The semester was coming to an end, and all the students were caught up in the tense preparation for their exams. Behind them loomed the figure of a huge pink toad wielding a whip-like pointer, driving them on with relentless discipline. As a result, the students were working harder than ever.
"Professor McGonagall! I heard that you once had a dispute with Dolores Umbridge over the way students should be treated?"
After breakfast, Regulus Black turned to Professor McGonagall, who had not yet left. All the other students had already rushed off to class, scurrying like frightened rabbits.
"Yes, Regulus. Why bring that up today? That was months ago."
Professor McGonagall cast a sharp glance at Dolores Umbridge, who was still at the table, her eyes meeting the woman's with no intention of backing down.
Why did Regulus ask now? Because tomorrow was the day of the exams, and after that the pink toad would have to roll back to the Ministry of Magic to resume her post as Senior Undersecretary.
Dolores Umbridge herself could not understand why Regulus chose this moment to mention the past.
"Well, although Dolores Umbridge's teaching methods were rather aggressive, look at the students' enthusiasm for learning now. Oh—no, I should say their diligence is quite good. I think we can come to an understanding, can't we? After all, once the exams are over, Dolores will return to the Ministry. I think we should hold a farewell party for her."
Regulus Black spoke with an expression of regret at Umbridge's impending departure, as though to say that for someone about to leave Hogwarts, they should set aside past hostilities. Wouldn't it be better to part peacefully with a farewell gathering?
The professors who were still present all exchanged looks of realization—so she's leaving!—and they nodded in cheerful agreement.
And just like that, Regulus's suggestion of a farewell party was passed unanimously.
"I have no objection. In fact, I truly admire Umbridge for the way she managed to increase the students'… enthusiasm for study."
Professor McGonagall lifted her chin proudly, then turned her gaze to the ceiling to suppress her laughter as she left the hall.
"Regulus! I am the Headmistress of Hogwarts. Since when does the Ministry get to order me back?"
Dolores Umbridge had dared not speak up a moment ago, but once the other professors had left, she finally confronted Regulus.
"Don't get upset, Dolores. Just last night, Dumbledore met with Minister Fudge. They had a long discussion, cleared up some misunderstandings, and naturally, Dumbledore will return as Headmaster of Hogwarts. The Ministry will revoke your position as Acting Headmistress. I'm only telling you in advance. You'll probably receive the official letter from the Ministry today."
Regulus looked perfectly innocent. This was all arranged between Dumbledore and Fudge. Even if the Minister allowed her to stay, the school governors certainly would not. Did Umbridge really have no sense of what she had turned this year's education into?
Of course, compared with the darker times later in history, her so-called "reforms" were nothing. Back then, Hogwarts would all but become a prison and a military camp.
"You're lying, Regulus! I'll confirm it myself!"
Dolores Umbridge was almost beside herself. Having lost the chance to secure a senior post in the Ministry, and now about to lose the Hogwarts headship as well, she had no choice but to return to being Fudge's favored subordinate—ugh, his "trusted aide."
For someone who valued power as life itself, this was a devastating blow.
She rushed back to the Headmistress's office, intending to contact the Ministry and perhaps persuade Cornelius Fudge to let her keep her position.
But that was pure fantasy. The powers involved had already reached an agreement, and if she pushed too hard, she might even lose her Undersecretary position.
Word quickly spread through Hogwarts that Dolores Umbridge would step down at the end of term. Regulus Black, having learned the news early, had deliberately announced it in front of all the professors at breakfast, crushing Umbridge's arrogance. The students were elated. After an entire semester under pressure, they were finally about to be free.
"Back to class! She hasn't left yet. For these last few days, she is still your Headmistress. If she punishes you, no one will stop her. Only fools would provoke her now. Get back to your classrooms."
As Regulus passed by, he sternly reminded the students who had already begun to celebrate.
The children scattered at once, laughing and chattering. They understood that he was looking out for them.
"You really had the nerve to suggest a farewell party. Hmph!"
Snape sneered as he passed Regulus, clearly displeased by the idea of honoring Umbridge with any kind of send-off. That revolting toad had even nitpicked his lessons—he hadn't yet had the chance to slip her a potion.
"Why not? The term is ending. Everyone should relax a little. It's not just to see her off—it's to welcome him back."
Regulus hinted at another piece of news: Dumbledore's return.
That was indeed good news. Even Snape allowed a rare smile to cross his face before it vanished into his usual lifeless mask.
It seemed the "old bat" still respected Dumbledore deeply—even though serving as his spy in the Order of the Phoenix had not been enough to save Lily.
When Umbridge returned from the Ministry, she was shaken. She had argued at length in Fudge's office, but the Minister's stance was firm. He even warned her that if she resisted, she might be demoted all the way back to a clerical post, as some governors had suggested.
This terrified her. Crestfallen, she returned to Hogwarts to finish her last few days, determined not to cause further trouble.
Yet, to her surprise, the students were now impeccably disciplined. Even without her interference, they behaved exactly to her standards.
The thought that all her "hard work" would be credited to that old man Dumbledore made her heart twist in pain like a cat rolling on the floor.
Still, she had to pretend indifference and maintain her strict demeanor. Better the students hate her than laugh at her. At least then they would never forget that Dolores Umbridge had once ruled them.
So she threw herself into hunting down rule-breakers with renewed vigor.
When Regulus saw students lined up in the Great Hall, furiously copying lines as punishment, he was speechless. Were they fools? Why provoke Umbridge now, instead of keeping their heads down like the others?
Umbridge, of course, knew her limits. She stuck to her usual methods, targeting the most defiant troublemakers—most of whom she caught in these last days.
The Great Hall echoed with gasps of pain. This became the final punishment of the term.
"Very good! I hope you remember this. Even if I am no longer your Headmistress, this punishment will remain a lifelong lesson, one that will make you stronger and better."
Dolores Umbridge, gathering up the stacks of parchment, spoke with false compassion as she explained to the students that it was all for their own good.
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