Chapter 1089: Shattering the Nightmare
Chapter 1089: Shattering the Nightmare
Trial of the students?
That was downright absurd.
Since when did the professors of Hogwarts, let alone the Headmaster, have the authority to do such a thing?
"Only a madman would pull off something so insane," Albert said meaningfully. "Umbridge is destined to leave her mark in the history of Hogwarts."
Professor McGonagall glared at the smug fellow in front of her, suspecting that Albert was behind all of this! Perhaps others might not be capable, but Albert most certainly was.
Indeed, McGonagall's suspicions were not unfounded, as Umbridge was being driven mad by Albert's string of mischievous maneuvers. Ever since Umbridge learned from Ron about the "secret weapon" Dumbledore had been secretly preparing in the Forbidden Forest, she had been plagued by anxiety. The existence of this secret weapon seemed to tie all the clues together.
The damned prophecy left by Trelawney still hung over Umbridge like a sharp blade.
Although Umbridge had been trying to dismiss the prophecy, the mention of the secret weapon by Ron made it impossible for her to stay calm.
The Forbidden Forest, expulsion from school, and a lifetime in Azkaban… There were even rumors in the Ministry of Magic about Fudge's impending downfall.
Should Dumbledore's plot succeed, Minister Fudge would undoubtedly fall from power, and Umbridge would be ousted from Hogwarts, causing Trelawney's prophecy to come true.
Even though Umbridge didn't believe she would end up in Azkaban, with most of the prophecy already unfolding, she dared not take the risk, nor did she want to spend the rest of her life in the wizarding prison.
What made it worse was that June was approaching, and Weasley had mentioned that they would use the weapon then.
Umbridge didn't know the exact date, but it felt like a noose tightening around her neck, leaving her breathless and with little time remaining.
As for whether someone was deliberately targeting her, Umbridge had two suspects: Harry Potter, and the other was Albert Anderson.
There was no doubt about Harry Potter.
As for Albert, despite his apparent docility, he remained suspicious. How could he not be when he was best friends and roommates with that Weasley brat?
He was also a clever individual with some history with the Ministry.
It would be foolish not to suspect him.
Of course, that was the extent of it.
Naturally, Umbridge wouldn't connect everything to Albert.
After all, he had hidden his involvement too well.
Boom! The entire Hogwarts castle trembled slightly.
Professor McGonagall nearly lost her balance and grabbed Albert's shoulder to steady herself, her expression shocked as she looked at the fireworks exploding outside.
The revelry had begun! The whole castle was in a festive mood, with fireworks lighting up every corner.
At that moment, Fred and George rode their brooms down the castle corridors, unabashedly flying and throwing various fireworks and leaflets from their shoulder bags into the corridors and classrooms, creating chaos and loud explosions.
Fred and George weren't fools; they certainly wouldn't wait until the so-called trial time to cause trouble. That would be walking straight into Umbridge's carefully laid trap, making it difficult for them to retreat immediately and increasing the risk of being blocked by the Ministry of Magic's Aurors.
Now, things were different.
As long as they disrupted Umbridge's plans, they could proceed as they wished.
Nothing could stop the upcoming celebration.
This was something they had learned from Albert.
"Good afternoon, toad," Fred and George said as they flew by on their brooms, casually tossing a grenade-like firework that exploded, covering her in black soot. They hovered a few dozen meters away, smiling and waving at her.
Umbridge opened her mouth to spew black smoke, but before she could speak, Fred and George continued.
"We're here, just as you asked."
"We've also prepared a little gift for you."
With that, Fred and George high-fived in mid-air and pulled out disc-shaped firework frisbees from their bags. They pulled the ring with their teeth and threw them at Umbridge.
A five-foot-wide, wheel-shaped firework formed and sped toward Umbridge with a terrifying whoosh, scaring her so much that she stumbled backward into her office.
The wheel-shaped firework hit the wall and, surprisingly, bounced back, sending the students who had been drawn by the explosion scurrying away in panic, afraid of being innocently caught in the crossfire.
