After leaving the Forbidden Forest, Kyle glanced back briefly. Hagrid, undeterred, was still rummaging through the dense undergrowth. His efforts, though determined, were destined to fail. Shaking his head, Kyle turned and continued toward the castle.
At the entrance, Kanna was waiting for him. The moment she spotted him, she hurried over.
"Where were you just now?" she whispered. "During break, I thought I saw Malfoy's father heading into the Forbidden Forest."
"Actually, that's where I went—to find him," Kyle replied.
"But why would he be at Hogwarts?" Kanna asked, her brow furrowing in curiosity. "Was it because of Fred and George?"
"That's part of it," Kyle said, his tone measured. "I think after today, they'll be able to play again… assuming Umbridge doesn't find another excuse."
"That's great!" Kanna said, her face lighting up with relief. Then, as if remembering something, her expression grew more serious. "Wait, you said 'partly.' Did he ask you for something else?"
"Not quite. To be precise, there's something I want him to help with," Kyle said, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. Lowering his voice, he continued, "I want to see if I can get Umbridge to leave the school."
"Lucius Malfoy? He can get rid of Umbridge?" Kanna asked, clearly skeptical.
She considered the idea for a moment. While the Malfoys were undoubtedly wealthy and influential, they held no formal positions in the Ministry of Magic. Could someone like Lucius actually influence whether Umbridge stayed or left? Even if money could play a role, it seemed unlikely he'd go out of his way to help them.
"How exactly?" Kanna pressed.
Kyle paused, organizing his thoughts. "The idea came to me only after I ran into Hagrid. It's not perfect, but it has some potential. Coincidentally, Lucius showed up at the same time. If he's willing to cooperate, it might increase the chances of success."
"But will he really help us?" Kanna asked doubtfully. "If I remember correctly, the Malfoys have always sided with Fudge. They've spent years—and plenty of Galleons—building ties with him."
Kyle shrugged. "It's worth a try. What's the worst that could happen? Even if he refuses, we'll figure out something else."
The two walked side by side into the castle and headed toward the Great Hall for lunch.
Inside, a buzz of conversation filled the air, though it wasn't about Fred or George. Instead, everyone seemed to be talking about the same subject: Professor Sybill Trelawney. The Divination teacher had been placed under observation by none other than Umbridge. The announcement had been made that morning.
"She's been drinking nonstop," someone nearby said, "even during class!"
"That's really unfortunate," Kanna muttered as she and Kyle sat down. Just then, Cedric joined them at the table.
"I heard that Professor Trelawney isn't the only one in trouble," Cedric said, leaning in slightly. "Professor Burbage from Muggle Studies was warned as well. The only difference is that she didn't make a public scene about it."
"Wait, how do you know?" Kyle asked curiously. "I don't think you've taken Muggle Studies."
"I haven't," Cedric admitted. "But Angelina has. She ran into Umbridge in the corridor while trying to ask about Fred and George. She saw her hand Professor Burbage a parchment."
"Angelina said Professor Burbage looked devastated—almost on the verge of tears. I can't think of any other document that would make a professor react that way except a probation notice."
Kyle glanced up toward the teachers' table. Neither Professor Trelawney nor Professor Burbage was present for lunch. Umbridge, however, sat there happily cutting her steak, looking smugly content.
In contrast, the other professors appeared deeply unsettled. Professor Flitwick, usually cheerful and chatty, was uncharacteristically silent. The entire atmosphere at the table was unusually somber.
It was painfully clear that no one believed this was the end of it.
Kyle understood all too well that Professors Trelawney and Burbage were just the beginning—Umbridge's first steps in asserting her authority. It was a calculated move. Both professors were the "softest targets" at Hogwarts: they lacked influential connections, taught subjects that many didn't take seriously, and weren't particularly exceptional in their fields. There was no better way for Umbridge to display her power than by making examples of them.
She wouldn't stop there. Kyle was certain her next moves would target other professors and subjects. While she might not have the power to outright dismiss established and highly respected figures like Professors McGonagall or Flitwick, she could still make their lives miserable. Professors with distinguished careers and stellar reputations—who had taught generations of witches and wizards—were untouchable when it came to outright dismissal. Any attempt to fire them on flimsy charges would provoke outrage in the wizarding community. Even Fudge wouldn't be able to shield Umbridge from the backlash.
However, direct dismissal wasn't necessary. Interfering with their teaching methods, undermining their authority, and creating a hostile work environment were all tactics Umbridge could and would likely employ. Professors could, in theory, avoid such harassment by lowering their standards and adopting a compliant attitude, much like Snape's. If they kept a tight grip on their thoughts, limited their responses to neutral politeness, and used tactics like Memory Charms, Umbridge wouldn't have much to work with.
But that wasn't realistic. Someone like McGonagall would never stoop to such measures, and without her cooperation, any collective strategy would collapse.
Kyle's suspicions deepened. His encounter with both Hagrid and Lucius seemed almost fated; their timing couldn't have been better. If something wasn't done soon, Umbridge's continued presence at Hogwarts would start to infect every aspect of its education.
With those thoughts swirling in his mind, Kyle hurriedly finished his lunch and stood up, intent on speaking with Hagrid. However, before he could leave the Great Hall, he was intercepted by none other than Umbridge.
"Come with me," she said in her usual saccharine tone.
Reluctantly, Kyle set aside his plans for Hagrid and followed her to the Defense Against the Dark Arts office.
Upon entering, Kyle noticed he wasn't alone. The room was already filled with several Slytherins: Montague, Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode, Crabbe, Goyle—and Malfoy, freshly discharged from the hospital.
The moment Malfoy saw Kyle, he instinctively stepped back, his face growing pale.
"Draco, what's wrong?" Pansy asked, her voice laced with concern.
"No, it's nothing…" Malfoy muttered, shaking his head.
"You must still be recovering from your illness," Montague said, his tone loud and derisive. "Although I think the punishment of a game ban is far too lenient. Violent maniacs like the Weasley brothers and Potter should've been expelled."
Malfoy flinched and cast an uneasy glance at Kyle.
Kyle, however, didn't react. He stood still, his expression impassive, as though Montague's words hadn't reached him.
"Oh, there's no need for a game ban anymore," Umbridge said cheerfully as she entered the room. "By tomorrow, their punishment will be replaced with detention."
"What?" Montague shouted, his face twisting in anger. "That's not fair!"
Umbridge turned her saccharine smile on him, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Do you have any objections to my decision, Mr. Montague?"
Montague stiffened under her gaze. "Of course not, Professor Umbridge," he said hastily. "You're the professor; we'll do as you say."
"That's better," Umbridge said, her smile widening. "Now, forget about the Weasleys. I have something more important for all of you."
Her tone grew conspiratorial. "I've received word that someone has started an organization at this school—an illegal group that teaches students how to perform dangerous magic."
"This sort of thing is unacceptable," she continued, her voice dripping with false concern. "Evil individuals like that mustn't be allowed to operate in our school. I want all of you to investigate and find out who they are and where they meet."
"Can I count on you to do that?"