Hogwarts: A little lion in the skin of the Eagle School

Time flew by and it was Friday of this week.

Since the last Potions class, he has once again been given the opportunity to work for Professor Snape.

However, this time there are even more requirements.

For example, he is not allowed to take the magic potions from the workshop without permission.

Previously, only high-value potions were forbidden; now, even the most common ones are not allowed to be taken.

They also demanded that John not speak to or greet him outside, saying it was because they disliked him.

And most importantly, find out the general prices of potions...

It's just a loss of 800 Galleons, what's the big deal...?

That old bat is really petty.

Early morning, Great Hall of the People.

John ate his breakfast while flipping through the Daily Prophet.

It's not much different from previous issues; it's all veiled political commentary and exaggerated reporting.

Good morning, John.

"Good morning, Hermione."

Just as I was watching, Hermione suddenly appeared.

She naturally sat down next to John.

"John, do you have another black defense class to teach today?"

"hold head high."

John nodded upon hearing Hermione's question.

"I hate to say this, but John, try to behave well in Umbridge's class."

"?"

Hermione's words left John completely bewildered.

Hermione had been complaining to herself about Umbridge's classes, saying that they were the only... no, the only two classes she didn't want to listen to at all.

The other is divination...

Why do I suddenly want to go to class obediently today?

Seemingly noticing John's confusion, Hermione continued to explain.

"Umbridge has more power than we realize."

"I told you about how Harry was punished by Umbridge for talking back to her in class last time."

"But I only learned from Harry yesterday that her punishment is different from the other professors' punishments of doing dirty and tiring work."

"Students were required to repeatedly copy sentences using a special quill pen. When the pen tip grazed the parchment, it would leave permanent scars on the back of the writer's hand."

Hermione's tone was filled with anger as she said these words.

"This kind of punishment is completely inconsistent with the rules of Hogwarts."

"Punishment is meant to help students truly recognize their mistakes and correct their behavior, not to inflict pain or leave irreversible damage."

"Any form of corporal punishment or disciplinary action that causes permanent physical damage is a serious violation of the rules."

"I went to Professor McGonagall first thing this morning, but she said she already knew about it and there was nothing she could do."

"Because Umbridge now represents the Ministry of Magic, and Dumbledore doesn't want to fall out with the Ministry, the school can't do anything about her."

"You and Harry were both attacked by Dementors during the summer holidays, so I think that if Umbridge is targeting Harry this time, she might also target you."

"So I hope you'll behave a little better in Umbridge's class, so that Umbridge won't have a chance to punish you."

After hearing Hermione's words, John remained silent for a few seconds.

What I'm saying is, is there a possibility?

He was very well-behaved in Umbridge's class.

However, this was the first time he had ever heard that Harry had actually undergone such punishment.

No wonder he looked tired and unhappy when I saw him last time.

"I understand, I'll be careful."

To avoid worrying Hermione, John obediently nodded.

......

Soon it was time for Umbridge's Blackguards class again.

John had just settled into his seat when he heard a soft "click" from the classroom door—not pushed, but silently opened by a magic wand.

Umbridge stood in the doorway, holding a pink teacup, smiling like a poisonous mushroom freshly smeared with honey.

Good morning, dear students!

"..."

The whole class fell silent; no one paid any attention to her.

Umbridge's expression stiffened slightly, but he continued to speak with a smile.

"Class, have you forgotten what I taught in the last lesson?"

"When I greet you, I hope you will respond in unison, 'Good morning, Professor Umbridge'—loudly, clearly, and with respect!"

Umbridge crossed her arms over her stomach, looking exceptionally ladylike, but her face still wore a pitiful expression.

It looks really disgusting.

Then, Umbridge spoke again: "Good morning, dear students~"

"..."

However, the students still did not respond.

Even someone as thick-skinned as Umbridge couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth, feeling somewhat embarrassed and annoyed.

The students all looked toward John in the middle of the classroom, seemingly waiting for him to take the lead or give instructions.

John, who hadn't intended to cause trouble in class, was speechless when he saw everyone looking at him.

But he still took the lead in speaking out.

Good morning, Professor Umbridge.

As John spoke, the students in the classroom followed suit, saying, "Good morning, Professor Umbridge!"

Upon seeing this, Umbridge's expression softened somewhat, but she still looked somewhat displeased.

I never imagined that what I said in front of this group of students would be less effective than what John, a mere child, said.

But Umbridge quickly regained her composure, and it must be said that her emotional management was quite remarkable.

"Hmph~ Very good."

"Let's begin class. Turn to Chapter Two in your textbooks."

The atmosphere in the classroom calmed down as Umbridge began her lecture.

Seemingly because he had learned his lesson the hard way, Umbridge didn't use any obedience questions in this class and simply finished the lesson in a proper manner.

John didn't cause any trouble; he just followed Umbridge's lead and couldn't find any fault with him.

Umbridge was increasingly satisfied with what he saw.

Until get out of class ends.

John was packing his things to leave when Umbridge suddenly spoke up.

"Mr. Merrick, come to my office."

She still had that sweet smile on her face.

"oh."

John nodded indifferently, then followed Umbridge into her office.

John was startled when he entered the office.

This wasn't his first time at the Black Defense Office, but it was the first time he'd seen it transformed into something so... uh... pink and girly?

The walls of the entire Black Defense Office were painted pink. Apart from the desks, all the furniture was pink, and dozens or even hundreds of different kinds of glass plates were neatly hung on the walls.

Some plates are empty, while others contain a portrait of a moving cat.

"Sit down, child, make yourself at home."

Umbridge kindly invited John to sit across from her at her desk.

She then sat back in the main seat and poured him a cup of black tea filled with sugar.

What kind of thunder combination is this...?

"I'll get straight to the point, Mr. Merrick."

"After spending two lessons together, I've discovered that you're a very smart and good child."

Yes, yes, I think so too.

John nodded in agreement.

"So I think you can understand the current situation."

Of course, of course, I understand.

John nodded again.

"Your friend, Harry Potter, is a puppet being used by Dumbledore. He's helping Dumbledore promote those fictitious things."

"Many people in the wizarding world have been deceived by them and are caught in a vortex of their lies."

"And you, my child, I believe you are clear-headed and know whose side you should be on."

"I hope you can be my ears and my eyes, and help me find evidence that they are lying."

?