"How boring!"
"Here's an extra surprise for you!"
As Fred and George flew past the office, they each pulled out a spherical firework and threw it inside.
Umbridge, who had just been helped to her feet, looked at the firework at her feet in horror and let out a terrified scream.
A deafening explosion reverberated through the office.
Two fireworks had gone off inside the Dark Magic Defense Against Dark Arts office, filling the narrow space with colorful sparks and destroying everything within, leaving behind a frustrated Umbridge.
"Catch them!"
Umbridge's scream echoed in the room, but it was quickly drowned out by the sound of exploding fireworks. Fred and George had already disappeared, leaving behind a trail of fireworks and leaflets.
Gavin Robbins looked at the two-way mirror in his hand, now shattered, his face grim, and then turned to the furious Umbridge.
He had a feeling that this was going to be a huge mess.
You are a mess.
If it weren't for the fact that he had already notified his colleagues at the Ministry through the mirror, Gavin would have made an excuse to leave Hogwarts, abandoning Umbridge.
According to the original plan, Fred and George continued to create chaos in the castle, setting off more fireworks and scattering leaflets. They encountered members of the Anti-Umbridge Alliance and distributed some fireworks to them.
Everyone was eager to join the festivities.
Umbridge's intention to put Harry and his friends on trial had disgusted them.
With someone leading the charge and inciting rebellion against Umbridge's rule, they were naturally eager to join in and drive out the detestable toad.
And so, Hogwarts Castle became even more lively.
For the moment, this was something they were all happy to see.
For Fred and George, it wasn't just about opposing Umbridge, but also about showcasing their prank products to the students of Hogwarts, and there was no better opportunity for a grand celebration than this.
Although the advertising fee was indeed a bit expensive, it was well worth the investment.
It had to be said that Albert had truly played to everyone's strengths, even planning to squeeze out the last bit of value from the toad.
As Albert and Professor McGonagall descended the stairs, they witnessed a majestic eagle composed entirely of golden and blue sparks soar through the Great Hall.
A green toad was chasing a group of students, sending them scattering in all directions.
"Is this your solution?" Professor McGonagall turned to ask Albert.
"No, this is Fred and George's solution."
Albert observed the fireworks that were automatically writing insulting words in the air and said with a smile to Professor McGonagall, "They are indeed very talented in this regard."
"I didn't know they were planning to tear down the castle," Professor McGonagall muttered, with no intention of stopping them.
"It's been too dull around here. Everyone needs some joy and laughter, and I'm sure Dumbledore would agree with that," Albert remarked, noticing a crowd of students pouring out of the corridor leading to the dungeons.
It seemed that Lee Jordan had successfully rescued the students who had been locked up there.
"These fireworks are amazing," Hermione praised.
"They sure have a lot of money. I wonder how much all these fireworks cost," Ron mumbled.
"I bet Umbridge is going crazy," Harry said excitedly, fascinated by the fireworks that formed the likeness of the toad.
Just then, Fred and George appeared around the corner, riding their brooms and showering the area with leaflets while using the Full Body-Bind Curse on Filch, who was trying to put out the fireworks with a mop.
"Actually, we don't hate you. You're just a pitiful person," Fred and George said as they dismounted their brooms, patted Filch on the shoulder, took away his mop, and stuffed a fire-spewing wand firework into his hand.
"Your fireworks are brilliant!" Angelina exclaimed, giving Fred a hug and a kiss on the cheek, eliciting wolf whistles from those around them.
"We've made a lot of fireworks," George said with a smile as he pulled out a large number of fireworks from his shoulder bag and distributed them to the other students of the Anti-Umbridge Alliance. "We've turned all the funds of the Anti-Umbridge Alliance into fireworks. Of course, most of the funding came from Albert's friendly donation."
"Look, our big sponsor is here," they said, waving at Albert while completely ignoring Professor McGonagall beside him.
