https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-771-Clues-to-the-Magic-Power-Storage-Room/13454630/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-773-Handsome-Boys-Are-All-Master-Deceivers/13454632/
Chapter 772: Teasing Umbridge
Chapter 772: Teasing Umbridge (Combined)
In the afternoon, during Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Umbridge flipped through The Theory of Defensive Magic and began speaking.
"Your task for today is to read aloud five times and then copy down the content from pages nine, ten, and eleven, which cover 'Evaluating Defensive Magic in Practical Situations.'"
"Additionally, I expect each of you to be able to recite this fluently by next week. Do you understand?" Umbridge scanned the room, her smile almost too sweet.
The young wizards from Gryffindor and Slytherin nodded reluctantly, flipping open their books and reading aloud in a lackluster manner.
From the way previous classes had been conducted, everyone could guess what they would be doing this year: memorizing the entire The Theory of Defensive Magic.
This was far from what they had hoped for in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Instead of spending each day tediously memorizing in the classroom, they had expected to practice spells with their wands or even face dark creatures.
Ivan, however, didn't mind. In his previous life, as a student in a test-driven education system, memorization was one of his strong suits.
Moreover, Umbridge seemed to be a stickler for rules. As long as he put on a show of diligence, he could earn excellent class evaluations and a fair share of House Points.
This was also why Umbridge was still standing there unscathed, without any teaching mishaps sending her to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.
Amidst the low, half-hearted reading, Hermione raised her hand, looking hesitant as if she wanted to say something.
Umbridge, as if not noticing, finished her instructions and sat down at her desk, her droopy eyelids watching over them like a toad.
Hermione didn't give up, raising her hand higher, determined to be heard.
Ivan shook his head in exasperation.
The other young wizards in the classroom gradually noticed Hermione's unusual behavior and turned their attention to her. The reading voices grew quieter and eventually stopped altogether.
Umbridge's patience seemed to reach its limit, and she had to stand up and address Hermione.
"Hermione Granger, do you have a question about the content on these pages, or is there something you don't understand?"
"No, it's not about the book", Hermione replied, standing up.
"Then please sit down. This is class time", Umbridge said, forcing a smile that revealed her small, sharp teeth. "If it's an issue unrelated to the class, we can discuss it after."
"I have a question about the course goals for this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor", Hermione stated bluntly. "I've noticed that in recent lessons, you haven't mentioned anything about learning defensive spells... I find this highly unreasonable!"
"Learning defensive spells? Why would you think that?" Umbridge was taken aback, looking at Hermione with a strange expression. "There's no need for defensive magic in my class. Surely you don't think you'll be attacked during class, Hermione Granger?"
"But what's the point of spending an entire year memorizing The Theory of Defensive Magic? It's not practical at all..." Hermione exclaimed.
"It will help you pass your O.W.L. exams, Hermione Granger!" Umbridge interrupted, glancing around the room at the young wizards, clearing her throat before continuing.
"Due to the frequent changes in Defense Against the Dark Arts professors over the years, your knowledge has fallen behind. You are far from being prepared for the O.W.L. exams, so it's essential to catch up on the necessary knowledge..."
"But as far as I know, to pass the O.W.L. exams, one must also master the Shield Charm, Disarming Charm, and eight other Protective Charms", Hermione stared defiantly at Umbridge, not giving an inch.
"No, the exam content has changed from this year on, Hermione Granger", Umbridge said with a saccharine smile. "You only need to write down the principles of these spells on paper and submit a report of at least ten feet in length, explaining how to prevent Wizards from abusing Protective Charms. Then, I will determine whether you pass the exam."
"Memorizing the textbook won't keep us safe!" Hermione said angrily.
"Under the protection of the Ministry of Magic, you have nothing to worry about! What you should be concerned about is how to pass the exam!" Umbridge said impatiently.
"What about Voldemort?" Harry suddenly shouted.
The classroom fell silent, and everyone's eyes turned to Harry.
"What did you say, Mr. Potter?" Umbridge seemed not to have heard Harry clearly.
"I said, we are not safe. Two months ago, Voldemort returned. He and his Death Eaters are lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment. What we should be focusing on is not the exam, but how to fight!" Harry shouted loudly.
"Nonsense!" Umbridge said without hesitation. "As everyone knows, the Dark Lord died eleven years ago..."
"But I saw him with my own eyes, on the night of the Flame Cup Final. I, Ivan, Professor Dumbledore, and Sirius Black all confronted him! Besides, the Phoenix... and many others can vouch for it!" Harry stared intently at Umbridge, refusing to back down.
"Perhaps it was just a dream, Mr. Potter", Umbridge said calmly. "Besides, Black is a fugitive, and his testimony is not credible. As for Headmaster Dumbledore... the Daily Prophet says he might be a bit senile."
"How do you explain the Dementor revolt and the disturbances at the Flame Cup?" Hermione asked, pressing her point.
"That was just a mistake by some individuals, Hermione Granger. The Ministry of Magic has issued an apology", Umbridge said matter-of-factly.
Hermione was taken aback by Umbridge's audacity and was speechless for a moment.
"Does anyone else have any questions?" Umbridge asked smugly.
Seeing that Hermione and Harry were fuming, Ivan thought for a moment and spoke up. "Since the Ministry of Magic can't cover everything, don't we still need Protective Charms to protect ourselves?"
Umbridge's gaze shifted to Ivan, her eyes sharpening. "The Aurors involved have been punished, and the Ministry of Magic will learn from this and provide you with the safest learning environment."
"Also, I heard recently that there was some trouble in Knockturn Alley, and you and your mother happen to live there, don't you, Hals? The Ministry of Magic has received some very concerning reports, alleging that you and your mother have been involved in disturbances in Knockturn Alley..."
Umbridge's tone grew more severe, but before she could finish, she was interrupted.
"Are you talking about that rumor? I've heard it too..." Ivan's face showed a hint of sarcasm. "Voldemort led the Death Eaters to attack Knockturn Alley but was driven back in disgrace... Is that the one you're referring to? I thought the Ministry of Magic wouldn't believe such hearsay..."
Umbridge was taken aback, and the classroom erupted in laughter, clearly many had heard this rumor.
"You know what I'm talking about, Hals!" Umbridge said darkly. "The Ministry of Magic has substantial evidence that your mother, Aisia Hals, was involved in group disturbances, causing chaos, and illegally selling Dark Magic objects..."
"The Ministry of Magic wouldn't order a magic item from a Dark Magic Shop, Professors! But I must say, you have quite an imagination. Perhaps you dreamed this up at some point?" Ivan said nonchalantly, completely ignoring Umbridge's threat.
He wasn't buying it. If there was any evidence, the Ministry of Magic would have acted long ago and wouldn't be wasting time here.
Laughter in the classroom grew louder, and Umbridge, visibly annoyed, turned around to glare at the students. The young wizards immediately fell silent.
"Twenty points from Gryffindor!" Umbridge turned back to Ivan, enunciating each word clearly.
"Reason? Professors, what did I do wrong? I was just answering your question. Is that against Hogwarts rules?" Ivan asked, feigning innocence.
Umbridge's face froze, but she quickly regained her smile and turned to Hermione and Harry, who were still standing there, stunned.
"Of course, you didn't do anything wrong, Mr. Hals! The points were deducted from Hermione Granger and Mr. Potter for severely disrupting the class and attempting to create panic!"
"I've already mentioned this before. No asking questions unrelated to the lesson. I hope you remember this. Next time, please raise your hand to speak!"
"Especially you, Hals! I've been told that you often speak out of turn in class without the professor's permission. Is this true?" Umbridge demanded.
"It's just a rumor, Professors! You should make your own judgment and not believe everything you hear." Ivan replied calmly. "Moreover, issues that occur in other classes will be handled by the respective professors. No need to trouble yourself!"
"Since you are just a professor and not the head of the school, you don't have the authority to interfere with other subjects, do you?" Ivan added.
"Very well, very well indeed!" Umbridge seethed.
"Thank you for the compliment, Professors!" Ivan nodded slightly. "You're new here, so if you have any questions about the school rules, feel free to ask me."
Umbridge's face contorted with anger. She glared at Ivan for a moment, then swept her gaze over the young wizards who were watching the spectacle. "What are you all looking at? If anyone hasn't completed their class assignments by the end of the lesson, they'll be spending time in the Detention Room!"
The young wizards shivered in unison, quickly picking up their books, flipping to the appropriate pages, and reading aloud.
Umbridge, seething with anger, pondered ways to deal with Ivan as she walked to the podium and leaned against a chair.
For some reason, as soon as Umbridge sat down, the two back legs of the chair suddenly snapped, unable to support her weight. Caught off guard, Umbridge screamed as she fell headfirst to the floor, rolling to the side before managing to get up.
"Who did this? Come forward now!" Umbridge lost her composure, her hair disheveled, as she shouted.
The young wizards tried to stifle their laughter behind their books, but Seamus couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Umbridge, furious, drew her wand and moved to confront the male wizards in the front row. But perhaps her luck was truly awful, and she stepped on a broken piece of the chair leg, causing her to fall again. She lay on the floor for a moment, unable to get up.
Ivan shook his head in pity.
He extended his hand, and several insects, the size of flies with menacing mouthparts, landed in his palm. They then twisted and transformed back into small paper balls, mixed with some wood shavings...
Indeed, a Protective Charm is necessary in class, or else it's easy to trip and fall...
(PS: Concealing key dialogues or plot points and revealing them later to mislead readers is a common writing technique used by the author. You should be familiar with this from the earlier volumes. So, don't ask why the protagonist didn't notice Malfoy's abnormal behavior, as the information you have may not be entirely accurate.)
(End of Chapter)
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