Roy, sensing the tension still lingering from Umbridge's capture, decided to pay a visit to the centaur herd in the Forbidden Forest. Having met and aided them many times in the past, he knew he had their trust.
As he approached, the centaur chief recognized him immediately and greeted him with a nod. "Roy Valvas… it is good to see you again," the chief said respectfully.
Roy's gaze was calm but calculating. "Tell me, chief, what will happen to Umbridge?" he asked.
"She can be released," the centaur replied, "but she will have no further contact with the herd. They refuse to be insulted or commanded by her."
Roy's mind raced. He needed a solution that would keep Umbridge neutralized while giving him leverage, and he thought of a subtle plan. From his bag, he took out a small vial containing a sample potion.
The centaur chief eyed it curiously. "What is this?" he asked, suspicious but intrigued.
Roy smiled faintly. "This potion can increase the chances of a female centaur becoming pregnant. It's highly potent—one of the most effective potions of its kind."
The chief's eyes widened with delight. "And how certain are you of its effect? You know we are well-versed in such potions; many claim to work, few actually do."
Roy's expression remained confident. "About 95% effective. I've tested it thoroughly."
The chief's tail flicked with excitement. "This… this is remarkable. Truly remarkable."
Roy leaned closer. "Keep Umbridge as your hostage until I instruct otherwise. Do not harm her, but do not allow her back into contact with the herd."
The centaur chief nodded eagerly, pleased with the deal. "As you wish, Roy Valvas. Your instructions will be followed."
With the arrangement settled, Roy returned to Hogwarts, his plan in motion. He sought out Professor McGonagall to report on the situation, though he carefully omitted the details of the potion deal.
"Minerva," he said casually, "the centaurs have taken Umbridge. There's nothing more we can do; she insulted their skills and pride, and they refuse to let her interfere with them."
McGonagall, unaware of Roy's clever negotiation, sighed in exasperation but chose to accept the situation. "Very well, Roy. If you say so… I suppose this will have to do for now," she said, shaking her head as she left.
Roy smiled quietly to himself. Everything was proceeding exactly as he had planned