What everyone didn't expect was that as an official of the Ministry of Magic, Umbridge did not express any thoughts on the news published in the Prophet Daily.
It seems she doesn't even find it embarrassing for the Ministry to have ten Death Eaters escape.
Moreover, she has become increasingly excessive, seemingly wanting to seize Hogwarts' power entirely and attempting to fully control Hogwarts.
Currently, she seems determined to fire someone—surely it's Professor Trelawney.
Because now every Divination class is conducted in front of Umbridge and her writing board.
In the room at the top of the aromatic tower, she sits by the fireplace, intermittently interrupting Professor Trelawney's increasingly hysterical lectures, asking about ornithology and septology, demanding her to predict students' answers, and urging her to demonstrate divination skills using crystal balls, tea leaves, and runic stones.
Professor Trelawney is on the verge of collapse, several times Harry encountered her in the corridor—which is unusual as she normally stays in her tower—finding her muttering frantically, wringing her hands, looking back in dread, exuding a strong scent of cooking sherry.
"It's truly pitiful," Hermione whispered.
"What can we do?" Ron sighed helplessly, "Professor Trelawney is indeed pitiable, but we're just Class Prefects, there's nothing we can do against Umbridge, this Ministry official—see, even Professor McGonagall is powerless."
Today is the day to visit Hogsmeade, and they walked side by side towards Devis and Bansi Shop.
A large notice was pasted in the shop window, surrounded by several locals, dispersing as they approached.
The notice featured photos of the ten escaped Death Eaters, and stated (Ministry of Magic Order) that a reward of a thousand Galleons would be given for any leads on capturing the fugitives.
"Quite amusing," Hermione sneered, "Do you remember the time when Little Sirius escaped in third year? Dementors were everywhere in Hogsmeade Village then. Now there are ten Death Eaters out there, and no Dementors in sight..."
Harry opened his mouth.
He didn't want to say, this wasn't the Ministry's negligence, but that Dementors were extremely resistant to coming to Hogwarts.
Little Sirius mentioned this, with his mischievous humor, suggesting to Fudge about sending Dementors to Hogwarts to protect students and prevent escaped convicts from invading, Fudge didn't oppose.
However, when Little Sirius went to Azkaban explaining his intentions, the Dementors unanimously refused.
"Joking, let whoever wants to go have it, it would be the death of Dementors."
"Maybe Dementors have other things to attend to," Ron shrugged, "But you can see, the Ministry is indeed faltering, ideally Aurors should have been arranged in Hogsmeade after the escape."
"Fudge is incompetent." Hermione wrinkled her nose, "Once I graduate, I'm determined to enter the Ministry of Magic, strive to take the Minister of Magic's seat, and show him what a competent Minister should be!"
...What is this called?
Blood Mother Hell, Fudge's incompetence, seems I must step up?
"Let's relax a bit, no need to discuss these things," Ron shook his head and sighed, "Overall, I think Professor Trelawney is in danger... I'm skeptical she won't be ousted by that toad Umbridge in a few days."
Harry said nothing, taking out his vibrating Crystal Ball Phone.
It was a message from Little Sirius.
"Oh." Harry looked at the crystal ball and said, "Seems the Ministry of Magic's conflict has intensified, as of now, four department heads have openly opposed Fudge, others remain silent..."
"Is Fudge finally stepping down?" Hermione asked coldly, "Good riddance, why should an incompetent like him sit in that position?"
"You're right, Hermione." Ron laughed heartily, "I support you as Minister..."
Not even finishing his sentence, Hermione stomped heavily on his foot.
This guy.
The last three days of break are Valentine's Day.
Hogwarts discourages romance in principle, hence Valentine's Day isn't a holiday.
But it doesn't prevent Harry from ditching class.
He also helped Annie get permission to skip, ignoring Sebastian's murderous gaze, taking Annie and Pabi along to Vienna.
Cassandra seems recently enamored with Vienna, she's even bought a house there.
Upon entering her home, Harry found Cassandra standing by the window watching the snow.
It's a detached villa, the Malfoy family's financial prowess is trustworthy, a mere villa in Vienna, they handle it with ease.
"Kathy." Harry softly entered the house, followed by two little tails.
Upon hearing Harry's voice, Cassandra slowly turned her head.
And Harry witnessed a swift change of expression, when she saw Harry, Cassandra's lips curved with a smile; but upon seeing the two little tails behind him, the curve instantly fell, and her small face appeared frost-covered.
"Ha." Cassandra turned her head, swirling her wine glass, "I thought you'd be at school by now, Potter."
"Look, calling me Potter again," Harry thought, I like it when you call me Potter, but not right now—
"Harry." Cassandra reluctantly corrected, somewhat unwillingly.