Ch285- Goading

Ch285- 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."

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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