Percy said:
"The reform has produced results."
"But Madam Umbridge is tarnishing its reputation."
That statement was too blunt.
As blunt as a nail.
Fudge's cheek twitched slightly.
"Tarnishing?"
"Yes."
Percy said.
"The staff don't want to admit they're afraid of training."
"They don't want to admit they can't adapt to the new procedures, either."
"So as long as her name remains attached to Appendix Three."
"All their suffering will find the same outlet."
Fudge stared at him.
"Are you telling me."
"That for the sake of a few boxes of comments."
"I should sacrifice a loyal deputy minister?"
Percy answered quickly.
"I haven't suggested sacrificing anyone."
"I suggest first reviewing the limits on citing the appendix."
Fudge gave a cold laugh.
"What's the difference?"
Percy said:
"A considerable one."
"The former is a personnel matter."
"The latter is a technical revision."
"The minister can say that the Ministry of Magic values feedback."
"Remains committed to reform."
"And is refining the pilot scheme at the same time."
Fudge's gaze shifted slightly.
He had heard a way of putting it that would let him survive.
Refinement and optimization.
Those two words suited politics better than syrup.
But he was still agitated.
"Can we keep it away from the papers for now?"
Percy paused.
"A few copies have already gone to the press office."
Fudge's head snapped up.
"Who authorized that?"
"Procedure did."
Percy said.
"Signed complaints have receipt numbers."
"Complainants can check the progress of their cases."
"What the press office received was an index of the copies."
"Not their full contents."
Fudge's breathing grew a little heavier.
"Why didn't you stop it?"
Percy said:
"I have no authority to intercept the processing of formal complaints."
Fudge narrowed his eyes.
"You know procedure very well."
"You previously asked me to."
There