Fudge had been in an especially good mood lately. Every day, he set aside nearly half the day to visit the Ministry of Magic atrium and "humbly" accept the public's sincere gratitude.
A wizened old wizard, well over a hundred years old, trembled as he tightly gripped Fudge's hand. "Minister Fudge, thank you... thank you for avenging my son..."
Tears filled the old wizard's eyes. "You must... you must not let those damned bastards get away."
Facing the crowd, Fudge solemnly promised, "The current situation is indeed dangerous, with Vincent Wayne missing and the remnants of the escaped Death Eaters at large. But rest assured, so long as everyone believes in us and supports us, the Ministry of Magic... under my leadership, will be impregnable!"
He stood ramrod straight, wearing a carefully crafted smile that tried to appear humble while barely concealing his pride.
With a click, the scene was captured forever.
That day, The Daily Prophet's headline read: Wise Leader! Minister Fudge Vows to Crack Down on Evil Forces!
Hogwarts, fifth floor,
Owl Court Club activity room.
Hermione read the news expressionlessly. After several days of relentless bombardment, she had become numb to it.
Immersing himself in lies of his own making and glory he had stolen—such a leader truly was "wise."
Tap, tap—the nauseating sound of heels striking the floor came from the corridor outside.
Hermione turned around. Sure enough, it was Professor Toad's "radiant" oversized face.
Umbridge clapped her stubby little hands vigorously. "Students, stop for a moment. I have an announcement to make."
On the ring, Harry and Ron, who were diligently sweating through their training, seemed not to hear her and continued practicing their fighting techniques.
The other students reacted much the same way. At most, they glanced at her before turning their little heads