"You know, Vivi is the Minister of the Great German Ministry of Magic." Harry sighed, "Just think about it, if we rely on Vivi's strength, wouldn't that just confirm the accusation of 'colluding with foreign influence' that the Ministry of Magic has framed us with? The British wizards don't agree that matters of their country should be meddled with by a foreign ministry, it's a very sensitive issue—nationalism, have you heard of that word?"
"What about you?" Ron turned his head, "Aren't you fully capable of dealing with Umbridge? Why do you keep letting her stay at Hogwarts?"
"This is the best way, Ron." Harry ruffled Ron's hair and said to him, "You've seen it now, Umbridge represents the Ministry of Magic as a Senior Investigator, her every word and action represents the Ministry. Now that she's causing so much trouble here, isn't it exactly what we need? Even if we drive Umbridge away, someone else would come to replace her, and if that person is truly smart and fully infiltrates Hogwarts, we would be in trouble..."
Ron seemed to grasp something.
"So, what you mean is, let Umbridge first deplete the... well, authority that the Ministry of Magic has built up here at Hogwarts over the years, right?"
"That's exactly what I'm thinking." Harry nodded and said, "Let the vast majority become thoroughly disappointed with the Ministry of Magic, then the Ministry will no longer be able to interfere with Hogwarts' affairs."
"I understand you, brother." Ron buried his face in his hands and said with some pain, "But seeing Professor Trelawney being treated so unfairly, I just feel a bit..."
"It'll be okay." Harry patted Ron's back and comforted him.
Finally, he added, "But thanks to your reminder, I think it's time to call Pabi back, after all, she is a school board member, at least she can protect... innocent people like Professor Trelawney, right?"
"Right!" Ron let go of his hands, his eyes sparking with determination, "At least we have to protect Professor Trelawney in this storm..."
Harry nudged Ron with his elbow.
"Don't say it like that, making it seem like someone is going to die from this—"
"Haha." Ron lightened up.
Just then, a book smacked into his face.
"No talking during class!" Professor Trelawney yelled hysterically: "Is my class that boring..."
Ron took a deep breath.
When Professor Trelawney turned away, he turned his head and quickly changed his mind: "I've changed my mind, Harry..."
Harry laughed silently, clutching his stomach.
After class, Harry slid down the pole and left the Divination classroom, heading into a corner.
He dialed Pabi's number.
"Harry?"
Pabi's apparition appeared before him, she seemed to be riding a beast resembling a horse.
The beast was covered in seaweed, looking majestic.
"Wait, let me send it back first."
Pabi said, patting the seahorse's rump and leaping off its back.
"Having fun?" Harry asked with a smile.
"Haha." Pabi hopped joyfully, causing a splash, "Of course I'm happy—these are the freest days I've had in a while, woohoo!"
"No more playing." Harry said seriously, "Now's the time when Hogwarts needs you!"
"What's wrong? Why so serious?" Pabi looked at Harry, "Isn't having Annie with you at Hogwarts enough?"
This sounded a bit jealous, like someone's apple cider vinegar had spilled, Harry thought.
No, Annie and I are above board...
He glanced guiltily towards the direction of the classroom and saw Annie waiting for him under the pillar of the Divination classroom.
Seeing Harry's gaze, Annie waved at him.
"There's something I need you to do." Harry cleared his throat and said naturally, "You should know about the recent arrival of a Senior Investigator from the Ministry of Magic, right?"
"Yes." Pabi nodded, "Newt already told me, that investigator's name is... Dolores Umbridge, right? That's the name?"
"Yes." Harry nodded, "She's been causing chaos at Hogwarts recently, making everyone uneasy, and now she's demanding to disband various clubs... Oh, and she's been extremely harsh on Professor Trelawney, even threatening to fire her..."
"Such a thing!" Pabi stood tall, indignant, "Tell me, what do you want me to do! Harry!"
"Not that you need to do anything." Harry cleared his throat and said, "Just hope you can fulfill your duties as a school board member. Now that Dumbledore is doing who-knows-what, as a board member, you might be the only one in the school able to directly confront Umbridge."
Pabi looked at Harry suspiciously and asked, "Can't you do it?"
"Of course I can, but right now I really need you, Pabi." Harry said in an extremely sincere tone.
Since Harry put it that way, Pabi naturally wouldn't shirk away.
She nodded solemnly, "Alright, I understand... We'll meet in the Great Hall for dinner."
With that, she hung up.
After Divination Class, it was Defense Against the Dark Arts Class.
In this class, Harry planned to have the students continue reinforcing the Iron Armor Spell and teach them some advanced application techniques.
When he arrived at the classroom specially granted for him by Professor McGonagall, he found many students from other years sitting in, including the Weasley Twins, as well as Ginny, Luna, and other younger students.
"Welcome, welcome." Harry walked to the podium, smiling and greeting everyone, "I see many familiar faces, welcome to my classroom."
"Good day, Professor!" the students said in unison.
"To accommodate the new students." Harry cleared his throat and then said, "This class will continue learning the Iron Armor Spell. Additionally... for those who have already mastered it, I will teach you some advanced applications of the spell."
"Of course." Harry continued, "Aside from fifth-year students, students from other years raise your hand."
Hearing Harry's words, students from other years raised their hands.
"Oh, I meant one hand." Harry corrected their action, "I didn't mean for you to do it like the French, understand?"
Hearing Harry's joke, everyone burst into laughter.
Mocking the French, a favorite pastime for the British, and the British wizards were no exception.
After the students put down one hand, Harry started counting.
It was alright; there was one more than the fifth-year students.
"Alright." Harry said, "Pair up into groups of two. The fifth-year students will teach one of your group, and the extra one will be personally taught by me."
After Harry spoke, the students left their seats and began choosing partners.
Surprisingly for Harry, Ginny actually chose Ron.
He thought Ginny would choose someone else... Seems Ron, as a brother, was not considered... weak by Ginny?
Once everyone was grouped, only Luna was left standing alone.
"Alright." Harry said to them, "Now begin teaching the Iron Armor Spell in pairs... Luna, you'll be with me."