Chapter 626: Why Don’t You Teach Us Instead?
In addition to Divination and Transfiguration classes, Umbridge also attended Professor Flitwick's Charms class.
According to Cedric, it was the most lifeless Charms lesson he had ever experienced. Professor Flitwick wore a somber expression the entire time, responding to Umbridge's questions with a distinct lack of enthusiasm, a stark contrast to his usual spirited demeanor.
"We have to do something," Cedric said worriedly during dinner, pushing his food around without taking a bite. "If this continues, she'll ruin not just Defence Against the Dark Arts but all the other subjects too."
"I don't think it'll come to that," Kyle replied. "The professor inspections shouldn't take too long. After all, she has to rotate between classrooms every day. Umbridge must have other responsibilities and can't possibly spend all her time monitoring classes."
"I hope you're right," Cedric sighed. "Even if she only ruins Defence Against the Dark Arts, that's already bad enough."
"You-Know-Who is back, and his Death Eaters must be plotting against us. At such a critical time, we're not learning anything in Defence Against the Dark Arts."
Mikel and Ryan nodded in agreement. Cedric was right. They weren't expected to confront You-Know-Who directly—that was Headmaster Dumbledore's responsibility. But in a war, the Death Eaters wouldn't spare Hogwarts simply because they were untrained. They needed to know how to protect themselves.
A heavy silence hung over the table as everyone reflected on the gravity of the situation.
Kyle remained quiet, lost in thought about the last time he had encountered Fudge at The Three Broomsticks. Judging by Fudge's behavior, he seemed tempted to take action. If Fudge publicly acknowledged You-Know-Who's return on behalf of the Ministry, it would surely change the state of Defence Against the Dark Arts. They might even see the arrival of one—or several—reliable professors.
What surprised Kyle was how long Fudge had managed to stay silent.
Perhaps Fudge was prioritizing his efforts to neutralize Dumbledore. Or maybe he was still wavering...