Chapter -82
So, the disciplinary committee is basically in charge of keeping things in line around here, making sure everyone follows the rules and that the campus stays safe. It might sound a bit funny, but it's actually a pretty important job!
Dumbledore, a bit puzzled, asked, "Are you talking about the prefects?"
Well, the prefects do have similar responsibilities—they help manage students and guide the newcomers, acting like teacher assistants.
"Nope!" Dudley replied, shaking his head. "The disciplinary committee has more authority than the prefects. We can oversee how the prefects are doing, and we're not just limited to the four houses."
"So, if I'm on the disciplinary committee, I can keep an eye on all four houses?" Dumbledore asked.
Exactly! While prefects manage students, the disciplinary committee looks after the prefects. You could think of it like a student council, but Dudley had bigger dreams than just that.
Hogwarts does have a student council, but it's pretty small—just the presidents of the boys' and girls' councils.
"If needed, even professors who break the rules can be reviewed by the disciplinary committee and face consequences."
Not every professor has the right values, and some really shouldn't be teaching. Plus, in a laid-back place like Hogwarts, hiring professors doesn't always involve thorough checks. The disciplinary committee is there to remind everyone that if they're not fit to teach, they can be let go.
This committee has more power than the house heads, who can't punish professors.
What Dudley was talking about is actually the disciplinary inspection group, for short.
"Dudley, you should know that even Deputy Headmistress McGonagall doesn't have that kind of power."
At this point, Dumbledore was seeing Dudley in a new light—not just as a young wizard, but as someone really clever and talented, especially in potions. With Snape's guidance, he could become a top potion master in no time!
"Then there should be some supervisors for such a powerful group," Dumbledore said, wanting to understand Dudley's intentions better.
"Absolutely!" Dudley replied, meeting Dumbledore's gaze.
"The disciplinary committee is directly under the headmaster's authority."
Dumbledore was still trying to process all this information, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
"You must know about St. George's School; I'm sure you've heard about it. What do you think of their security?"
Dumbledore was definitely aware of the Muggle school Harry attended; it was hard not to be.
"Very good," he said, nodding. "You could say it's the most peaceful public primary school in all of Britain."
It's not just universities that reflect society; primary schools do too, and the kids there have their own unique social dynamics.
"But it wasn't always like this; there used to be bullying, exclusion, discrimination, and violence everywhere."
Dudley shared, "What I experienced there could easily happen at Hogwarts too."
"You want to be part of that disciplinary group you mentioned, or maybe even lead it," Dumbledore observed, his expression thoughtful.
Unlike one of his students who preferred to stay hidden, Dudley was quite similar to someone Dumbledore knew.
"Of course! I won't deny that," Dudley said. "But I just want to enjoy a peaceful life, Professor."
"To spend a few years at school safely with Harry, Hermione, and the others."
"Professor Dumbledore, do you remember when I asked you if Hogwarts was safe before I came here?"
Dudley suddenly questioned.
"You said it was safe!"
Before Dumbledore could respond, Dudley continued, "No investigation, no say; I've been here for a few months now."
"I think I have a right to speak."
Dudley lifted his chin, and their bright blue eyes met, a moment of connection in the air.
This time, Dumbledore couldn't read anything in Dudley's eyes—just a vast blue like the ocean.
"Let me tell you, it's not safe here; Hogwarts is not safe at all—it's even dangerous."
"Dangerous? What makes you think it's dangerous?" Dumbledore asked, confused. After all, Hogwarts was known as the safest place in the wizarding world.
"Well, aside from the questionable quality of education and the unpleasant atmosphere, there's also that dangerous person who went missing over a decade ago."
"As far as I know, the whole wizarding world thinks Harry killed him."
"If I were him, the first thing I'd do when I came back would be to go after Harry."
It was clear who Dudley was talking about.
"Why do you think he's not dead?"
At that moment, Dumbledore even forgot about his sweets.
Meanwhile, Snape was at a loss for words, just standing there with a blank expression.
I'm just listening and not speaking.
"This was just a hypothesis; in ordinary terms, if you haven't seen the body and can't confirm death, you can think of it that way. There's a lot of evidence suggesting he's just missing or hiding, not truly dead. Maybe he's barely surviving somewhere, but he'll eventually come back."
"The Daily Prophet back then was just a bunch of people fooling themselves."
Dudley looked at Dumbledore and added, "I've got quite a few certificates and degrees in the ordinary world, one of which is criminology."
He got that degree shortly after starting his company.
Dumbledore didn't confirm or deny it; not denying it was a form of acknowledgment.
Snape's eyes widened; that person isn't dead?! This was the last thing he wanted to believe.
"So, what do you want to do?" Dumbledore asked, his expression turning serious, his gaze intense.
Dudley didn't flinch and held up three fingers: "I will only do three things."
"Fairness, what other."
"Just like what I did at St. George's Primary School, and then unite all the forces that can be united."
Fairness is the foundation of everything.
"Dudley, swearing isn't a good thing, especially since you're still just a kid."
"I'm not a kid at all," Dudley replied.
Dumbledore: .
"I need to think about it." Dumbledore didn't immediately agree or disagree; after popping another honey candy into his mouth, he said,
"This is a big deal; the power you want is quite significant, and I might not be able to give you what you're looking for."
The head boy's duties and monitoring the four houses of little wizards are pretty straightforward, but professors…
All professors at Hogwarts have signed contracts, and only the headmaster has the authority to dismiss or punish them. The headmaster can't delegate that power to anyone else.
Unless Dudley can get the right permissions.
"You should know that I'm just an ordinary headmaster with limited authority."
Dudley: .
This old man, I don't believe you at all.
After a little while, Dudley left the headmaster's office; everything that needed to be said had been said, and it was almost time for the Halloween feast.
Shortly after Dudley left, Dumbledore turned to Snape and quietly asked,
"Severus, what do you think of him? I mean Dudley Dursley."
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Note : Guys, some power stones will be really helpful.