"I bet you'll be able to squeeze out Filibuster's business," Cedric said with a laugh as he took a large box of fireworks from George and distributed them to those around him. More members of the Anti-Umbridge Alliance joined in the fun, setting off fireworks all over the castle, with the sounds of explosions echoing through the corridors, as if celebrating a victory for the alliance unlike any before.
As for the handful of Investigative Action Group members who tried to interfere, they were quickly taken out with Stunning Spells.
This day's revelry was undoubtedly the most wonderful time in Peeves' existence.
The mischievous poltergeist was wildly swinging fireworks that burst with sparks, and even took the opportunity to stuff lit fireworks into Umbridge's pockets when she wasn't looking, causing her to jump up in shock as they exploded.
"You... Peeves!" Umbridge exclaimed in frustration.
"You can't even get into the Headmaster's office. What gives you the right to be the Headmistress of Hogwarts?" Peeves cackled, throwing a firework at Umbridge.
Several members of the alliance hiding nearby launched rockets at Umbridge, causing her to cower behind an Auror.
As the rockets flew towards them, the middle-aged wizard waved his wand, attempting to make them disappear. However, his efforts backfired, and the number of rockets multiplied tenfold, engulfing the two of them. Once again, Umbridge's newly changed robe was reduced to tatters.
"Are you alright, Williamson?" a voice called out from within the office.
"It's quite a ruckus out here," said another Auror who had just emerged from the fireplace.
"Catch them!" Umbridge screamed in frustration.
"Ma'am, remember our objective," Gavin Robbins interjected.
Gardner Robbins' expression was grim as he felt that this situation was spiraling out of control.
"Yes, we can't let those two beasts get away. They're the ones who caused all this chaos, and they must be captured," Umbridge shrieked, her anger drowning out by the sounds of exploding fireworks.
"Headmistress, Fred and George are in the Great Hall, distributing fireworks and trying to spread the chaos," Montague said, his face still blackened from the explosion, as he rushed over to inform Umbridge of the Weasley twins' whereabouts.
One of the tasks assigned to the Investigative Action Group was to help locate Fred and George.
"Hurry, don't let them get away!" Umbridge urged.
"It's too late now. Notify the others to gather in the Great Hall immediately," Gardner Robbins ordered, and then, grabbing Umbridge, he jumped out of the window with her. Montague stood there, his mouth agape.
This was the fastest way to get there. If they took the stairs, the targets would be long gone by the time they arrived.
Several Aurors immediately relayed the message to their colleagues.
As for what it felt like to jump out of a seventh-floor window? Well, Umbridge wouldn't be able to describe it, but it certainly wasn't a pleasant experience.
As they neared the ground, Gardner Robbins muttered a cushioning charm, ensuring a smooth landing.
"Are you insane?!" Umbridge shrieked in anger.
"It was necessary," Gardner Robbins quickly added, not admitting that it was intentional. "Unless you wanted those two students to escape."
Umbridge couldn't find any excuse to complain, as it wasn't just them; her legs were trembling as well.
With the Aurors urging her on, the slightly wobbly-legged Umbridge finally cornered Fred and George in the Great Hall.
"Well, do you think this is fun?" she asked.
"Yes, it's very fun," Fred declared happily. "Today will be the day the Anti-Umbridge Alliance triumphs."
"Don't worry." George released a wheel-shaped firework, sending it flying directly toward Umbridge and several Aurors guarding the entrance of the Great Hall.
One of the Aurors by Umbridge's side reacted quickly, raising his wand to strike the firework, but instead of stopping, it exploded violently, knocking Umbridge and her group to the ground.
"You can't even get into the Headmaster's office, and you think you have the qualifications to expel us?" Fred retorted.
"What's even more laughable is that she thinks she can put us on trial," George added, earning a chorus of agreement from the students around them.
"Who does she think she is?"
"A pink toad."
"Fudge will soon be out of power," Fred said loudly.
"And Umbridge will be heading straight to Azkaban," George reminded them. "Don't forget Trelawney's prophecy."
