章 285: Goading
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With the day ending on a high note, Harry made his way back to the Slytherin Common Room. The evening air outside had chilled, but the warmth of the castle was comfortable as he walked through the stone corridors. Entering the Common Room, it was quieter than usual; most of his housemates were either finishing up their homework or chatting in small groups by the fire. Harry exchanged a few nods but didn't linger. He had other things on his mind.
He made his way to the serpent's room. Once inside, Harry sat down in his favorite chair, his eyes falling on the chest tucked away in the corner of the room. "Now, what to do with you?" he muttered under his breath, his eyes still fixed on the chest. It had been there for a while now and a few ideas in mind.
Chuckling softly to himself, Harry stood up from his chair and stretched. "That should work just fine," he muttered, already mapping out the steps for his next move. The plan was simple, at least on the surface. He headed to his desk and began preparing. He would need to plant the seeds slowly.
The next day, in class, Umbridge was delivering another one of her painfully dry monologues about Ministry-approved defensive spells. Harry waited until the right moment, when her voice droned on about simple hexes and shields that would be "more than sufficient for any student at Hogwarts."
Harry raised his hand slowly, "Professor Umbridge," he began, his voice respectful, "if I may inquire, do you believe that the defensive spells we've been covering in class will be adequate should we ever encounter more volatile magical creatures? I only ask because the magical world, as you know, is vast and unpredictable."
Umbridge blinked, taken aback by Harry's polite tone, but she quickly recovered, her sugary smile sliding into place. "Why, Mr. Potter, the Ministry has determined that the curriculum is more than sufficient for any dangers a young witch or wizard might encounter. I assure you, there's no need for any unnecessary excitement."
Harry nodded, as if accepting her response without question. "Of course, Professor. It's just that I couldn't help but wonder if creatures such as acromantulas or manticores might require something beyond the standard defensive measures. But I'm sure the Ministry knows best."
Umbridge's expression tightened ever so slightly at the mention of more dangerous creatures, but she kept her smile intact. "Yes, well, Mr. Potter, those kinds of creatures are rarely encountered by students. There's no need for concern."
"Of course," Harry repeated, his tone polite but with a touch of curiosity. "I wouldn't dare question the Ministry's wisdom. But I must say, I find it hard to imagine that these spells would hold up against some of the darker creatures we studied in previous years."
"The Ministry has carefully designed the curriculum, Mr. Potter," she said, her sugary smile returning. "There's no need for anything beyond the standard spells. Anything more is... well, unnecessary." Umbridge's eyes flickered with irritation. Harry knew full well that Umbridge prided herself on control, and the idea of students practicing magic outside her supervision didn't sit well with her at all.
Harry nodded slowly, as if in agreement. "Unnecessary, of course," he echoed, his words thoughtful. "But it's just... I recall facing Trolls and other dangerous creatures in previous years. Surely, a simple hex might not hold up if something like that came around again."
Umbridge straightened in her seat, her eyes narrowing just slightly. "I am aware of that unfortunate situation, Mr. Potter, an unfortunate machination of a defective professor, which shows how poor the administration really is, but I assure you, the Ministry has everything under control. The spells we've covered will be more than adequate."
Harry gave a polite nod, a thin smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Of course, Professor. Poor administration, indeed." His eyes lingered just long enough to suggest that perhaps her presence was part of that problem. "I suppose it's reassuring to know the Ministry has considered all possibilities."
Umbridge, picking up on his tone, leaned forward, her smile as stiff as ever. "The Ministry's decisions are made with careful deliberation, Mr. Potter. No room for error."
"Naturally," Harry replied, his voice smooth. "Still, one can't help but wonder. What if the creatures we've studied... say, dementors or boggarts, actually appeared? Would the basic shield spells really be enough?" His question was wrapped in a thin layer of doubt, carefully constructed to seem like innocent curiosity.
Umbridge's lips thinned, but her smile remained. "The Ministry has provided the necessary tools, Mr. Potter. There is no need for theatrics. Stick to the curriculum, and you'll find you're more than equipped."
Harry leaned back slightly, as if satisfied. "Ah, I see. So, in your expert opinion, these spells will protect us from any creature we might encounter? Dark or dangerous?"
Umbridge's eyes flashed, but she kept her tone sweet. "Absolutely, Mr. Potter. You'll find the Ministry's curriculum more than adequate for all your needs."
Harry let his gaze wander the classroom for a brief moment before locking eyes with her again. "Then perhaps you wouldn't mind demonstrating in the Duelling Club. Surely, you'd have no trouble fending off creatures with such impeccable spells."
Her smile faltered, ever so slightly. "The Duelling Club is hardly the place for Ministry representatives, Mr. Potter. Our job is to ensure you're well-prepared, not to engage in childish games."
"Of course, but it might reassure some of us who feel... underprepared," Harry suggested, his voice still light, still polite. "Seeing the power of these spells firsthand, from someone with your experience, could be invaluable."
Umbridge hesitated, clearly not expecting the challenge. Yet, as his words spread across the classroom, several students began nodding along. Draco chimed in with exaggerated support, "Of course, Professor, if these spells are enough, then surely you could show us. After all, the Ministry always knows best."
Nott and Zabini exchanged amused looks but followed Draco's lead, offering their agreement. "Yeah, Professor, surely there's no harm in demonstrating. We wouldn't want anyone doubting the Ministry's methods."
"Now, now," she began, her sugary tone sounding strained, "there is no need to turn this classroom into a spectacle."
More students began to murmur their agreement, "A few simple creatures couldn't possibly trouble you, Professor."
Neville nodded in mock agreement. "If these are good enough for students, they'd be no match for someone like you."
Umbridge's eyes flicked around the room, calculating her options. She couldn't very well refuse without looking weak, but she also knew she couldn't risk a live demonstration that could go sideways.
Draco chimed in again, leaning into the performance. "Absolutely. If the Ministry says so, that's good enough for me. I would even quit Duelling Club."
Several others in the class nodded, some with genuine curiosity, others with barely concealed amusement at watching Umbridge squirm.
Peer pressure was a funny tool, one Harry had begun to wield more and more over the years. In his first year, he'd used it to secure the title of Serpent of the Crown in Slytherin, and now, it seemed that more than a few voices of agreement could push even Umbridge to consider something she wouldn't normally do.
The murmurs were growing louder around the classroom as more students chimed in, agreeing with Harry's seemingly innocent request. They didn't even need to push hard; just the subtle pressure of multiple voices was enough to make Umbridge hesitate.
Her saccharine smile stayed in place, but there was a glint of irritation in her eyes. She turned to the class, clearly debating whether to continue the lesson or rise to the challenge. After all, it was just a few creatures. Surely, nothing Harry or the others could muster would be a real threat. But the growing number of curious stares pushed her closer to conceding.
"Well," she said, clasping her hands in front of her. "I suppose a demonstration wouldn't be entirely out of the question."
Harry kept his expression neutral, only offering a polite nod as if he hadn't just maneuvered her into a corner. "It would help a lot," he said casually. "Especially for the students who aren't as confident in their spells."
A few students stifled snickers at that, knowing full well what Harry was up to. Umbridge turned back to the board, waving her wand with a flourish, "Of course, you will all see just how effective these spells are. And then perhaps we can put to rest any... unnecessary doubts."
Harry gave Umbridge a quick smile. "I'll schedule it for the evening, Professor. After dinner." The class erupted in cheers before she had a chance to protest or change the time. Umbridge's eyes flashed briefly with irritation, but she managed to maintain her sickly-sweet smile.
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