Umbridge "Defensive spells?"
Umbridge inquired with patronizing amusement:
Umbridge "Why would you require practical defensive magic in my classroom, Miss Granger? Surely you don't anticipate being attacked during lessons."
Ron "So we're not learning actual spellcasting?"
Ron bellowed with characteristic subtlety.
Umbridge dismissed him entirely, along with Harry's frantically waving hand. Her gaze lingered on Harry's lightning bolt scar for several calculating seconds before returning to Hermione:
Umbridge "Miss Granger, do you have additional concerns?"
Hermione "Yes,"
Hermione declared with steel in her voice:
Hermione "Are we expected to spend the entire academic year studying pure theory?"
Umbridge "Are you a Ministry of Magic educational specialist, Miss Granger?"
Umbridge asked in sickeningly sweet tones.
Hermione "No, but—"
Umbridge "Then you lack qualification to question my curriculum. Wizards far more intelligent, experienced, and accomplished than yourself have determined appropriate study materials. You will learn Defense Against the Dark Arts through perfectly safe, risk-free methods that eliminate any possibility of accidents."
Harry "What's the bloody point?!"
Harry abandoned protocol entirely, shouting his frustration:
Harry "If we face real attacks, this tedious theory becomes completely worthless!"
Umbridge "Raise your hand, Mr. Potter!"
Umbridge commanded with amplified authority.
Harry thrust his hand skyward with violent emphasis, but Umbridge pointedly ignored him while surveying other raised hands throughout the classroom.
Umbridge "And your name?"
Umbridge addressed Orli with false pleasantry.
Orli "Orli Waters."
Orli responded evenly.
Umbridge "Well then, Miss Waters, what question troubles you?"
Orli "I share Harry's concerns—to prevent genuine attacks, we require practical defensive spell instruction immediately."
Orli maintained eye contact with Umbridge while her hand stealthily invaded her enchanted satchel. The Extension Charm concealed numerous interesting items. She contemplated selecting something particularly educational for Umbridge's benefit.
Umbridge "As I've explained."
Umbridge bestowed a revolting smile upon Orli:
Umbridge "Do you anticipate classroom attacks?—Though that does remind me of certain... irregularities. This school employs some rather unreliable non-human faculty members..."
Hermione "How dare you—"
Hermione erupted with righteous fury.
Umbridge "Silence, Miss Granger! As I was saying, age-inappropriate spells produce dangerous consequences. Only after suffering actual injuries will you comprehend my wisdom."
Ron "We simply want to—"
Ron attempted reason.
Umbridge "You failed to raise your hand!"
Ron immediately complied, but Umbridge deliberately turned away.
Umbridge "Now, based on my research, previous instructors not only demonstrated illegal spells but encouraged student practice! Ministry-approved theoretical study provides adequate examination preparation—and your name?"
She pivoted toward Neville, whose trembling hand had recently appeared.
Neville "Neville Longbottom."
Neville flinched but rallied his courage:
Neville "But doesn't the practical Defense Against the Dark Arts examination require actual spellwork? Shouldn't we demonstrate defensive magic?—I learn slowly and need extensive practice..."
Umbridge "Sufficient theoretical study over adequate time periods ensures successful spell performance under carefully supervised conditions."
Umbridge replied with withering contempt.
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