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Teacher, you're joking. How can a small student club like mine help you that much?" Robert said modestly.
"Haha, Robert, stop pretending. I know you understand. We just discussed this..." Professor Slughorn said with a smile.
Robert touched his chin thoughtfully. "Teacher, are you referring to... the reform of Slytherin House?"
"Exactly! Haha... you sly little fellow, acting like you don't see it, but you understand perfectly!" Professor Slughorn laughed, his belly shaking.
Robert replied humbly, "If you hadn't hinted at it, I might not have figured it out."
"You..." Professor Slughorn sighed. "This time, by establishing your student club, and with your growing reputation, I believe many students will want to join. Especially the non-pure-blood students in Slytherin House."
"Before, they were intimidated by the pure-blood families and didn't dare to approach you. But now that you've defeated those pure-blood bullies, the ones who were afraid before will definitely be tempted to join."
"When they join and gain your protection, Slytherin House will no longer have just one dominant voice. This is the perfect opportunity for me to reform Slytherin."
"Robert, you'll protect them, right?"
Robert nodded. "Anyone who joins our club becomes one of us. We help each other—not just in academics but in life as well."
"I knew I was right about you, Robert!" Professor Slughorn hesitated, then asked, "Does your club have a faculty advisor yet?"
Every student club could have a supervising professor to offer guidance and support. This wasn't mandatory, as the faculty was limited, and professors were often overwhelmed with their own duties.
"Not yet..." Robert noticed the anticipation in Professor Slughorn's eyes. "Professor, would you be our advisor?"
"That's exactly what I was hoping for!" Professor Slughorn said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Robert sighed in relief. He had initially considered inviting Professor Dumbledore... Luckily, he reconsidered just in time.
"That's fantastic! With you as our advisor, I'm sure even more students will be eager to join!" Robert's appreciation was genuine.
He had thought of asking Dumbledore because of his influence. With Dumbledore backing the club, no one would dare cause trouble. But Professor Slughorn was a better choice.
As the Head of Slytherin, Slughorn naturally commanded respect among the pure-blood students. They might defy Dumbledore but would certainly yield to Slughorn's authority.
After Robert left, Professor Slughorn sat down to think for a moment. He then stood up, grabbed his coat, and left his office.
Moments later, he arrived at the door of another office. He knocked, and a familiar voice called out from within.
"Come in."
Slughorn opened the door and stepped inside.
"Ah... Horace! Welcome! I thought you were hosting a party today?" Dumbledore greeted warmly.
"Good day, Albus. The party is tonight. Will you be attending?" Slughorn asked with a smile.
Dumbledore glanced at his desk, cluttered with papers. "As you can see, Horace, I have a mountain of work to get through."
Slughorn frowned at the sight. "The Ministry of Magic is still dumping all this paperwork on you?"
Dumbledore sighed. "There's no helping it, Horace. The Muggle world is on the brink of war, and we need to take measures to protect innocent wizards from the chaos. The Ministry needs my help on multiple fronts."
The looming war required extensive protective magic, and no one was more capable than Dumbledore. Meanwhile, Grindelwald's shadow loomed ominously... It was indeed a difficult time for the wizarding world.
"This is just a transitional phase... Albus, there hasn't been a wizard as brilliant as you in generations. So, whenever trouble arises, the Ministry looks to you." Slughorn sighed.
Dumbledore offered Slughorn some pineapple preserves and asked, "Horace... what's bothering you?"
Slughorn hesitated. "You've heard about what Robert did yesterday, right? I know you've been keeping an eye on him."
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes... he was a bit impulsive, but I trust there was a reason. I was hoping you could look into it."
Slughorn shook his head. "Albus, do you think I came here to punish Robert?"
"Then why...?" Dumbledore asked.
Slughorn explained, "It's the same story—those arrogant pure-blood kids tried to bully Robert's friends. He found out and struck first."
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "So, why did you come to see me?"
Slughorn's expression grew serious. "I believe Robert can handle things within Hogwarts, but I'm worried about what might happen outside. Those pure-blood families are powerful, and they don't easily forgive. I'm concerned they'll retaliate against Robert once he leaves school."
Dumbledore's expression softened. "I've already arranged a safe place for them. It's protected by a Fidelius Charm."
Slughorn was stunned. "A Fidelius Charm? Is it that serious?"
Dumbledore's face grew grim. "We're not just dealing with angry parents. Grindelwald has taken an interest in Robert and his friends."
Slughorn's eyes widened. "Grindelwald? Why would he target them?"
"We don't know the reason yet. But they'll be safe under the Fidelius Charm." Dumbledore's tone was firm.
"Who's the Secret-Keeper?" Slughorn asked cautiously.
"I am," Dumbledore replied.
Slughorn sighed in relief. "If it's you, then they'll be safe."
Dumbledore smiled. "Horace, it seems you have high hopes for Robert."
Slughorn looked at Dumbledore seriously. "Wouldn't you? He's a gifted student... just like Tom."
Dumbledore's gaze turned distant. "Yes... Robert and Tom... I have high hopes for both of them. I just pray they grow up before my time runs out."
Meanwhile, Robert headed to the Room of Requirement, clutching a stack of flyers. Now that he had Professor Slughorn's approval, he was ready to make his move.
The flyers read:
[Student Mutual Aid Society]
Head: Robert | Vice-Head: Tom Riddle | Secretary: Anne Rosier
Advisor: Professor Slughorn
As Robert and his group posted the flyers, students gathered, curious about the club. One Slytherin student timidly asked, "Will joining really protect us from bullies?"
Robert smiled warmly. "Yes. Once you join, the entire club stands behind you. With Professor Slughorn as our advisor, no one will dare trouble you."
The student's face lit up with hope. "I want to join!"
"Great! Just fill out this form," Anne said, handing him a registration sheet.
The flyers spread quickly, and more students gathered. A Gryffindor girl named Grace McLaggen stepped forward. "I heard about what you did yesterday... Maybe Slytherin isn't so bad after all. I'd like to join, too."
"Welcome, Grace! I'm glad you changed your mind," Robert said sincerely.
Tom watched the growing crowd and whispered, "Robert, are you sure about this? You're not being selective at all."
Robert smiled. "Tom, true power lies with the people, not just the elite. You'll understand one day... You must believe in the power of the people."
Tom looked puzzled but intrigued. "Alright... I'll take your word for it."
The revolution in Slytherin had just begun.
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