reasonable person."
"This incident has gotten too big. It would cause major damage to the Ministry of Magic."
"So let's send Umbridge to the Ministry for trial. She's embezzled so much money that she probably won't be able to get out of Azkaban for the rest of her life anyway. Let's consider it giving the Ministry some face."
"Also, this matter shouldn't be reported in the papers. We'll suppress public opinion together."
"You know what to do, right?"
"Yes! I understand!"
Link nodded, then turned and walked toward the exit, saying, "Then let's go. The time's about right, it's time to announce the results to everyone."
The group followed one after another, naturally not forgetting to bring along Umbridge, who now wore a face of wild joy.
They went straight down the stairs and into the Great Hall.
The students there were still in the midst of celebration. A full half hour had not only failed to cool their enthusiasm, but had made the scene even more lively.
But when Link and his group appeared in the Great Hall and raised a hand to signal for silence, the students, who even Professor Flitwick had been unable to calm, suddenly went quiet.
This scene filled Professor McGonagall with worry, but her gaze never left Link.
She, and indeed everyone in the Great Hall, knew that the answer was about to be announced.
"Ahem!"
Link's group dragged Umbridge up onto the podium. Percy cleared his throat, then forced out a familiar smile and said to everyone, "I don't need to introduce myself, do I?"
"After all, Umbridge just spent more than twenty minutes introducing me and flattering me. So you should all know who I am, and who I represent by standing here today, right?"
As soon as he said this, the students below burst into laughter.
"Then I won't waste words. After lengthy discussions with Board Member Link Flamel and the student representative Cedric, we've reached a preliminary cooperation plan."
Percy clearly adopted Dumbledore and Link's "brevity is the soul of wit" approach and went straight to the point.
"First, Hogwarts Senior Inquisitor Dolores Jane Umbridge will be sent to the Ministry of Magic for trial on charges of extortion, involving a massive sum. I estimate she'll be sentenced to at least life imprisonment in Azkaban."
"As for who will replace Umbridge in managing Hogwarts..."
"After intense discussion, we've decided to abandon the previous single-headmaster system and instead adopt a committee system."
"That is, a trinity structure with the Ministry of Magic as the supervisory body, the Board of Governors as the arbitration body, and the Student Council as the management body!"
As soon as these words fell, the cheers and applause Percy had expected were few and far between.
More people were whispering among themselves.
Clearly, this result didn't quite match their expectations.
Compared to some committee system, they would much rather see Dumbledore return.
Seeing this, Link chuckled and stepped forward, squeezing Percy aside, and said, "This is a brand-new system, and a bold experiment."
"I know you're filled with fear about the unknown future, this is human nature."
"But past traditions, in the face of time, often become outdated."
"Just like centuries ago, there was a legendary healer named Semmelweis."
"He was the first healer in magical history to discover minimally invasive procedures!"
"Now we all know how many lives such innovation can save. But back then, Semmelweis was subjected to brutal suppression."
"Those foolish people, those who clung to old ways, those who feared their own status being shaken!"
"They smeared Semmelweis as a madman, locked him in a dungeon, and starved him to death alive!"
Link spread his arms and shouted, "And now, I believe our innovation is also correct!"
"So tell me, are you willing to believe in me, or will you, like those who treated Semmelweis, lock me in a dungeon?"