Chapter 625: Umbridge Picks the Wrong Fight
Chapter 625: Umbridge Picks the Wrong Fight
By the time Kyle reached the seat assigned to him by Connor, a hearty lunch had already materialized on the plates.
"Well?" Connor asked.
"Just as we suspected, Umbridge... or the Ministry is indeed targeting the professors," Kyle said. "But there's something I didn't expect."
"What is it?"
"It's about Professor Trelawney," Kyle said as he placed a slice of toast on his plate. "I think she might actually have some prophetic talent."
"Who, Professor Trelawney?" Cedric exclaimed, then shook his head. "As far as I know, aside from those aiming to get every certificate, no one chooses to continue Divination classes after their fifth year. It's pointless; you don't learn anything in her class."
"Yeah, you're right," Kyle said with a laugh. "Maybe she's just lucky."
However, by the afternoon, Kyle had to admit that he might have underestimated Umbridge's audacity.
The first class in the afternoon was Transfiguration, and as Kyle entered the classroom, he spotted Umbridge sitting in a corner with her writing board.
But when Professor McGonagall walked into the room, she acted as if Umbridge weren't there and walked straight past her.
"Looks like Umbridge has picked the wrong fight this time," Autumn, who was in the same class, whispered gleefully. "Professor McGonagall is not someone to be trifled with."
"Yeah," Kyle couldn't help but agree.
Professor McGonagall strode to the front of the class and turned around, immediately silencing the entire classroom.
"Alright, let's begin," Professor McGonagall said. "After a month of learning, almost all of you have mastered the basic human transfiguration. So, we will now move on to something more challenging..."
"Ahem, ahem." A coughing sound came from the back of the classroom, and Umbridge stood up as if she wanted to say something.
But Professor McGonagall ignored her as if she weren't there.
"...What is known as advanced human transfiguration involves not just shape but also the corresponding abilities. For example, during the second task of last year's Triwizard Tournament, the Durmstrang champion successfully transformed his upper body into that of a shark in the Black Lake. That was an instance of successful human transfiguration..."
"Ahem, ahem." Umbridge coughed foolishly again.
Having been interrupted twice, Professor McGonagall finally turned around, exasperated. "What is it? What do you want to say?"
"I just wanted to ask if it's a bit too early for them to be learning human transfiguration," Umbridge said. "As far as I know, this type of transfiguration is quite dangerous."
"I obviously have a different opinion," Professor McGonagall said. "They are the best sixth-year students. It would be truly dangerous if they were still learning how to turn a teapot into a rabbit at this point.
"Furthermore, this has always been the curriculum for my advanced class. Surely you were aware of this before?"
Umbridge's face turned from red to green, as if she had been slapped.
When she was a student at Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall had already been teaching Transfiguration... but evidently, her grades had not been good enough to qualify for the advanced class.
So, Professor McGonagall's comment was a direct jab at her poor academic performance in front of everyone.
A stifled snicker echoed through the classroom.
Umbridge's face darkened even further.
"Ahem, ahem," she coughed again.
But before she could say anything, Professor McGonagall spoke up first. "Enough. If you wish to know what I teach in my class, do not keep interrupting me repeatedly.
"Also, I do not allow anyone else to speak during my lessons!"
Professor McGonagall was blunt, and Umbridge felt like she had been slapped on the other cheek. She trembled with rage, scribbling furiously on her writing board.
And for the remainder of the class, Umbridge didn't interrupt again. It wasn't until Professor McGonagall announced the end of class and the students began filing out that Umbridge stood up, her face like a storm cloud, and marched towards the front of the classroom.
Kyle, who had been taking notes, relaxed his grip, causing his book and quill to tumble to the floor, forcing him to stop and pick them up.
Connor, who was ahead of him, turned back to help.
"How long have you been teaching at Hogwarts?" Umbridge asked.
With a sharp snap of her book, Professor McGonagall replied, "This December will mark thirty-nine years."
"Oh... nearly four decades..." Connor exclaimed, "Has it really been that long, Professor McGonagall?"
"Of course," Kyle chimed in, "Don't forget that many of the professors were once her students, like Professor Snape, and..." he pointed at Umbridge, "...you."
As they spoke, Umbridge had been jotting something down on her board and now looked up. "By the way, I've heard that many students have been injured in this class. Have you ever considered that your teaching methods might be the problem?"
Professor McGonagall's eyebrows drew together, and her voice turned icy. "I believe I need no instruction on how to teach Transfiguration.
"Furthermore, if you are referring to Messrs. Longbottom and Finnigan, I must tell you that even a simple lighting spell is not entirely safe for them."
"Oh?" Umbridge said, "Then have you considered banning the use of wands in your class for the students' safety? That would solve the problem, wouldn't it?"
"I recall you took a tumble down the stairs yesterday when rushing out of the school," Professor McGonagall countered. "Why not stay safely in your office if you're so concerned about accidents?"
Umbridge said nothing, her face darkening as she scribbled furiously on her board.
"Very well," she said at last, "You will receive the results of your inspection within ten days."
"I look forward to it," Professor McGonagall said coldly. She glanced at Umbridge, who was rubbing her wrist, and her tone softened as if in concern. "How is your hand, by the way?"
"It's nothing," Umbridge replied, a little taken aback, mistaking the professor's tone for one of conciliation.
"Perhaps I brushed against something enchanted while cleaning my office," she continued, "I'm not surprised, given the previous occupants—a lunatic like Moody and a werewolf..."
Umbridge said with distaste, "I threw everything out. Just like how the absurd traditions and rules of this school ought to be thrown out."
"Is that so?" Professor McGonagall gave her a meaningful look but said nothing further, striding towards the door.
With a swish of her wand, a piece of parchment flew from the floor into Kyle's hand.
"Here it is, thank you, Professor McGonagall," Kyle said, "I couldn't find it earlier."
Connor lowered her head, feeling a bit embarrassed. The parchment had been right by the door... yet Kyle had managed to say he couldn't find it so casually...
"Off you go, don't be late for your next class," Professor McGonagall said, and with that, she left the room.
Or perhaps it was Connor's imagination, but she thought she saw the hint of a smile on Professor McGonagall's face.
(End of Chapter)
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