"What about me," Cedric muttered, "I just laughed for a moment, much better than them."

"That’s quite bold..." Kael declared righteously, "We’ve all gone to the Ministry of Magic, aren’t you embarrassed to be wandering outside?"

"Embarrassed..." Although Cedric really wanted to say this, he held back.

Because if he said it, he’d offend all three of them, and things would only get worse.

He knew his friends—or rather, sorta friends—too well. Maybe Fred and George would get rough with Kael in their anger, but they would make up instantly and unite when they had enough reason to do so.

And he was obviously the "outsider" here.

As for why Cedric was so sure? Simple—he just had to put himself in their shoes.

Anyway, he definitely wouldn’t mind doing so, let alone the less scrupulous Fred and George.

This wasn’t bad at all. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

After all, whether helping at the joke shop or working at the Ministry of Magic, it made little difference to Cedric.

More importantly, the Ministry of Magic wasn’t Azkaban. If things really didn’t work out, they could resign at any time.

"I think it would be best to find an excuse, let them write their own job applications."

With this thought, Cedric instantly betrayed his partner, saying, "If Mr. Weasley submits on their behalf, they might not accept it."

"Makes sense." Kael chuckled, "I have to say, you’re quite shameless."

"You too."

The two exchanged a knowing smile, and immediately started plotting on how to trick the Weasley Brothers.

Nearby, Conna couldn’t take it anymore, grabbed a quill and homework, and moved to a table further away.

In the following days, the Ministry of Magic naturally became the hottest topic at Hogwarts, and the four house heads saw it as a rare opportunity, encouraging some top students to try submitting a job application.

Cedric was the first to respond—he brought his application to Professor Sprout the very next day.

He initially planned to go to Umbridge, as she was the representative of the Ministry, but at Kael’s advice, he dropped that idea.

Kael knew that due to recent events, he not only took over Umbridge’s duties but also caused her to lose Fudge’s trust, so Umbridge had long held a grudge against him.

Everyone in the castle knew he and Cedric were friends, and going to Umbridge would surely mean trouble.

So, going to a professor seemed more reliable.

Being one of the top Hufflepuff students and the first to submit an application, Professor Sprout took it seriously and sent it to the Ministry of Magic the same day, accompanied by a referral letter.

And the Ministry’s response was swift.

By Friday, an owl delivered a letter to Hogwarts.

Cedric’s application was accepted—he officially became a Ministry employee... as an intern, of course.

Just like Kael, or rather every student at school.

But unlike Kael, Cedric only received a letter without a castle-wide announcement.

Also, his salary was merely a symbolic seven Galleons, probably just a tenth of a regular employee’s, unlike Kael who received a full salary.

However, Cedric didn’t mind.

"Look..." He spread the letter on the table, saying, "It says here we only need to go to the Ministry of Magic one day, Saturday. Not every day, so seven Galleons is quite good."

"Tomorrow is Saturday," Conna said, "Kael, are you going too?"

"I am." Kael took out another letter, also just delivered by the Ministry.

"By train?"

"Probably not, it’s too slow," Kael said, "By the time the train reaches London, we’ll almost be ready to return."

"It’s the Floo Network; the Ministry opened a new route connecting to Umbridge’s office."

"That’s convenient," Conna pondered as she glanced at Kael, "Should I write an application too?"

"Would Professor Snape allow you to work at the Ministry?" Kael asked.

"Probably not."

"No, definitely not," Kael laughed, "Besides, Ministry work is dull, you wouldn’t enjoy it."

Next to him, Cedric glanced at Kael, and made a loud clicking sound with his tongue. "Tsk, that wasn’t what you said yesterday."

"Nonsense, you’re different from them," Kael said unconcernedly, "You have Mr. Digory’s approval."

Cedric raised an eyebrow, "You sure that’s the only reason?"

"Keep talking and I’ll assign you to the Pest Advisory Department."

"Ho!"

...

The next day, Saturday.

At eight-thirty in the morning, Kael and Cedric headed to Umbridge’s office together.

Joined by three other students, two from Slytherin and one from Ravenclaw.

As for Fred and George, Kael and Cedric mutually agreed it would be best to share this good news at the end of the school year, with Mrs. Weasley nearby, making it foolproof.

So they still didn’t know about it.

"Great, you’re all here." Umbridge opened the door to let them in.

Professor McGonagall was inside, evidently ready to accompany the students.

Umbridge deliberately ignored Kael and led the others to the fireplace, coyly saying: