In the end, Coen, Harry, and Ron managed to copy Hermione's homework before eight-thirty. They had to be ruthless with their editing, as Hermione's essays were so long-winded that the three of them—being the lazy sort—had to trim them down just to save time.
"I think I've forgotten something rather important," Coen said after they'd finished the Potions essay.
"You've forgotten we're supposed to play a game of Gobstones," Ron said. "Don't space out, mate. Some paragraphs were meant to be cut. Don't worry about homework you've already turned in—Snape's just going to take points away anyway. Hermione will earn them back for us."
"Getting ready for your detention tomorrow?" Harry asked.
"Exactly," Coen said, getting to his feet. "I need to go find the Chimera and get some things ready."
---
The next morning, Coen suddenly remembered he'd forgotten to go get the old Water Serpent and the little Basilisk.
By the time he raced back, both snakes were lying on the ground, bellies up.
[I'm not getting up unless I get ten fish as big as me…] the old Water Serpent grumbled stubbornly. [And they have to be boneless.]
[I'm not getting up unless I get ten rabbits as big as me!] the little Basilisk chimed in. [And they have to be boneless—urk—]
It even added a special choking sound and stuck its tongue out for effect.
[...]
[Does it not hurt to hold your head upside down with your horns like that?] Coen pointed out the flaw in the old Water Serpent's acting. [Long-Horned Water Serpents don't play dead like that...]
[What about me?] The little Basilisk immediately flipped over and bounced up to Coen for praise. [Was my act good—]
[It was, but not anymore.]
Coen led the two snakes back to the common room through the pipes, and the old Water Serpent spent the whole trip asking if they should go and bite the plump woman from the night before.
[She gave the little one a fright,] the old Water Serpent said crossly.
[The world's most powerful king of the Basilisks is not scared of a pink toad!] the little Basilisk argued. [I was just… just…]
[She needs to be dealt with,] Coen said. [She makes me a bit queasy. I used to be against toying with your food, but now I'm starting to think it might be necessary sometimes. Old Water Serpent, get ready.]
[What about me? What about me?] the little Basilisk pleaded with wide, eager eyes. [I want to help too!]
[We'll talk about that when you can control your venom and not kill someone with a single bite,] Coen said.
Killing someone with a single bite would be far too quick to get the best prize. At least the old Water Serpent had no venom, so it could take its time with a few well-placed nips before the victim bled out.
The only remaining question was how to kill the woman without causing a fuss at Hogwarts. If he just let the old Water Serpent do it at the school, Dumbledore would be impossible to deal with. The risk of Coen doing it himself was too high as well. The best option would be to get Umbridge into the Forbidden Forest.
Anything could happen in the Forbidden Forest.
The key was to get Umbridge to go there willingly. What could possibly lure her into the Forbidden Forest?
After returning the two snakes to their box, Coen raced to Charms class and slipped in just a minute before the bell rang.
"Where were you?" Harry had saved him a seat and asked in a low voice once Coen got there.
"Forgot something," Coen said. "Had to go get it."
All day, every professor reminded them of the importance of their O.W.L.s, which made Hermione incredibly anxious. By the time their last class was over, she was already talking to Coen about going to see the Chimera that night to learn Defence Against the Dark Arts.
"Of course," Coen said. "My box isn't locked. But I'm not sure if the goat knows anything about the O.W.L. curriculum. After all, it's just a goat, not an examiner. You'll probably have to figure out what you need to study yourself…"
"I'm sure The Dark Arts: A Self-Defence Guide will definitely be on the exam, and perhaps Practical Defensive Magic and its Use Against the Dark Arts… I must go to the library!" Hermione rattled off a long list of books and dashed off.
"She's gone mad," Ron said. "As if we don't have enough homework already. We got three more essays today, plus Professor McGonagall's Vanishing Spell practice, and finding the counter-curse that Professor Flitwick assigned…"
"And Trelawney's rubbish dream diary," Harry added. "Coen and I even have to go to that pink toad's office for detention—Coen, have you figured out a way to make her stop giving us detention yet?"
"I have," Coen said. "Remember to flick the quill in Umbridge's direction when you're writing later."
He had everything prepared. The day before, Coen had even slipped into Umbridge's office in his spirit form to thoroughly scout out the room and get ready for his little performance today.
"Flick the quill?" Harry asked, confused.
"Just remember that, and you'll be fine," Coen said.
---
At four-fifty-five, Coen and Harry arrived at Umbridge's office. With them was the old Water Serpent, who was already a pro at staying invisible.
Coen paused at the door, secretly gesturing to the old Water Serpent to wait outside.
Harry, who was about to knock, suddenly stopped too.
"Why is there a man's voice inside?"
"She's obviously a bit afraid to be alone in a room with me," Coen said with a slight smirk. "But she can't possibly believe that... bringing a witness will stop me from dealing with her."
Coen pushed the door open.
Inside, with Umbridge, was none other than Mr. Crouch.
"Barty, I'm sure you wouldn't commit such an act of betrayal, would you?" Umbridge was saying something to a serious-looking Barty Crouch Sr. before she turned to face the door.
"Good evening, Mr. Norton, Mr. Potter," Umbridge said, a barely contained excitement on her face.
"Good evening, Mr. Crouch," Coen said, not even looking at her.
"Dolores, as a friendly colleague, I'll give you a piece of advice: don't have blind faith in poor decisions. It will lead to certain… calamities… that you are completely unprepared for," Mr. Crouch said in a professional tone. "Some people have clearly lost their sense of judgment…"
"Are you referring to Dumbledore, Barty?" Umbridge's tone became a little cold. "Well, of course, there are no other options, are there? At least today, we can finally figure out who our enemy really is…"
"Wait and see," Mr. Crouch said, his face expressionless.
"Come now, have a seat, Mr. Potter," Umbridge cooed, the black ribbon on her head trembling. "Mr. Norton, you'll need to wait for a moment while I get Mr. Potter settled."