Besides Divination Class and Transfiguration Class, Umbridge also went to Professor Flitwick's Charm Class.
According to Cedric, it was the most awkward Charm Class he had ever attended, with Professor Flitwick tense throughout, only engaging with Umbridge's endless questions without any of the usual enthusiasm for teaching.
"We need to do something." During dinner, Cedric spoke with no appetite, worriedly saying, "If things continue like this, she will not only ruin Defense Against the Dark Arts but also damage other subjects."
"It probably won't come to that," Kael said, "The investigation into the professors shouldn't last long. After all, this requires her to be in different classrooms every day, and Umbridge likely has other matters to attend to. She won't spend all her time monitoring classes."
"I hope you're right." Cedric sighed, "Honestly, even if Umbridge only ruins Defense Against the Dark Arts, that's bad enough.
"You-Know-Who has returned, and his Death Eaters are surely planning how to deal with us. But at such a critical time, we can't learn anything in Defense Against the Dark Arts Class."
Mikel and Ryan nodded in agreement beside him.
Cedric was right; they certainly couldn't confront You-Know-Who, nor should they – that's Headmaster Dumbledore's job.
But if a war truly happens, the Death Eaters won't spare them just because Hogwarts hasn't taught them Defense Against the Dark Arts.
They need the ability to protect themselves.
Sighs began to echo continuously at the dining table.
Kael remained silent, recalling the last time he met Fudge at the Three Broomsticks.
From Fudge's demeanor at that time, he must be contemplating it.
If Fudge could represent the Ministry of Magic in announcing the return of You-Know-Who, the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class would surely change. At least they would finally get a reliable professor, or maybe even multiple ones.
But what surprised Kael was how Fudge could remain calm and do nothing for so long.
Perhaps Fudge wants to eliminate Dumbledore as a threat first.
Or maybe he's still hesitating...
After all, announcing Voldemort's return has its pros and cons. While there won't be an election during wartime, if mishandled, it could induce fear in everyone.
There's a high chance he'd be ousted directly then.
To have considered so much, the pressure just isn't enough yet.
Kael shook his head.
Unfortunately, due to the recent incident, Rita Skeeter is now under scrutiny by the Ministry of Magic and can't publish any articles. Dumbledore is also unwilling to cooperate.
Otherwise, he might have found a way to help push Fudge forward.
"Sorry..."
As Kael was thinking, a familiar voice suddenly reached his ears.
When he looked up, he saw Hermione had come over from the Gryffindor table with a slightly nervous Harry and Ron behind her.
"Is there something you need?" Kael asked.
"It's like this..." Hermione glanced around and whispered, "There are too many people here. Can we find a quieter place?"
"No need for that trouble." Kael took out his wand and tapped it lightly.
"Muffliato!" Kael said, "Alright, now no one else can hear us."
This spell was something Kael learned from Snape's "Advanced Potion Making." It creates a zone where everyone around hears an indistinguishable buzzing sound, making it an excellent eavesdropping prevention.
Hermione was a bit surprised but also delighted.
"It's like this."
Though she hadn't seen this Charm before, she didn't doubt Kael's words and directly said, "I think you know too, that Umbridge is a terrible teacher. We aren't learning anything about Defense Against the Dark Arts from her."
"Of course." Kael said, "In fact, we were just discussing this. So, what do you want to say?
"Just to clarify, if you want us to join forces to kick Umbridge out, it's not going to happen... She has Fudge backing her, not even Professor Dumbledore can manage that."
"No, I know we can't get rid of her." Hermione said hesitantly, "I was thinking, maybe we could... do it ourselves."
Cedric suddenly became interested, "Do you mean we should teach ourselves Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
"Yes, exactly." Hermione said, her tone suddenly excited, "We need to be prepared to face what's coming. We need the ability to protect ourselves, not just wasting days on theories and parchments in class.
"So we need a teacher, a suitable teacher who can teach us how to use spells and correct us when we make mistakes, like Sirius or Professor Moody."
Hermione became more and more excited, frequently glancing at Kael.
"And we do have someone like that among us. I'm sure he'd be more suitable for the job than most people."
"I think I know who you're talking about." Cedric smiled, "You're right, he's indeed very suitable."
Seeing Hermione's bright eyes and Cedric's mischievous look, Kael instantly understood what they meant.
So, instinctively, before Hermione could speak, he quickly interjected, "Yes, I completely support what you're saying. This is a good thing."
"So, you agree?" Hermione said excitedly.
"Yes." Kael nodded, "I understand you want Cedric to teach you Defense Against the Dark Arts, which is completely fine. I agree first."
"Great..." Cedric happily patted Kael on the shoulder, but just as he was about to say something, he suddenly realized something was off.
"Wait... But Hermione clearly said..."
"I know." Kael interrupted him, "You're shy and hesitant to agree, that's fine. I agreed on your behalf, no thanks needed."
This left not only Cedric but also Hermione dumbfounded.
She actually came here intending for Kael to teach them Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Last night, she, Harry, and Ron discussed it extensively and unanimously agreed that Kael was the most suitable candidate.
There's really no reason to doubt this, after all, Kael's accolades are displayed in the trophy room: unprecedented two Special Awards for Services to the School, "Today's Transfiguration" most promising newcomer award, the youngest Triwizard Tournament champion, and the youngest Merlin Knight Order member.
One could say each year Kael earns a new accolade... For everyone else, an incredibly difficult Special Award for Services to the School, but for him, it seemed like the least impressive one.
So in Hermione's view, Kael was the best choice to replace Umbridge, including Harry and Ron who thought the same.
"Actually, we want you to teach." Ron muttered, "If it were anyone else, we'd rather have Harry."
"Hey, don't say that." Harry quickly stopped him and looked apologetically at Cedric, "Sorry, Digory, it's not what you think..."
"It's okay." Cedric waved his hand, "Because I thought the same."
"No, I'm not suitable." Kael decisively shook his head, "Wanting to teach others more of what you know has nothing to do with how many charms you know."
"I don't see any difference." Ron objected slightly.
To him, a professor is a strong wizard, Professor McGonagall is stronger than regular professors, and Headmaster Dumbledore is the strongest of all, is there a problem with that?
"There is indeed a difference." Kael glanced at him, "Take the Transfiguration Spell, for example. The content before the sixth year, I learned by watching Professor McGonagall demonstrate once. That's why it's hard for me to explain how to do it or point out areas that need attention because I haven't gone through them."
After hearing Kael's words, everyone's expressions were marvelous, especially Harry and Ron, who felt their faces burning as if two fire salamanders were perched on them.
Let's not even talk about sixth-year Transfiguration. Even fifth-year Transfiguration was a massive challenge for them... Even with Hermione's help, they needed several days to barely pass.
And now Kael was telling them he just needed to watch once to learn it?
This gap was too vast; the two were momentarily at a loss.
Even Hermione found herself speechless, feeling that Kael had been boasting openly but with irrefutable evidence.