Little Romantic Gestures Between Couples

In contrast, when Dumbledore spoke, the entire Great Hall was silent. Now, however, the students were whispering among themselves, chatting in low voices, and even giggling.

At the Ravenclaw table, Cho and Marietta were excitedly discussing something, while Luna, seated a few spots away, had pulled out The Quibbler again.

The Hufflepuff table was not much better. Cedric was one of the few students still staring at Umbridge, but his gaze was vacant and lifeless. He was clearly only putting on an act.

The Slytherin table was even livelier. At some point, Pansy had sat down beside Draco, and the prefect badges on both their chests were gleaming.

The Gryffindor table was the best of all. Hermione, the model student, had completely stopped pretending and began critiquing Umbridge's outfit.

"That hot-pink cardigan with its absurdly high saturation looks like it came out of a factory hit by a tornado. And those layers upon layers of lace bows—I seriously suspect her stylist moonlights as a Dementor. Otherwise, how could they make a middle-aged woman's office wear look like a kidnapped doll?"

Parvati and Lavender finally burst out laughing at her cutting remarks.

"Even worse, she's so bloated that she looks like a walking gift box—and the kind that's been hit with the Imperius Curse."

Hermione took a deep breath and continued, "A woman in her fifties insisting on dressing in teenage fashion—this severe mismatch between age and taste is more terrifying than a Boggart."

James and Alfred, seated across from her, joined in as well.

"I think that outfit could scare off Death Eaters."

"Our Minister Fudge is truly something else. Facing that thing every day and still not going insane—impressive."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Neville burst into laughter with them.

"Neville, give us your critique too."