Parvati "Without any prior practice?"
Parvati asked with obvious skepticism:
Parvati "Are you seriously telling us we'll attempt real defensive spells for the first time on examination day?"
Umbridge "I repeat—provided you study sufficient theory—"
Harry "What bloody good is theory in actual combat?"
Harry demanded loudly, his hand shooting upward once more.
Umbridge "This is a school. There is no such thing as 'actual combat.'"
Umbridge replied in deceptively gentle tones, though her eyelids fluttered with barely contained irritation.
Harry "So we don't need preparation for fighting?"
Umbridge "There are no battles awaiting us, Mr. Potter. Who would possibly attack children like yourselves?"
Orli's hand continued its urgent exploration of her enchanted satchel—finally locating the item she sought.
Harry "Well, let me think."
She heard Harry respond with mock contemplation:
Harry "Perhaps... Voldemort?"
Seamus began hyperventilating, Lavender released a sharp shriek, and Neville slithered from his chair. Umbridge, however, remained utterly composed.
She fixed Harry with glacial calculation, satisfaction spreading across her features.
Umbridge "Ten points from Gryffindor."
Absolute silence descended. Every eye shifted between Umbridge and Harry.
Umbridge "Now, let's speak plainly."
Umbridge leaned forward menacingly, planting her stubby fingers on Harry's desk.
Umbridge "You claim a Dark Lord has returned—"
Harry "He never died, and he's definitely back!"
Harry snarled with righteous fury.
Umbridge "Mr. Potter, you've already cost your house ten points. Don't compound your foolishness."
Umbridge roared with sudden venom:
Umbridge "That is an absolute fabrication!"
Harry "It's not a lie! I witnessed his resurrection—we captured a Death Eater who confessed everything—"
Umbridge "Detention!"
Umbridge regained her composure instantly, wearing a triumphant smile.
Umbridge "Tomorrow evening, five o'clock. My office. As I stated, you're lying. The Ministry of Magic guarantees no citizen faces danger from any Dark wizard. Now, continue reading page five—'Basic Principles for Beginners.'"
The dismissal bell chimed with perfect timing.
Students stared at Harry while packing with glacial slowness, expressions ranging from terror to fascination, as if attempting to decode secrets from his face.
Umbridge "Class dismissed."
Umbridge's features transformed into sickeningly girlish sweetness:
Umbridge "Should anyone feel troubled by certain... rumors, or hear lies about Dark Lords returning—I welcome such reports enthusiastically. Children willing to share truth will find me their dearest friend."
Students filed out gradually. Orli deliberately packed with exaggerated slowness, outlasting nearly everyone. Finally, only Orli, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Umbridge remained.
Umbridge "Something troubling you, Miss Waters? Why haven't you departed?"
Umbridge approached with predatory interest, glancing meaningfully at Harry.
Umbridge "Perhaps you have information to share? I can arrange private consultation at your convenience."
Orli "Absolutely, Professor Umbridge."
Orli beamed with angelic sweetness, then smoothly withdrew her mother's weathered wand:
Orli "Furnunculus!"
Umbridge released a bone-chilling shriek as her face erupted in violent crimson, sprouting a horrifying constellation of angry, pointed boils.
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