A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Harry was dumbfounded, poking at the air where a professor had just been sitting, but now seemed as if they'd never been there. Sitting in Felix's spot, Harry looked around suspiciously, but there was nothing to find. He glanced at the others, none of whom seemed to notice this eerie sight—except for Hermione, who gave a puzzled glance before returning to practicing her Patronus charm.

Seemingly unaffected, Mafalda leaned in, curious. "What were you all talking about? And how did Professor disappear like that? Isn't the castle protected from Apparition?"

"Nothing," Harry said cautiously. "You didn't feel anything?"

"I did! I suddenly feel like interviewing you. Really." Mafalda emphasized 'really.'

"Uh..." Harry faltered. After a moment, he whispered, "Actually, there's something I need your help with."

"Advertising? Or an exclusive reveal?" Mafalda asked eagerly.

"What's the difference?" Harry eyed her.

"Advertising needs you to pay, revealing gets you paid," Mafalda replied matter-of-factly.

"You've got it figured out," Harry chuckled vaguely. "Alright, it's an exclusive reveal, but it's also kind of an ad..."

Half an hour later, everyone gradually snapped out of their intense focus, looking worn out. Harry distributed chocolates he had prepared. "The professor asked me to apologize; his magic is still a bit rough."

"Where is he?" Fred looked around.

"I reckon he's caught up in a fervor, but it's a voluntary state," Harry mused. "Next time, his magic will probably be perfected."

"Really intriguing," George exclaimed.

Ginny yawned, half-opened her eyes. "Can I nap on the cushions, Harry?"

"We're heading to the 'Definitely Exists Bowtruckle' club," Luna said. "I've transplanted lots of plants there, it's like a small garden, with a hammock. Care to join?" She looked at Harry.

"...No, thanks," Harry replied, bidding goodbye to Neville, Susan, and the others. Soon, only a few remained in the room.

"It was kinda scary, this magic," Ron said with a lingering fear. "I knew what I was doing, but couldn't distract myself." Then he grinned, "But it surprisingly worked well. I seem to have got the hang of it; my Patronus has a shadow now."

"Me too," Hermione beamed. "The professor mentioned I find it hard to evoke strong emotions, maybe because I'm too composed. Maybe I should try being more 'passionate.'"

Mafalda was the last one apart from them, gesturing something to Harry. "It's settled."

"What did you 'settle'?" Ron asked, nibbling on chocolate.

"Draco Malfoy," Harry murmured. "Great," Ron cheered, "I can't wait to see him getting a hard time—peeping into girls' bathrooms deserves a good reprimand! But he can't complain; we're sort of helping him!" He was in high spirits, as if he had already eaten several chocolates, his mood bright.

"I didn't mention his name," Harry shook his head.

"Oh." Ron's brows furrowed. "I bet he won't thank you for letting him off in this."

"I'm not expecting gratitude," Harry shrugged.

In the evening, the Great Hall was bustling. Ministry members stayed after dinner to guide students who hadn't met the standard in assessments. "Put in more effort, less than a third left," Tiberius cheered on his colleagues.

"I need a break," Umbridge said coldly, walking out on her own.

"Wicky, I need some air too... too tired these days, sorry," Avery muttered. A few others made excuses to leave, leaving Tiberius puzzled and deflated. He stared at the others from the Ministry, "Do you all need a break?" Thankfully, no one else left.

"Tiberius, need any help?" Professor Flitwick offered warmly.

"Oh, Professor Flitwick? Are you and Professor Snape on duty today?" Tiberius was thrilled. "That's a tremendous help." Snape, standing next to Flitwick, remained silent, watching Umbridge and Avery walk past the long table until they vanished through the doors of the Great Hall.

Voldemort hadn't revealed his undercover identity to the two, which relieved him a bit, indicating the Dark Lord was regaining some sense. Not necessarily a good thing, but at least he didn't have to worry about reporting while he was still sane...

Meanwhile, Umbridge and Avery, having left the Great Hall, walked through the dim corridor and hid behind a massive pillar, murmuring to each other.

"You go!"

"Why not you?"

"I have a more important task!"

Valen, passing by, glanced curiously at them. It clicked its tongue, grabbed the little snake, and left. Last night's negotiation with the Dark Lord had failed. Valen concluded it was because of its poor math skills and decided it needed help! The previous experience with Astoria revealed that many students at school were unreliable and perhaps inferior to it; it needed to ask the right person.

Coincidentally, it knew a straight-A student.

Umbridge and Avery surreptitiously peeked from behind the pillar, watching Valen's back.

"Do you think this little thing will be of any help to the plan?"

"We can try. Once successful, someone will open doors for you." Avery said in a low voice. "I'll find another chance to contact Malfoy. If not, there's a backup." He left from the other side of the pillar.

Umbridge stayed put, feeling somewhat convinced.

The Ancient Runes office felt like a terrifying nest in her mind, but with guidance, it would undoubtedly be easier.

She stepped out cautiously from behind the pillar, holding her wand. Her wand was very short, only eight inches, resembling a featherless quill and quite unassuming. Umbridge edged closer, having heard about the little sniffs these days, a pet of that person... hatred churned within her.

Umbridge kept reminding herself mentally, she just needed a Confundus Charm, like how she persuaded her father to retire early. Easy.

She murmured the incantation, then a flash of white light. Umbridge almost thought she had succeeded, restraining herself from bursting into laughter, but things took an unexpected turn beyond her comprehension. The little yellow hat Valen wore suddenly emitted a powerful light, deflecting the spell she was so confident about.

Valen, holding the snake, stopped in its tracks, puzzled, and turned around to see a peculiarly looking, short, chubby woman frozen, holding a wand. Valen blinked, took off its little yellow hat, revealing a pronounced scorch mark on its back, emitting a faint black smoke.

"Hmm?" Valen stared at Umbridge intently.

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