Chapter 397: Approval
Chapter 397: Approval
Liam felt quite happy for the rest of the weekend, mainly because he, who couldn't afford a house in his previous life, managed to buy a commercial-residential property in a bustling business district in this life. With a great mood, Liam began teaching the Stunning Spell to some of the faster learners during the Study Group meetings. This spell was a notch more difficult, and no one managed to learn it by the end of the gathering. Even Justin, who had been clamoring to learn more powerful magic, finally quieted down.
However, this good mood lasted only a day. When he woke up the next morning to go to class, Liam saw a large notice posted on the Gryffindor Common Room bulletin board, covering everything else on it—
By order of the Hogwarts High Inquisitor, all student organizations, associations, teams, and clubs are hereby dissolved. Any group of three or more students meeting regularly is considered an organization, association, team, or club. Requests for reformation may be made to the Senior Inquisitor (Professor Umbridge). No student organizations, associations, teams, or clubs may exist without the Senior Inquisitor's approval. Any student found forming or joining such a group without approval will be immediately expelled.
"Liam, what are we going to do about our Study Group?" At that moment, a few Gryffindor Study Group members approached, and Neville directly asked Liam. He really liked the organization that had given him so much help and didn't want it to stop due to this ridiculous educational decree.
"Don't worry, I'll go to Umbridge and request reformation. After all, our group has been around for several years, and she has no reason to shut us down", Liam reassured the visibly anxious Neville.
On the way to the Great Hall for breakfast, Liam noticed Harry, Ron, and several other students huddled together, whispering. It seemed they were suspecting that someone had reported yesterday's gathering to Umbridge.
During the History of Magic class, Harry suddenly asked to leave for no apparent reason, holding something in his hands. After the class, Harry intercepted Liam in the hallway. "Liam, I need to ask you something."
"What is it?" Liam asked when they found a quiet corner. "Do you need my help with something?"
"Can I ask you if the Weasley Twins and you were searched when you sent mail to your shop?" Harry asked, staring directly into Liam's eyes.
"Yes", Liam nodded. "Since three days ago, the staff noticed that the items we sent had been tampered with. So, we decided to send our recent batch of mail on the next Hogsmeade Day at the town post office. Was your mail also searched?" Liam asked, feigning ignorance.
"It's not just that; they also injured Hestia." Harry looked furious. Hestia was like family to him, and he couldn't accept her being hurt in such a situation.
"Clearly, Umbridge and the Ministry of Magic have imposed a complete lockdown on Hogwarts. In this situation, they won't spare the fireplaces either. I advise you to be very careful when contacting Sirius Black and the others. It wouldn't be good if Fudge found out about the Order of the Phoenix."
"I understand", Harry nodded and then whispered to Liam, "By the way, Liam, do you know of a place where twenty-eight people can practice Defense Against the Dark Arts without the teachers noticing?"
"Let's just say, without that pink old toad knowing", Liam smiled. "You're wise. I doubt your defense group will pass Umbridge's inspection. Given her attitude toward you, she could spin a lie about you having violent tendencies even if you eat with a knife and fork."
"Don't gloat", Harry looked a bit annoyed. "If you don't know of such a place, it's fine. I'll ask the Weasley Twins."
"Actually, I do know of such a place", Liam said slowly. "On the Eighth Floor, opposite the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy Battling the Trolls, there is a room called the Room of Requirement. It appears and disappears, and only when someone truly needs it can they enter. When it appears, it is always set up exactly as the seeker requires. If you concentrate on what you need and walk past the wall three times, a very smooth door will appear, allowing you to enter the Room of Requirement."
“I heard it from Nick when I was in second year. Ever since then, Hermione and I practice combat every Saturday morning if we have nothing else to do. The Weasley Twins told us that no one inside is marked, and even their map can't show who’s in there.”
“Thanks.” Harry sincerely thanked him, “I wish you the best of luck with that toad’s inspection today.”
Harry’s blessing was heartfelt, but it still made Liam shiver. The thought of being in the same room with a pink, girl-voiced toad was enough to give anyone goosebumps.
But this was unavoidable, so after his afternoon classes, Liam went to Umbridge’s office to obtain the club activity permit.
Ten minutes later, he stood in Umbridge’s office, trying hard to suppress his discomfort as he looked at Umbridge sitting across the desk. Even though he had seen this office in the movies, the real thing still gave him a strong sense of unease.
To be honest, the office wasn’t ugly. With its kitten-adorned plates, it could be described as cute. But this style really didn’t suit a toad. It would be much more harmonious if a cute little girl were in there instead.
While Liam’s mind was filled with various thoughts, Umbridge smiled and asked, “Are you here to apply for your Study Group permit?”
“Yes.” Liam nodded with a polite smile.
“Very well, I’m happy to assist students who are eager to learn.” Umbridge smiled. “Mr. Liang, would you like something to drink? Coffee, tea, or Pumpkin Juice?” As she mentioned each drink, she lightly waved her wand, and a teacup or glass filled with the chosen beverage appeared on her desk.
“Thank you, but I’m not thirsty at the moment.” Liam politely declined.
“I really hope you’ll join me for a drink. Choose one, please.” Umbridge’s voice rose slightly. “Alright, then I’ll have Pumpkin Juice.” It seemed that drinking something today was unavoidable.
Umbridge stood up, theatrically adding some honey to the drink with her back to Liam. Then, she quickly circled the desk with a smile that was both sinister and friendly. “Here, you’d better drink it now.”
Liam, on high alert, immediately detected something foreign in the Pumpkin Juice as soon as it hit his mouth. It was likely Veritaserum. However, these substances were no match for Liam’s current Alchemy skills. With a slight mental effort, the Veritaserum components were instantly broken down.
Watching Liam drink the entire cup, Umbridge smiled brightly. “Now, can you tell me what your Study Group is about?”
“Mainly, it’s to help us complete the professors’ homework and better understand the lessons. It also helps us meet more people, as many of us, including me, have parents who aren’t wizards. In such a situation, we need to connect with locals who don’t discriminate against us.”
“And what have you been doing at your recent Study Group meetings?”
“Completing homework, studying, writing essays, and finishing the professors’ assignments. That’s all. Our meetings have always been like this.”
“Have you been doing anything illegal, such as learning spells you’re not allowed to use?”
“No, absolutely not. Every spell we practice is required by the professors, like Professor Mcgonagall’s Vanishing Spell, for example.” Liam shook his head and said.
“Very well, then I approve the operation of your Study Group.” Umbridge glanced at the documents Liam had submitted. “However, any new members you add in the future will need my approval.”
“Finally, it’s done.” As Liam walked out of the office, he thought, “Using Veritaserum, what a ruthless person!”
(End of Chapter)
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