"A win-win?"
An utterly scornful sneer tugged at Sirius's lips.
He did not even look directly at Umbridge's face as she tried to appear friendly. Instead, he walked straight to the desk and slammed the stack of documents down in front of Dumbledore.
"Albus, I originally thought this was just a political joke circulating in Scrimgeour's office."
Sirius's voice was low and explosive, every syllable heavily stressed.
"But now it seems the Ministry of Magic really is trying to stick its hands, reeking of buck-passing and bureaucratic wrangling, into Hogwarts's curriculum."
"I need an explanation, right here and now.
"Are the rumors mentioned in this so-called 'educational decree' about interference in Hogwarts's day-to-day teaching actually true?"
Sirius's piercing gaze stabbed toward Dumbledore, while his peripheral vision remained fixed on the pink figure beside him.
The smile on Umbridge's face froze instantly, and the pretense of courtesy in her eyes was torn away completely.
She pressed her feet tightly together, trying to make herself look more imposing.
"I think, Director Black, that you are not facing a rumormonger at present, but a lawfully appointed government official."
Umbridge raised her voice, its cloying sweetness replaced by a shrill warning.
"Since you are so impatient to learn the truth, I shall tell you everything exactly as it stands.
"The decree that has just taken effect explicitly grants me absolute authority to serve as High Inquisitor.
"Not only do I have the right to conduct reviews, I also have the right to dismiss teachers who fail to meet the Ministry of Magic's assessment standards."
"Reviews? Dismissals?"
Sirius wheeled around, leaning forward aggressively.
"What makes you think you have the slightest qualification to stand in this thousand-year-old school and talk about teaching standards?"
"The Minister's seal!"
Umbridge shrieked without backing down.
"Other than stamping receipts