https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-625-Umbridge-s-Misdirected-Anger/13011931/
Chapter 624: Your Use of the Forgetfulness Charm
Chapter 624: Your Use of the Forgetfulness Charm
Seemingly to prove her loyalty to Fudge, Umbridge immediately took action after receiving the title of Senior Investigator.
Of course, she wasn't foolish enough to target Professor McGonagall or Professor Flitwick, known for their sternness, as her first victims. Instead, she chose a relatively softer target—Professor Sybil Trelawney of Divination.
However, she opted to attend the fifth-year Divination class, and at noon, Kyle arrived at the Great Hall just in time to see Ron sitting at the Gryffindor table, vividly recounting the scene.
"That Umbridge was sitting at the back of the classroom, holding a quill and scribbling on her writing board. I'd bet she was grading Professor Trelawney at the time..."
Ron was surrounded by students from various houses, all seemingly eager to learn about the Senior Investigator's role.
Kyle was curious too, but since he had just come from Herbology class, he was a bit late, and now it was impossible to squeeze into the crowd.
Just then, Hermione entered from outside, carrying several books, with an angry Harry by her side.
"I think Professor McGonagall is right," Hermione said as she walked, "You need to control your temper. It won't do you any good to constantly argue with Umbridge."
"I can't help it," Harry said angrily, "She spoke ill of Sirius, and I wasn't wrong, was I? Voldemort was stuck to the back of Cheshire's head. I was just stating the truth."
"But your truth isn't what she wants to hear," Hermione said, "And she can detain you at any time. In the end, you'll be the one suffering."
"I don't care!" Harry exclaimed, "I won't let her get away with it, no matter how she punishes me, I don't care... And I'm not the only one doing this, remember Kyle also argued with her!"
"Actually, I don't want you to follow my example."
Hermione and Harry were startled by this sudden voice, and when they looked up, they saw Kyle standing right beside them.
Harry looked a bit embarrassed, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Kyle, when did you get here?" Hermione asked.
"I've been here since you entered the Great Hall," Kyle replied, "But it seems you didn't notice me."
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," Harry said softly, "I didn't mean to bring up your detention. I was just too angry."
"Angry?" Kyle asked, "What happened?"
"It's about this morning's Defense Against the Dark Arts class... She said that all the Defense Against the Dark Arts professors, including Sirius, were incompetent, except for Cheshire."
"But we all know that Cheshire is the most incompetent one... because he let Voldemort stick to the back of his head."
"So you got angry and argued with her?" Kyle said.
"Exactly!" Harry's voice suddenly rose again, "But it seems like everyone thinks I was wrong to argue with Umbridge. Whether it's Professor McGonagall or anyone else, they all think I should just ignore her and let her spout nonsense..."
"What's wrong with that?" Kyle asked, "They just don't want to see you punished. I believe you should do the same."
Harry was stunned for a moment, looking at Kyle with bewilderment, "But you argued with her too... I thought you would understand me. We should let everyone know the truth."
"That's a different matter," Kyle said, "Understanding doesn't mean agreeing, and they won't change their minds just because of a few words from you or me. We don't have that kind of influence.
"Besides, as I said earlier, I don't want you to follow my example. It will only bring you a few more days of physical discomfort, and nothing else will change, unless..."
Kyle paused for a moment.
"Unless what?" Harry pressed.
Kyle paused, then asked, "I have one more question. How's your Forgetfulness Charm coming along?"
Harry blinked, unsure why Kyle was suddenly inquiring about this, but after a moment's hesitation, he stammered, "It's, it's okay, I guess."
Despite his words, Kyle had already gleaned the answer from Harry's evasive gaze.
Harry's "okay" was likely just a polite way of putting it; the reality was probably a mess.
"The Forgetfulness Charm... does it have anything to do with Umbridge's detention?" Harry asked.
"No relation," Kyle shook his head. "I was just curious. Don't worry about it." Then, he changed the subject, "By the way, you were also in the fifth-year Divination class, right? What did Umbridge, that Senior Investigator, do?"
"I don't know," Harry replied, "but I guess she was probably grading the professor. And during class, she kept asking Professor Trelawney questions... about how long she's been in this position and her background."
Kyle nodded; these were standard tactics employed by the Ministry.
Harry thought for a moment and continued, "By the way, Umbridge eventually had Professor Trelawney make a prophecy for her."
"A prophecy?" Kyle asked curiously. "What was it?"
"The usual nonsense," Harry said quietly. "You probably know it too. Professor Trelawney, that big fraud, never makes prophecies; she just scares people. So, she tried to pull the same trick again.
"She told Umbridge that she was walking into a trap and would encounter terrible danger."
"But Umbridge didn't seem convinced and expressed doubt about Professor Trelawney's prophetic abilities."
Kyle raised an eyebrow at the mention of a "trap."
"That's what Professor Trelawney said," Harry replied nonchalantly. "But it's definitely fake; I hear similar things every class."
"Not necessarily..." Kyle muttered under his breath.
"What did you say?" Harry asked, not quite catching it.
"Nothing, I said thank you." Kyle patted Harry's shoulder. "In return, I can give you a heads-up about Umbridge's detention."
"What is it?" Harry asked eagerly.
Kyle calmly replied, "Carving words into your hand with a knife."
Before Harry could react, Hermione exclaimed, "She can't do that! Even in the last century, Hogwarts has never had such a cruel detention punishment... No, I'm going to tell Professor McGonagall."
"Hold on," Kyle stopped Hermione, who was about to rush out. "I'm just presenting a possibility. What if she changes it to something else later? It's all possible."
"And no matter what punishment it is, Umbridge won't do it openly. Even if Professor McGonagall goes, it might not help. So, there's only one best way."
Kyle turned to Harry again, "When you're in detention, don't say anything and just admit your mistake. You might escape."
"Kyle's right," Hermione agreed. "Umbridge is a professor; you can't go against her."
"Impossible! I'll never admit my mistake to her!" Harry insisted, stiffening his neck.
"Don't say such foolish things; it won't benefit you."
"But I didn't say anything wrong..."
Harry and Hermione argued again, just as they had when they first entered.
By this time, Kyle had returned to the Hufflepuff table.
If even Hermione couldn't persuade Harry, then there was no point in him adding to the effort.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
