Harry Potter and the Secret Treasures

Chapter 941: Conflict

The atmosphere in the room was terribly weird, it seemed that the angrier Evan and Harry were, the happier Umbridge was.

“Mr. Mason, I have always wanted to chat with you. To be frank and honest, we are all smart people, and you should recognize the current situation…”

“Are you referring to Hogwarts or the Wizarding World?” Evan interjected, not expecting Umbridge to be so direct.

“Actually, they are one and the same. You should understand that the era of Dumbledore and You-Know-Who battling against each other is over. People no longer need great wizards. Mr. Minister is concerned about the long-standing teaching situation at Hogwarts,” Umbridge explained. “I, on my own, have come here to help the Ministry of Magic change this situation and ensure that the educational standards at the school are met. As the Head Boy and one of the most outstanding students, I hope to have your assistance.”

“I’m sorry, Professor, but my understanding of the current situation in the wizarding world differs from yours. I believe that the war and the conflict have only just begun. Besides You-Know-Who, there is an even greater evil on the horizon, and we should be prepared,” Evan paused and continued, “Furthermore, I don’t believe you can change anything. Hogwarts won’t be influenced by you.”

“Is that what you think, dear?” said Umbridge, smiling widely, seemingly unfazed. “I am not surprised by your refusal. You all have been greatly influenced by Dumbledore for a long time, even exceptional young wizards, filled with fantasies, like yourself. However, you will soon find out and witness the changes. I hope you’ll seriously consider my advice when the time comes and make choices that may affect your entire life.”

“I will consider it carefully!” Evan said, and then he noticed Harry starting to write again.

Red words appeared on the parchment, and cut into his skin on the back of his right hand, and then disappeared quickly.

Harry’s face contorted in pain, but he held back from screaming.

His emotions were extremely complex at the moment. His best friend Evan and that toad-like woman were sitting aside enjoying their tea and chatting happily, watching him tear the back of his hand over and over again. Thinking of that, Harry felt incredibly uncomfortable.

Along with this discomfort, there was an increasing anger building up in his chest.

He felt betrayed and knew he wouldn’t give up. He wouldn’t let them see his weakness…

“Professor, that black quill in Harry’s hand…”

“Oh, I’m glad you noticed that quill. It’s a punishment for disobedient students. Mr. Potter spread evil, nasty, attention-seeking stories in front of many students in class today. He must learn to recognize reality.”

“Isn’t this punishment too severe?” Evan said coldly, frowning at Umbridge.

He had initially told himself to stay calm and not confront her directly, but now he couldn’t control his anger.

Regardless of who it was, anyone would want to give Umbridge a good beating in this situation.

From any perspective, Evan couldn’t just stand by and watch Harry being subjected to this punishment without being moved.

All thoughts of staying calm and sticking to the plan were thrown aside after seeing this scene.

“Hogwarts professors have the authority to decide how to discipline students, and it doesn’t violate any school rules,” Umbridge said, splitting her lips with a smug smile. “I believe a little pain will be beneficial for Mr. Potter.”

“But……”

“That quill won’t leave any lasting harm on his body. I know what you’re about to say. It’s not a Dark Magic item; it’s made from African magical craftsmanship and doesn’t violate any existing regulations,” said Umbridge with a smile. “Well then, let’s not worry about Mr. Potter. He will take care of himself. I didn’t invite you here tonight to voice your objections to my disciplinary methods. Let’s go back to the previous topic, your Head Boy’s…”

“I’m sorry, Professor, I’m not used to watching my friends suffer such abuse,” said Evan, walking directly in front of Harry and snatching the quill from his hand. “Stop writing, Harry!”

“Evan!” Harry exclaimed in surprise, his excited voice mixed with relief.

In that instant, with Evan’s actions, all the anger and discomfort from before vanished.

“No, this won’t do, Mr. Mason. I hope you understand what you are doing!” Umbridge said, standing up from her chair, maintaining her fake smile. “You’re obstructing me from punishing Mr. Potter. I can understand your impulse, but I cannot agree with it. I thought you would show more rationality, especially considering that you’re an intelligent person…”

“I thought I would be more rational as well,” Evan said. “But I overestimated myself. We will inform Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall about your methods of punishment regarding Harry. If possible, I will also publish this matter in Hogwarts Magic News, so the outside world knows what you have done at Hogwarts.”

“I will inform Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall about this matter, and you can publish it in that fabricated newspaper of yours. But first, you must understand that you are openly defying a professor’s command,” Umbridge said, her smile gradually fading. “Perhaps you have done such things in the past, but I must remind you that if you don’t want to be expelled from the school, let Mr. Potter sit down and continue his punishment.”

“Hmph, we’ll see about that!” Evan said, taking out his wand. “Now please step aside, we’re going back!”

Maybe Ron was right and the woman should be given the Imperius Curse or something.

If the professors wouldn’t agree, Evan really wanted to do it.

He had to admit that taking Harry away directly was too impulsive.

Under the current circumstances, there was no chance of winning a direct confrontation with Umbridge. As she herself said, what she was doing didn’t violate school rules or any existing laws. It was obviously a loophole in the law, but Umbridge had the authority to do so, and even if it were revealed, it wouldn’t have much impact.

People might think her punishment of students was somewhat excessive, but it wasn’t something worth making a fuss over. Umbridge had her justifications, while the cost of Evan and Harry defying her orders would be direct expulsion from the school…

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