Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 196 Pink Horror (Part Two)

While Ike was still searching for traces of the giants in the deep mountains, Hermione, who was still studying at Hogwarts, was going through the most frustrating period of her life.

She didn't know when this irritability would disappear, but she would never forget when it started—Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

In some ways, Umbridge is quite a formidable character. She successfully replaced Quirrell and Lockhart as Hermione's worst Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. She received no practical training, wasn't even allowed to use a wand, and was forced to silently study the flawed, purely theoretical textbook, *Defense Against the Dark Arts*.

Hermione, who had already read the book, knew very well that, given the current situation, she had no chance of getting an O in the OWLs exam.

Not getting an O means failure, and the person who caused her to fail is her enemy!

Surprisingly, this is what the vast majority of students at Hogwarts think.

"We should do something. At this rate, there's no way we'll pass the OWLs exams!" Hermione said, holding a book and looking at Harry and Ron with a serious expression on the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall.

"Yes, the exam, that's all you're thinking about..." Ron said impatiently.

"Ron, this is the most important thing this school year! Didn't you listen to Professor McGonagall?" Hermione's tone was tinged with anger, and her eyes were wide open.

“Of course I heard her; she emphasizes it in every Transfiguration class,” Ron sighed. “But look at yourself, who can concentrate on their studies now besides you?”

Hermione continued to glare at Ron, but even she had to admit that what Ron said was true.

Nowadays, few people at Hogwarts can truly focus on their studies.

The reason is still the same—Umbridge.

Just over two weeks into the new semester, the Ministry of Magic published a report in the Daily Prophet announcing that Umbridge had been appointed the Ministry's first Senior Investigator, with the authority to investigate other professors.

Since then, students have often seen Umbridge in various professors' classes, wearing that disgusting pink coat, carrying a large notebook, writing incessantly on it, and occasionally interrupting the professors' lectures to ask some inexplicable questions.

No professor liked her, but apart from Professor McGonagall, the other professors couldn't do anything about her. Even Snape could only obediently answer all the questions posed by Umbridge.

"This can't go on! I swear, if I have to read that Defense Against Magic book again, I'll go crazy!" Hermione grabbed her hair hard, making a mess of it, and then struggled to restore it to its original state as much as possible.

Of course, she failed.

"But what can we do? Didn't you see the latest Daily Prophet?" Ron said. "What made her a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was Education Order No. 22, making her an investigator was Education Order No. 23, and abolishing student clubs and organizations was Education Order No. 24..."

"And just a few days ago, the newly issued Education Order No. 25 gave her complete control over our lifeline..." Harry suddenly interjected, "You know, it got us banned from playing, and even disbanded all the Quidditch teams..."

Harry sighed, clearly very downcast: "She's a devil!"

"No, no, no, perhaps 'old witch' would be a better word," Ron corrected.

"Alright!" Hermione tapped the table, ending this incredibly irritating topic. "That's enough, let's not talk about her anymore, it's just making me angrier."

"So this is where you are. I've finally found you." Harry was about to say something when he was suddenly interrupted. Looking in the direction of the voice, he saw Angelina, the current captain of Gryffindor's team.

"I have some great news to share with you all!"

"Will there be any good news now?" Ron was pessimistic and even slumped onto the table.

"I've got my approval! The Quidditch team will be rebuilt!"

"Really? That's amazing!" Harry and Ron cheered in unison, jumping up and giving each other a high five.

"That's right!" Angelina exclaimed with a broad smile. "I spoke to Professor McGonagall, and she probably pleaded with Dumbledore. In any case—Umbridge gave in!"

"So, 7 PM tonight, Quidditch pitch, only three weeks until the first game!"

"no problem!"

"I can't wait!"

"Great job! Keep it up!" Angelina gave a thumbs up. "I'm off now, I need to inform the other team members."

Watching Angelina leave, Harry and Ron excitedly high-fived each other; this was the best news they had received recently.

"Calm down, don't get so worked up," Hermione said, throwing cold water on the situation. "You guys don't naively think Umbridge won't interfere during the match, do you...?"

"This..." Harry and Ron were both taken aback upon hearing this, and then their smiles faded. Indeed, as Hermione said, they had been too happy too soon.

"And..." Hermione closed her book, leaned forward, and whispered while glancing around at the people around her, "Don't forget we have another identity now. It wouldn't be good if she found out..."

Hermione was referring to events before the issuance of Education Order No. 24. At that time, knowing that continuing with Umbridge's prescribed study plan would mean no chance of passing the OWLs exams, Hermione made a suggestion: that Harry teach interested individuals how to use Defense Against the Dark Arts and how to fight.

The suggestion was quickly approved by Harry and Ron, who then told a few of their friends. Finally, at the Hog's Head, a place that had once been used by goblins as a headquarters for their rebellion, they formed the Dumbledore's Army—Dumbledore's army—to learn various kinds of magic that could be used in battle in order to better face any potential dangers.

Those who joined know that this is something that will inevitably happen in the future.

Everyone contributed. Harry was in charge of teaching and provided the venue—the Room of Requirement, which Hermione hadn't visited for almost half a year. Stuart, Terry, and others assisted; having received special training from Ike, their combat skills weren't much worse than Harry's, only lacking practical experience. The twins were in charge of logistics, providing unlimited candy, prank kits, and butterbeer, though in reality, no one touched these things during teaching.

DA is very effective and progressing smoothly. Apart from having to hide, there are no other disadvantages.

There was no other way; Umbridge seemed to know that their small group was something she absolutely had to avoid discovering.

"So, be careful, the current situation is not optimistic..."

Hermione's expression was very serious, and seeing this, Harry and Ron quickly nodded repeatedly.

It's been almost five years, and they know very well that when Hermione shows this expression, they should never refute or question her.

Absolutely not!

Okay, that's all for now, just a short and weak chapter.

We're celebrating with Dad tonight, so there's a very high chance I won't be able to stay sober.

(End of this chapter)