"You should know that, given your current situation, it is inappropriate for you to appear in public."
Umbridge attempted to "remind" him.
"It's nothing."
Dumbledore glanced at the students below. "I merely wanted to see how the students were doing. But as soon as I came downstairs, a number of children gathered around to air their grievances and ask me to see justice done."
He spread his hands.
"I had no choice but to come."
The smile on Umbridge's face froze briefly.
She suppressed her anger. "The school rules were laid down by the Ministry of Magic. Everything is done with the students' safety in mind."
"Besides..."
She puffed out her chest.
"I am the headmistress of Hogwarts now. Naturally, I will see to the students myself."
"Please return to your quarters, 'former' Headmaster Dumbledore."
Dumbledore gazed quietly at Umbridge, then suddenly chuckled.
"Dolores, I would like to ask you something."
"What?"
"Have I been arrested by the Ministry of Magic?"
Umbridge froze.
She had never expected Dumbledore to be so blunt, to tear away the pretense outright.
The Ministry of Magic had publicly maintained that Dumbledore was merely cooperating with an investigation. Who would dare use the word "arrested"?
"No... of course not!"
Umbridge answered instinctively.
"If not..."
Dumbledore slowly rose from the high-backed chair.
"Then why must I be confined to a place of your choosing, forbidden to leave?"
He was usually gentle and restrained, but as he rose to his full height, he unleashed the full weight of his presence, forged through countless battles to the death-a presence that had made two successive Dark Lords fear him.
The Great Hall fell silent.
Umbridge involuntarily stumbled two steps backward.
When she recovered, she noticed the strange looks her subordinates and the students were giving her, and felt utterly