But the worst still happened.
Professor Trelawney was fired by Umbridge.
Harry had been studying Occlumency with Professor Snape. Only after hearing the commotion did he leave the underground classroom and come to the hall.
The hall was packed with students. Professor Trelawney sat on the floor, gulping down the alcohol in her hand. Her hair was a mess, and she looked utterly disheveled, like she had gone mad.
Even her luggage had been thrown down.
"No... this isn't real..."
Professor Trelawney shrieked loudly, venting the fear in her heart.
"Heh, this is what you deserve."
That childish giggle was as disgusting as ever. Harry did not even need to think about it—it had to be that toad Umbridge.
"What can you do? Swindle and deceive people? Look at your appalling performance. You can't even predict tomorrow's weather. Isn't that enough reason to fire you?"
"You have no right to fire me! I... I... I've taught here for sixteen whole years! Hogwarts Academy is my home! You... you have no such right!"
Professor Trelawney clutched her bottle and wept hysterically, but Umbridge merely sneered, wearing a smug expression.
"Home? It used to be your home. It isn't anymore."
"Your dismissal order was personally signed by the Minister for Magic an hour ago. Stop throwing a tantrum here. Now, please leave Hogwarts Academy immediately. Look at yourself—what an embarrassing sight."
Umbridge's gloating formed a stark contrast with Professor Trelawney's grief.
Professor McGonagall could no longer bear to watch. She stepped forward, gently patted Trelawney's back, and handed her a handkerchief.
"It's all right. Everything will be fine. No one is driving you away, Sybill. Be strong. Wipe your tears. Look at you, you're practically crying like a little kitten. Things aren't as bad as you think."
"Hehe, do you have the