"Neville is an outstanding boy. He has shown astonishing talent in that particular craft."
Dumbledore deflected the subject without betraying anything.
"Besides, all club activities are under strict professorial supervision."
"Professorial supervision?"
Umbridge gave a short, shrill scoff.
"Dumbledore, that is precisely what concerns the Minister most.
Some of your professors have exceedingly complicated backgrounds. Of course, I am not referring to Professor Holmes.
I hear you even hired a former Gringotts Curse-Breaker to oversee some business involving an Egyptian branch school?
Hogwarts bypassed the Ministry entirely to sign agreements with an African wizarding school, the Egyptian Ministry of Magic, and Gringotts. That shows contempt for the United Kingdom Ministry of Magic."
Umbridge leaned forward, her heavy, cheap, sugary perfume assailing Dumbledore.
"So, in the sacred undertaking of education, we cannot rely solely on the headmaster's personal judgment.
We need standards, a unified will, and a management system capable of implementing the Ministry's correct leadership."
She pushed the roll of parchment to the center of the desk and untied its purple ribbon.
"This is Educational Decree Number Twenty-Two, signed into effect by Minister Cornelius Fudge himself."
Dumbledore's gaze finally settled on the parchment bearing the Ministry's crimson seal, but he showed no sign of surprise.
"If you don't mind, Dolores, perhaps you could give me the highlights aloud."
"I would be delighted."
Umbridge displayed a morbid pleasure in holding the power of life and death.
"In light of Professor Holmes's outstanding contributions to Defense Against Dark Magic and security beyond the school, the Ministry fully recognizes his authority in this subject.
Professor Holmes has eased the Minister's burdens and solved his difficulties. His proposed concept of reform through labor for New Azkaban has shown the Minister truly enlightened political wisdom.
In fact, he is currently our most valued official partner."