Ron did not write back to Percy.
Although he knew how to use that secret-letter format, his vocabulary was not enough for him to actually write a cover letter that could contain the coded message.
Well, it was not that he absolutely could not do it. Young Master Ron simply could not be bothered to use his brain. His terminal laziness showed itself in every aspect of his life.
The next day was Monday.
Harry and Ron got up bright and early. After washing up, they went to the Great Hall. Percy's letter had said that Umbridge and the Ministry of Magic would interfere further in the running of Hogwarts. This had been mentioned in both the letter's plain text and its coded message.
It had also mentioned that this would be published in the Daily Prophet. Given how efficiently wizards worked, however, the application would most likely take a week to go into effect.
So, to get the news firsthand, he and Ron had come to the Great Hall early in the morning, planning to read someone else's newspaper.
Harry and Ron had thought the news might not be so easy to find, but that was not the case. A huge photograph of Umbridge's face, which was still ugly despite her smile, took up almost half the front page.
To avoid spoiling their appetites and finding themselves unable to eat breakfast despite getting up so early, Harry and Ron ignored the photograph and read the text below it.
The headline delivered the news very directly.
Ministry of Magic seeks educational reform, Dolores Umbridge appointed first High Inquisitor.
"High Inquisitor?" Hermione, who had risen just as early as Harry and Ron, frowned. The title brought some very unpleasant associations to mind.
"What does that mean?" Ron asked.
Hermione skimmed a