After the applause ended, Dumbledore wanted to continue speaking, but Professor Umbridge impatiently rose to her feet.
Dumbledore showed a flicker of surprise, then sat back and watched Professor Umbridge intently, intending to hear what she had to say.
Although Professor Dumbledore showed no displeasure, the other professors failed to hide their emotions quite so perfectly.
Professor Sprout's brows were tightly furrowed, Professor McGonagall's lips were pressed into a thin line, and even Snape's face seemed shrouded in dark clouds.
Clearly, they were all dissatisfied with the ill-mannered Professor Umbridge.
But Umbridge acted as though she had not seen the displeased looks on the other professors' faces and said with a fake smile, "Thank you, Headmaster Dumbledore. Thank you for such a warm welcome."
Her voice was high-pitched and shrill, with a breathy quality like that of a little girl, making it easy for people to feel repulsed.
Hermione frowned deeply. She hated everything about this woman, whether it was her affected voice or the fluffy pink cardigan she wore.
Umbridge lightly coughed a few times to clear her throat, then continued, "Well, I must say, it is wonderful to be back at Hogwarts! To see all these happy little faces looking up at me—wonderful!"
No one wanted to hear Umbridge speak, because the way she treated the Young Wizards was like they were five-year-old children, making them all feel looked down upon.
Umbridge wanted to say more, but Harry had run out of patience. His suspicions had been confirmed. This old woman really was foolish.
She was obsessed with power because power gave her strength. Without it, she was merely a cowardly old woman.
If Fudge had not supported her, she probably would never have become Senior Undersecretary.
So Harry directly interrupted Umbridge. "Sorry, Professor Umbridge, but I think