Although Umbridge seemed stupid, her political instincts were quite sharp. Otherwise, she could never have become Fudge's most trusted confidante simply by sucking up to him.
Strictly speaking, what had happened at Azkaban had nothing to do with Fudge, but he was the Minister for Magic now. If anyone deliberately stirred things up, all the blame would surely land on him.
There aren't many days left before the ministerial election. Even with the support of the pure-blood families, he might not win. What am I supposed to do then?
Boom.
The flames in the fireplace flickered, and several figures appeared in the room, led by Cornelius Fudge and a few of his confidants.
"Oh, Minister, you're finally here!"
Fudge took off his hat, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and muttered, "It's far too hot in here."
"How are things, Minister?"
"What things?"
"Well... Azkaban..."
Fudge's fleshy face darkened at once. "I suspect Dumbledore sent someone to do it!"
"What?"
"No! Dumbledore must have sent someone to do it."
"Oh."
Umbridge understood.
"Hah, do you think I'm falsely accusing him? No! I have proof!"
Fudge declared loudly, "Just last week, he submitted an application for an Order of Merlin Medal concerning how to kill Dementors, and last night someone attacked Azkaban and killed a great many Dementors. That's the proof!"
"..."
Umbridge opened her mouth. She had read that application too, but Dumbledore had described provoking Dementors into killing one another, whereas the wizard last night had used some unknown kind of magic.
"I've already had Dawlish bring in a large number of Dementors. Starting today, they'll conduct unrestricted searches throughout Hogwarts."
"But what if Dumbledore kills these Dementors too?"
"Hahaha, that would be wonderful! I'd have the Aurors arrest him immediately and send him straight to Azkaban!"
Fudge took