https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-625-Umbridge-Picks-the-Wrong-Fight/12538986/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-627-The-Difference-Between-Wizards/12538990/
Chapter 626: Come Teach Us
Chapter 626: Come Teach Us
Aside from Divination and Transfiguration, Umbridge had also graced Professor Flitwick's Charms class with her presence.
According to Cedric, it was the driest Charms lesson he had ever attended. Professor Flitwick spent the entire lesson with a grim expression, merely going through the motions as he fielded Umbridge's inquiries, a stark contrast to his usual enthusiastic self.
"We need to come up with a plan," Cedric said worriedly during dinner, his appetite seemingly gone. "If this continues, she'll ruin not just Defense Against the Dark Arts but all our other subjects as well."
"It probably won't come to that," Kyle reassured him. "The investigation into the professors likely won't last too long. After all, it requires her to be present in different classrooms every day, and Umbridge must have other duties to attend to. She won't spend all her time sitting in on lessons."
"Let's hope so," Cedric sighed. "Even if she only ruins Defense Against the Dark Arts, that's still terrible enough.
"The mysterious man is already back, and his Death Eaters are undoubtedly plotting against us. Yet, at this crucial juncture, we're learning nothing in our Dark Arts defense classes."
Mike and Ryan, sitting nearby, nodded in agreement.
Cedric was right; they certainly wouldn't be able to deal with the mysterious man, nor was it necessary. That was a task for Headmaster Dumbledore.
However, if a war were to break out, those Death Eaters wouldn't spare them just because Hogwarts lacked instruction in Dark Arts defense.
They needed to be able to protect themselves.
Sighs began to echo around the table.
Kyle remained silent, his thoughts drifting to his previous encounter with Fudge at the Three Broomsticks.
Based on Fudge's behavior at the time, he must have been tempted.
If Fudge could be persuaded to announce the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named on behalf of the Ministry, the Defense Against the Dark Arts class would surely change. At the very least, they would get a competent professor, or perhaps even several.
But what surprised Kyle was Fudge's ability to bide his time; it had been quite a while, and there was still no news.
Perhaps Fudge wanted to eliminate the threat posed by Dumbledore first.
Or maybe he was still hesitating…
After all, announcing the return of Voldemort had its pros and cons. While there wouldn't be an election during a time of war, a misstep could easily incite fear among the populace, leading to his swift removal from office.
The ability to consider these factors indicated that the pressure wasn't intense enough.
Kyle shook his head.
It was a pity that Rita Skeeter had attracted the Ministry's attention after the last incident and was now being watched. She couldn't publish any more articles, and Dumbledore was unwilling to cooperate.
Otherwise, he might have been able to help nudge Fudge in the right direction.
"Sorry…"
As Kyle was deep in thought, a familiar voice suddenly reached his ears.
He looked up and noticed that Hermione had somehow made her way over from the Gryffindor table, with a nervous-looking Harry and Ron in tow.
"What's up?" Kyle asked.
"Well…" Hermione glanced around and lowered her voice. "It's a bit crowded here. Could we go somewhere quieter?"
"No need for that," Kyle said, giving his wand a slight flick.
"Ear-Closing Spell!" he announced. "Now, the others won't be able to hear what we're saying."
This spell, which Kyle had learned from Snape's Advanced Potion-Making book, created a zone that filled the ears of those nearby with an indistinguishable buzzing sound, effectively preventing eavesdropping.
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, and she looked delighted.
"That's handy," she said.
Though she hadn't seen that spell before, she didn't doubt Kyle's explanation and quickly continued, "I think you're already aware of how terrible a teacher Umbridge is. We're not learning anything useful about Dark Arts defense from her."
"Of course," Kyle agreed. "In fact, we were just discussing this. So, what did you want to suggest? If you're thinking of asking us to join forces to get rid of Umbridge, forget it… She has Fudge's support, and even Professor Dumbledore can't do anything about that."
"No, I know we can't get rid of her," Hermione said hesitantly. "I was thinking… maybe we could take matters into our own hands and teach ourselves."
Cedric's interest was piqued. "Do you mean that we should start learning Dark Arts defense on our own?"
The more Hermione spoke, the more impassioned she became, and she kept stealing glances at Kyle.
"And we have just the person right here, I dare say he's more suitable for the job than most."
"I think I know who you're talking about." Cedric smiled. "You're right; he would be perfect."
Kyle looked at Hermione's shining eyes and Cedric's mischievous expression, instantly understanding what they were implying.
Acting on instinct, before Hermione could even voice her request, he interjected: "Yes, I completely agree. It's a great idea."
"So, you're on board?" Hermione asked excitedly.
"Yes." Kyle nodded. "I know you want Cedric to teach you Dark Arts defense, and I fully support that. I'm the first to agree."
"Wonderful..." Cedric happily patted Kyle's shoulder, but as he was about to say something, he suddenly realized something was amiss.
"Wait... Hermione meant..."
"I know." Kyle cut him off. "You're too shy to agree, so I agreed on your behalf. No need to thank me."
At this, not only Cedric but even Hermione was taken aback.
She had come to ask Kyle to teach them Dark Arts defense.
The night before, she, Harry, and Ron had discussed it at length and unanimously agreed that Kyle was the best candidate.
There was no doubt about it. After all, Kyle's achievements were on display in the trophy room: an unprecedented two Special Contribution Awards, the Most Promising Newcomer Award for Today's Transfiguration, the youngest Triwizard Tournament champion, and the youngest member of the Order of Merlin.
One could say that Kyle received a new honor every year... and the highly coveted Special Contribution Award, which everyone else found incredibly difficult to attain, was the least notable of his achievements.
In Hermione's opinion, Kyle was the ideal replacement for Umbridge. Harry and Ron shared the same sentiment.
"Actually, we want you to teach us." Ron mumbled, "If it were anyone else, we might as well ask Harry."
"Hey, don't say that." Harry quickly stopped him and apologized to Cedric, "Sorry, Diggory, it's not what you think..."
"It's fine." Cedric waved his hand. "Because I was thinking the same thing."
"No, I'm not suitable." Kyle shook his head decisively. "Wanting to impart what I know to others and being able to teach a variety of spells are two different things."
"I don't see the difference." Ron was a little unconvinced.
In his opinion, a professor was a powerful wizard. Deputy Headmistress Professor McGonagall was more skilled than an ordinary professor, and Headmaster Dumbledore was the most powerful of them all. What was the problem?
"Of course, there's a difference." Kyle glanced at him. "Take the Transfiguration spell, for example. I learned everything up to the sixth-year curriculum just by watching Professor McGonagall demonstrate it once. So, it's hard for me to explain the process and the things to note because I didn't go through the process of learning it step by step."
Everyone's expressions after hearing Kyle's words were priceless, especially Harry and Ron, who felt their faces burning as if two fire lizards were perched on them.
Let's not talk about sixth-year Transfiguration for now, but even fifth-year Transfiguration was a huge challenge for them... Even with Hermione's help, it would take them several days to barely pass.
And now Kyle was telling them that he only needed to watch it once to master it?
The gap was just too huge, and the two of them found it hard to accept for a moment.
Even Hermione was left speechless, her mouth hanging open as she tried to form words. She felt that Kyle was showing off, and the evidence was right in front of her.
(End of Chapter)
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