Ron blinked.
Harry spoke first.
"The professor said that in class. Almost word for word."
"Exactly."
Hermione closed the newspaper.
"He packaged his own teaching philosophy as an achievement for the Ministry of Magic. Fudge thinks he's leading a great reform. In reality, he's just rubber-stamping things for the professor."
"That doesn't matter."
Neville's voice came from beside them.
He had been listening quietly, holding a cup of tea. Oh, at some point, he had picked up that damned bad habit too.
"Whoever pushed it through, this decree is a good thing for us."
Neville set down his cup and looked around at the others.
"Think about it. Umbridge has been finding all sorts of excuses to obstruct training. She suspended Professor Lupin's supervisory authority, questioned the safety of the grounds, and demanded equipment certification."
Neville spoke unhurriedly, taking a sip of tea every couple of sentences.
"But now, physical training is part of a national examination. It's no longer an internal decision by the Academic Affairs Office, or Director Black's personal preference."
"It's a Ministry of Magic decree."
The corners of Neville's mouth lifted slightly.
"Signed by Minister Fudge himself."
"Signed by her own boss."
Ron suddenly burst out laughing.
"If she tries to obstruct training now, she'll be going against her own minister."
"More than that."
Hermione added.
"Don't forget, she's still carrying the title of 'Chief Safety Inspector.' That blue book the professor gave her before-"
"'Comprehensive Quality Management System Standards for Magical Teaching Equipment and Facilities.'"
Harry recited the title accurately.
Hermione glanced at him with approval in her eyes.
"Right. There's a provision in that book: until the inspection is complete, existing arrangements for use remain unchanged. She initiated the review process, but the review isn't finished yet."
"Now that the decree is out, training