"I hope you can keep talking tough in the future. You can go now."
Umbridge glared at Harry with disgust. His defiance irritated her immensely, 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 loathsome boy before her suffer properly.
"Harry, let's go."
Hermione dragged Harry, who was still planning to continue arguing, out of the office, afraid Umbridge might suddenly change her mind.
"Harry, are you all right?"
The moment they left the Defence Against the Dark Arts office, members of the Anti-Toad Alliance surrounded the three of them, bombarding them with questions.
"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 impulsive.
"That toad actually dared use the Cruciatus Curse on you. She ought to be sent to Azkaban Prison." Ernie Macmillan was furious. He simply could not believe that a Ministry 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.
"We should take you to the School Hospital and have Madam Pomfrey examine you." Hermione cut in. She was more worried about Harry's condition now.
"Oh, right, the School Hospital first," Ron immediately agreed.
"Before going to the School Hospital, 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 Inquisitorial Squad.
"Come on, Potter. It's the Headmaster's order." Malfoy sneered. "Or are you planning to get expelled?"
The corridor instantly filled with tense hostility as