"Headmaster Dumbledore will be back soon."
"Don't be intimidated by her threats. She's not qualified to expel us," they asserted.
Fred threw a few firework sticks into the air, and insulting words toward Umbridge automatically appeared, floating in the air.
"You won't get away with this...!"
"With just that bunch of Aurors?" Fred interrupted.
"Even if you do escape, the Ministry of Magic will put you on the wanted list," Umbridge threatened. "Confess what you know and cooperate with the Ministry, and maybe your sentence will be reduced."
The students in the Great Hall began to murmur among themselves, disgusted by Umbridge's threats.
The Ministry of Magic, huh? How pathetic.
"Wanted? Oh, how scary," Fred mocked, pretending to be afraid.
"Is this the kind of behavior we can expect from the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Magic?" George pretended to dry heave, looking disgusted.
"Don't pretend you didn't know I brought in a group of Aurors to catch you," Fred scoffed.
"Alright, let's go. If we wait any longer, those Aurors will be here," George said, pulling out a metallic sphere from his bag and throwing it forward. A life-like fire dragon, composed entirely of red and golden sparks, appeared before Umbridge, spewing brilliant crimson streams and causing deafening explosions.
"Cool, huh?"
"Anyone who wants to buy these fireworks can contact us."
"Students of Hogwarts will get a special discount if they pledge to use our products to drive out this toad," George added, pointing at Umbridge.
"Let's go. They're coming, and I don't want to get caught."
Fred pulled out a metallic ball from his bag, and who knew how he managed to fit so much in there.
The metallic ball was thrown into the air, and a majestic lion, composed of red and golden sparks, appeared before Umbridge, letting out an ear-piercing explosion.
"Send her to hell for us, Peeves."
Fred and George each took off their bags and threw them to Peeves, who had come to watch the spectacle, before rushing toward the open entrance.
Peeves, the poltergeist, surprisingly doffed his funnel-shaped hat to Fred and George as he took the bags from them.
Just as Fred and George were about to ride their brooms out of the castle, taking advantage of the distractions provided by the dragon and lion, they crashed into a resilient, transparent spider web and ended up stuck to it, dangling in front of the oak doors like butterflies caught in a web.
"Damn, what is this?!"
The onlookers were startled by this sudden turn of events.
"Well done!" Umbridge looked up, glaring at Fred and George. She laughed triumphantly, "I think you know what happens to troublemakers."
Roar! A terrifying roar echoed through the entrance hall, and the fire dragon, which had been spewing crimson streams, began to undergo a startling transformation. It seemed that a magical force was giving the dragon flesh and blood, its illusory body suddenly becoming solid and lifelike.
The dragon effortlessly broke through the restraining spider web, carrying the trapped Fred and George with it as it flew away.
"Quick, stop them!"
Umbridge was the first to react, screaming angrily.
The cooked duck had flown away; no wonder Umbridge was furious.
The Aurors were also stunned by the dragon's magical transformation, but they quickly recovered and raised their wands, sending spells at the dragon in an attempt to stop it from rescuing Fred and George.
At that moment, the lion, composed of fireworks, suddenly stood in front of the Aurors, absorbing all their spells before pouncing on them. In full view of everyone, the lion exploded, filling the entrance hall with colorful fireworks and temporarily halting the Aurors' pursuit, giving Fred and George the time they needed to escape.
And so, it ended.
After wreaking havoc on Hogwarts, Fred and George finally made their escape.
"It was you!" Umbridge suddenly turned and glared at Albert, who was standing next to Professor McGonagall. "You must have helped those two beasts escape!"
"Be reasonable. Mr. Anderson has been standing right here next to me, and he hasn't done anything. He didn't even have his wand out," Professor McGonagall retorted, glaring at Umbridge. She was certain that Albert hadn't been involved.
"It has to be him!" Umbridge ignored her explanation, her voice shrill. "Capture him! Quick, seize him!"
(End of Chapter)
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