"I hope you can keep talking tough in the future. You can leave now."
Dolores Umbridge glared at Harry in disgust. His defiance greatly displeased her, and she had no intention of letting him off so easily. Though she said he could leave, she had already decided to have Filch make the detestable boy suffer.
"Harry, let's go."
Hermione dragged Harry, who was still preparing to keep arguing, out of the office, afraid Umbridge might suddenly change her mind.
"Harry, are you all right?"
The moment they left the Defense Against the Dark Arts Office, members of the Anti-Toad Alliance surrounded the three of them, all asking questions at once.
"I'm fine. It just hurts a bit," Harry muttered.
"You shouldn't have provoked Umbridge so recklessly. You're the only one who'll suffer for it." Hermione looked at Harry reproachfully, unable to understand why he had become so rash.
"That toad actually dared use the Cruciatus Curse on you. She should be sent straight to Azkaban." Ernie Macmillan was furious. He simply could not believe that a Ministry of Magic official would use the Cruciatus Curse on a Hogwarts student.
Ernie Macmillan's words drew a chorus of agreement. Everyone was angry and uneasy; Umbridge's cruel methods had intimidated them all.
"We should take you to the Hospital Wing and have Madam Pomfrey examine you," Hermione interrupted. She was more worried about Harry's condition.
"Oh, right, the Hospital Wing first," Ron immediately agreed.
"Before going to the Hospital Wing, Potter will have to come with me to the dungeons."
A voice came from nearby. Filch had appeared at some point, accompanied by members of the Investigation Action Group.
"Come on, Potter. It's the headmaster's order," Malfoy sneered. "Or are you planning to get expelled?"
The corridor was instantly filled with tense hostility