After Kael left the Forbidden Forest, he looked back.
Hagrid still hadn't given up, searching among the more lush bushes, but his efforts were destined to be in vain.
Kael shook his head and continued walking towards the castle.
Conna had been waiting at the castle entrance, and she immediately ran over when she saw him.
"Where did you go just now?" she whispered, "I think I saw Malfoy's father in the Forbidden Forest during the break."
"Actually, I went to look for him."
"But why is he at Hogwarts?" Conna asked puzzledly, "Is it because of Fred and George's situation?"
"Partially," Kael said, "I think by today, they should be able to play again... if Umbridge doesn't find another excuse."
"That's great," Conna said happily, but then she thought of something.
"Wait, you said 'partially,' does that mean he approached you for something else?"
"To be precise, I have something I want him to help with." Kael looked around, making sure no one was nearby before lowering his voice:
"I want to try and see if we can get Umbridge out of the school."
"Malfoy's father, can he expel Umbridge?" Conna was somewhat doubtful.
The Malfoy family may be wealthy, but they don't hold any positions in the Ministry of Magic. Could he decide on Umbridge's position?
Even if he could through Galleons, it's unlikely Malfoy would help them.
"How should I put it," Kael thought for a moment and explained, "I actually came up with an idea after meeting Hagrid. It should be useful.
"Just at that time, Lucius Malfoy also arrived. If he is willing to help, it might increase the chances of success."
"But will he help us?" Conna asked, "If I remember correctly, the Malfoys are inclined towards Fudge, right? They've spent quite a lot of Galleons to make good with Fudge over the years."
"Worth a try; you never know," Kael said calmly, "Even if he isn't willing to help, it's okay. We can think of another way then."
The two walked side by side into the castle, heading to the auditorium for lunch.
In the auditorium, everyone was talking about another matter.
Professor Sybill Trelawney of the Divination class was put on probation... a decision made by Umbridge this morning.
Professor Trelawney drank a lot over it, complaining endlessly even during class.
"This is really terrible," Kael and Conna sat at the table, and Cedric just happened to come over.
"I heard that besides Professor Trelawney, Professor Burbage of the Muggle Studies Class also received a warning, but she neither drank nor made it known to everyone."
"How did you know?" Kael asked curiously, "I recall you didn't choose Muggle Studies as a course."
"It wasn't me, it was Angelina."
Cedric shook his head, "She ran into Umbridge in the hallway. When she tried to catch up and ask about Fred and the others, she happened to see her handing a parchment to Professor Burbage.
"She also said Professor Burbage looked really upset, almost about to cry… besides a notification of probation, I can't think of any parchment that could frighten a professor so much."
Kael glanced towards the teachers' table, noticing that both Professor Trelawney and Professor Burbage weren't present, but Umbridge was, leisurely cutting her steak with utensils.
Yet aside from her, all the other professors looked unhappy, even Professor Flitwick, known for chatting, was unusually quiet, making the entire table's atmosphere exceptionally somber.
Clearly, no one thought this matter was over…
Kael also understood that putting Professor Trelawney and Professor Burbage on probation was just the beginning, a step for Umbridge to show her power.
There was no way around it; those two professors were Hogwarts' "easiest targets," without background, teaching undervalued subjects, and generally average… using them to assert authority was most fitting.
Next, she's likely to target other courses, and it will be difficult for the professors to resist because Umbridge represents the Ministry of Magic, opposing her would be opposing the entire Ministry.
Of course, she wouldn't dare to go too far, like directly firing Professor McGonagall or Professor Flitwick…
After all, unlike Professor Trelawney, these professors are genuinely talented, each of them highly honored, with students taught by them covering almost every corner of the British Magical Realm.
If Umbridge dared to fire them on unfounded charges, it would cause an uproar in the Magic Realm, even Fudge couldn't protect her.
But though firing isn't an option, putting obstacles in their way is possible, like interfering with teaching.
There are ways to resolve this, most simply, the professors could lower their standards voluntarily and become like Snape.
As long as they use a Forgetfulness Spell daily, Umbridge wouldn't stir up any trouble.
Yet achieving this isn't simple; Professor McGonagall isn't likely to go along with something so absurd, If she disagrees, the plan stalls.
Kael increasingly felt that his idea was correct, Hagrid and Lucius' arrival was timely.
This Ministry business can't be delayed any longer; if Umbridge remains, every class will suffer.
Quickly finishing lunch, Kael got up, planning to find Hagrid to discuss some matters.
But before he could leave the auditorium, Umbridge approached him first.
"Come with me," she said sweetly.
With no choice, Kael temporarily abandoned his plan to find Hagrid and followed Umbridge to the Defence Against the Dark Arts office.
Upon entering the office, Kael discovered that he wasn't the only one there today.
Slytherin's Montague, Pansy, Millicent, Crabbe, and Goyle were also present... oh, and Malfoy, who had just been discharged from the hospital.
However, upon seeing Kael enter, Malfoy instinctively stepped back two steps, his face growing paler.
"Draco, what's wrong?" Pansy asked with concern.
"No, nothing…" Malfoy shook his head.
"Must be he hasn't fully recovered," Montague glanced at him, loudly saying, "The suspension punishment is too light, violent maniacs like the Weasley brothers and Potter should be expelled."
Malfoy shuddered, instinctively looking at Kael.
Yet Kael acted as if he hadn't heard Montague's words, showing no reaction.
"Oh, they won't need suspension anymore," Umbridge came in and said, "By tomorrow, their punishment will be changed to detention."
"How can that be," Montague exclaimed, "That's not fair!"
"So, do you have an issue with my decision? Mr. Montague," Umbridge glanced at him with a playful smile.
Montague's expression froze, "Of course not, Professor Umbridge, everything is as you say."
"That's good," Umbridge said, smiling.
"Alright, never mind the Weasleys, I have a more important task for you."
She said, "I've heard there's a group being organized within the school that's teaching others to use all sorts of dangerous magic.
"Having such evil people hidden in the school is too dangerous. You are to find these people and their meeting place, understood?"
...