Umbridge did not hear.
She was explaining to the official beside her.
"Weighted training can correct students' lazy habits."
The official asked, "Who reviews how long they carry the weights?"
Umbridge's smile faltered for a moment.
"The Deputy Head's Office makes all the arrangements."
The official did not ask anything further.
But made a note in the booklet.
The third event was group evacuation and cover.
Harry, Ginny, Neville, two Ravenclaws, and a Slytherin formed a temporary team.
Mist rose within the circle of silver lines.
Simulated spell-light darted wildly through the mist.
Ginny lowered her voice. "Harry, there's an opening on the right."
Harry did not charge ahead immediately.
He looked at Neville.
"Take the Lower Years down the middle."
Neville nodded.
"Ginny, cover the left."
"Ravenclaws, mark the route."
The Slytherin boy frowned.
"What about me?"
Harry glanced at him.
"Watch my back."
The boy froze for a moment.
Then he pressed his lips together.
"Understood."
The first black disruption spell sliced through the mist.
Harry waved his wand.
"Protego!"
The shield was not a perfect circle.
It contracted slightly in time with the attacks.
The dark spell struck it and bounced into the air.
Ginny followed up at once.
"Stupefy!"
The sound of a dummy falling came from the mist.
Neville supported a Lower Years student playing an injured person.
"Don't rush. Keep a steady pace."
"I'll slow you down."
"Then slow us down."
Neville spoke.
"A team isn't just for people who can run fast."
Hearing those words, Harry felt a slight stir in his chest.
The applause from outside the course was louder than before.
Not just because they had done well.
But also because everyone had seen it.
These children were not putting on a display of flashy magic.
They had truly learned to