Hermione's instincts weren't wrong. Under the influence of that unknown charm, she could clearly feel how difficult it was to stay calm. Especially the moment that figure appeared at the lectern, a wave of instinctive revulsion seemed to surge toward her.
That discomfort had nearly made her raise her hand to object earlier. Only when Draco stopped her did Hermione realize that this wasn't something she would normally do.
Even if Umbridge really wasn't likable, it shouldn't have been enough to make her lose her composure like this…
In any case.
At Umbridge's instruction, all the students complied.
After all, compared to most situations, being told to put their wands away wasn't particularly unacceptable—though that also depended on the subject.
Defence Against the Dark Arts was absolutely not a class that should rely on quills, ink, and parchment alone, which was why Hermione had instinctively wanted to raise her hand and object.
The reluctance was obvious on the faces of the Gryffindor students as well.
Umbridge, however, acted as though she hadn't noticed at all. She simply tapped her wand lightly against the blackboard behind her.
[Defence Against the Dark Arts]
[Basic Principles]
As the words appeared, Umbridge's deliberately girlish, nauseating voice rang out:
"Students, your education in this subject has been fragmented and inconsistent for years now, hasn't it?"
"...."
"Over the past few years, professors have changed repeatedly, and many of them clearly failed to follow the Ministry-approved curriculum standards. Unfortunately, this has left you far below the level you should have reached for your O.W.L.s. Yes… a werewolf. Only Dumbledore would be willing to employ such a filthy, dark creature."
The undisguised contempt in her tone, along with the viciousness of her words, made the Gryffindor students' eyes blaze with anger.
That single sentence dismissed both Professor Lupin and Dumbledore outright.
And because her attack targeted Lupin and Dumbledore, the Gryffindors—long since won over by Lupin's teaching—momentarily forgot the suffocating pressure Umbridge herself had imposed on them…
Bang!
Already struggling to stay calm and further affected by the charm, Harry Potter slammed his hand on the desk and shot to his feet.
In that instant, Draco thought he caught a flicker of delight in Umbridge's eyes.
So it was deliberate?
Then the spell must have been cast on purpose as well…
…
As everyone turned to look at Harry Potter, no one except Draco noticed the fleeting smile that crossed Umbridge's face.
And Harry Potter himself, his judgment clouded by anger and the charm's influence, missed that subtle detail entirely…
"In my classroom, students raise their hands before speaking. Do you understand, Mr. Potter?"
"Professor Lupin wouldn't—"
"Raise your hand, Mr. Potter!"
Under Umbridge's repeated interruptions, the defiance Harry had shown moments earlier now made him look like nothing more than a disruptive troublemaker.
Especially once he had no choice but to raise his hand, the fire in him seemed to vanish entirely.
Ignoring Harry's raised hand, Umbridge swept her gaze across the class.
"I have no desire to criticize this school's teaching methods. However, the truth is that you have encountered several extremely irresponsible professors. Not to mention… ah, that particularly dangerous half-man, half-beast."
Her shrill laugh snapped what little restraint Harry had left.
"If you mean Professor Lupin, he's the best teacher we've ever had!"
"I said, raise your hand!"
"Professor Lupin taught us how to deal with real dangers! Things you can't learn from books!"
"Dangers?" Umbridge replied coolly. "I don't believe the wizarding world is facing any such dangers. In the Ministry's view, this is not knowledge you truly need. The Ministry believes that at your age, learning theory is sufficient to pass your examinations."
Their heated exchange echoed through the classroom.
As Harry continued to push back and Umbridge deliberately fanned the flames, the other Gryffindors could no longer hold themselves back and raised their hands as well…
"Yes, dear? What is it?"
"Won't there be any practical content in our Defence Against the Dark Arts exams? Shouldn't we be learning counter-curses and other spells?"
"Miss, as long as you master the theory thoroughly, there is no reason you won't be able to cast spells under the strictly controlled conditions of an examination."
"No practice beforehand? Are you saying the first time we cast those spells will be during the exam?"
Umbridge let out a light chuckle, as though she saw nothing wrong with that idea. The smile she wore made people deeply uncomfortable.
"I'll say it again. As long as you master the theory…"
"Don't we need to be prepared for whatever's waiting outside?!"
Harry Potter's shout made Draco, who had been watching quietly with his cheek propped against his hand, raise an eyebrow.
He was starting to understand Umbridge's goal.
Or rather, she was deliberately baiting Harry Potter into saying—or doing—something wrong…
An enraged Harry Potter.
Umbridge, her smile slowly fading.
In that moment, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom seemed to turn into a battlefield between the two of them. Their positions were no longer those of teacher and student.
They were enemies.
Umbridge casually flicked her wand.
"There's nothing waiting for us outside, Mr. Potter."
"Oh? Is that so?"
It was obvious that the string of recent misfortunes had only made Harry Potter, already in a foul mood, even more impulsive and reckless.
At that instant, the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead began to throb with sharp pain once again.
Then, as if a thought suddenly occurred to him, Harry Potter let out a low laugh…
"Maybe it's… Voldemort?"
"..."
"...."
Ron Weasley, sitting beside him, sucked in a dramatic breath of air, making him look like a terrible actor. Nearby witches let out shrill screams, and the timid Longbottom even tumbled straight out of his seat.
Yet amid all the chaos, Umbridge showed no fear at all. Instead, a look of deep satisfaction spread across her face.
Her eyes locked onto Harry Potter, cold and vicious, like a predator gazing at prey already ensnared in its web.