Chapter 211: Recruitment

Time quickly arrived at Friday of this week.

Since the last Potions class, he had once again happily obtained the opportunity to work for Professor Snape.

However, this time there were more requirements.

For example, he was not allowed to take potions from the studio without permission.

Before, it was just not allowed to take those high-value potions, but now even the most ordinary ones were not allowed to be swiped.

There was also a requirement that John was not allowed to talk to him or greet him outside, saying he was disgusted by him.

And most importantly, to understand the general price of potions...

It was only a loss of 800 Galleons, what a big big big big big big big deal...

The old bat is really petty.

Early morning, Great Hall.

John was eating breakfast while looking down at the "Daily Prophet".

It was no different from previous issues, all political commentary with innuendo and exaggerated reports.

"Morning, John."

"Hmm, good morning, Hermione."

Just as he was looking, Hermione suddenly popped up.

She naturally came to John's side and sat down.

"John, do you have another Black Magic Defense class to attend today?"

"Yeah."

Hearing Hermione's question, John nodded.

"Although I don't want to say this, John, try to be as well-behaved as possible in Umbridge's class."

"?"

Hermione's words confused John.

Before, Hermione was still complaining to him about Umbridge's class, saying it was the only... oh no, one of the two classes she didn't even want to listen to.

The other was Divination class...

Why did she suddenly want him to be well-behaved in class today?

Seeming to see John's confusion, Hermione continued to explain.

"Umbridge's power is even greater than we imagined."

"Last time Harry was punished by her for talking back to Umbridge in class, I told you about this."

"But I also only learned from Harry yesterday that her punishment is different from the dirty and tiring work punishments of other professors."

"It requires students to use a special quill to constantly copy some sentences, and when the nib crosses the parchment, it will also leave permanent scars on the back of the writer's hand."

When saying these words, Hermione's tone was full of anger.

"This kind of punishment doesn't comply with Hogwarts school rules at all."

"Punishment is to let students truly realize their mistakes and correct their behavior, not to inflict pain or leave irreversible damage."

"Any corporal punishment or disciplinary means that cause permanent physical damage are serious violations."

"I went to find Professor McGonagall early in the morning, but Professor McGonagall said she already knew about this, and she was powerless."

"Because Umbridge now represents the Ministry of Magic, and Dumbledore doesn't want to fall out with the Ministry of Magic, so the school can't do anything about her at all."

"During the summer vacation, both you and Harry were attacked by Dementors, so I think this time Umbridge targeting Harry will very likely also target you."

"So I hope you can be a little more well-behaved in Umbridge's class, so as not to be caught by Umbridge and give her a chance to punish you."

After listening to Hermione's words, John was silent for a few seconds.

Let's just say, is there a possibility.

He is super well-behaved in Umbridge's class.

However, this was also the first time he knew that Harry had actually experienced such a punishment.

No wonder when he saw him last time, he was in a tired and unhappy state.

"I know, I will be careful."

In order not to let Hermione worry, John still nodded obediently.

Soon it was time for Umbridge's Black Magic Defense class again.

Just as John sat firmly in his seat, he heard a "click" sound from the classroom door—it wasn't pushed, but silently opened by a wand.

Umbridge stood at the door holding a pink teacup, smiling like a poisonous mushroom that had just been smeared with honey.

"Good morning, dear students~"

"......"

The whole class was dead silent, no one paid attention to her.

Umbridge's face stiffened slightly, but she still continued to speak with the corners of her mouth raised.

"Students, did you forget what I taught in the last class?"

"When I greet you, I hope you can answer in unison 'Good morning, Professor Umbridge'—the voice must be loud, clear, and full of respect!"

Umbridge folded her hands on her abdomen, looking exceptionally ladylike, with a pitiful expression on her face.

It looked quite disgusting.

Subsequently, Umbridge spoke again: "Good morning, dear students~"

"......"

It's just that the students still didn't respond.

Even someone as thick-skinned as Umbridge couldn't help but have her mouth twitch, feeling some embarrassment and annoyance.

And the students looked toward John in the middle of the classroom, seemingly waiting for John to take the lead or give an order.

John, who didn't want to cause trouble in this class, was speechless when he saw everyone looking at him.

But he still took the lead and spoke.

"Good morning, Professor Umbridge."

Following John's opening, the students in the classroom then followed John and spoke: "Good morning, Professor Umbridge!"

Seeing this scene, Umbridge's face finally recovered a little, but she was still a little dissatisfied.

She didn't expect that what she said in front of this group of students was not as effective as what John, a child, said.

But soon, Umbridge adjusted her expression again; it had to be said that her emotional management was quite excellent.

"Hmm-hmm~ Very good."

"Start class, open the textbook to the second chapter."

As Umbridge began to lecture, the atmosphere in the classroom returned to calm.

Seeming to be because she had suffered a loss once, Umbridge didn't engage in any obedience questioning in this class and finished the class properly.

John didn't cause any trouble either; he looked wherever Umbridge lectured, and no fault could be found.

Umbridge was also more and more satisfied the more she looked.

Until class ended.

John packed his things and prepared to leave, but Umbridge suddenly spoke.

"Mr. Merrick, come to my office for a trip."

She still had that sweet, greasy smile on her face.

"Oh."

John nodded indifferently, then followed Umbridge into her office.

It was just that John was startled after entering the office.

It wasn't his first time coming to the Black Magic Defense office, but it was his first time seeing this place become so.... er... pink and girlish?

The entire Black Magic Defense office wall was painted pink; besides the desk, all kinds of furniture were pink, and there were dozens or hundreds of various glass plates neatly hung on the wall.

Some plates had nothing, while others housed a moving cat portrait.

"Sit down, child, make yourself at home."

Umbridge kindly let John sit opposite her desk.

She sat back in the main seat herself and poured him a cup of black tea filled with sugar.

What kind of thunderous combination is this...

"I'll keep it short, student Merrick."

"After getting along for two classes, I found that you are a very smart and good child."

Right, right, I think so too.

John nodded in agreement.

"So I think you must understand the current situation."

Of course, of course, I understand.

John nodded again.

"Your friend, Harry Potter, he is just a puppet used by Dumbledore; he is helping Dumbledore promote those non-existent existences."

"Now many people in the wizarding world have been deceived by them and fallen into their vortex of lies."

"And you, my child, I believe you are clear-headed and know whose side you should stand on."

"I hope you can become my ears, my eyes, and help me find evidence of their lies."

? ===== CHAPTER 212 =====