Umbridge clearly had not expected Hermione to say all that, and for a moment, she was lost for words.
Only after a long while did she force herself to speak. "As I said at the opening feast, some things need to change. We cannot remain unchanged forever."
Was that really another way to trot out the same old lines?
Harry's eyes were full of distaste as he looked at Umbridge, and he was far from the only young wizard who felt that way.
Umbridge also seemed displeased that she had been put on the back foot. She raised her voice slightly. "This course was designed by many outstanding wizards at the Ministry of Magic, wizards who are older and far cleverer than you. You will learn defense spells in a safe, risk-free manner. You..."
"What good is that?" Ron blurted out instinctively. "If we're attacked, how could we possibly be in a risk-free environment?"
"Hands up, hands up! Mr. Weasley!" Umbridge said shrilly.
Ron thrust his hand high into the air, which made Lavender, who was beside him, look somewhat uneasy.
Harry raised his hand high as well, but Umbridge deliberately looked away from them. It was no use, however. More than five little hands went up at that moment, most of them belonging to Gryffindors.
"What is your name?" Umbridge looked toward Seamus's hand, which had once again been thrust right in front of her eyes, leaving her unable to pretend she could not see it.
"Seamus Finnigan!"
"Very well, Mr. Finnigan. What is your question?"
"As Ron said, if we're attacked, how could there be no risk? If there's no risk, what are we defending ourselves against?"
"I will say this again," Umbridge said in an unpleasant tone, an ugly smile still hanging on her face. "Do you